The Epstein School

The Epstein School is an independent Jewish day school located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States.[1] In enrolls children from 18 months through eighth grade and is a member of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.[2] The Head of School is Dr. David Abusch-Magder. The school has a summer camp.[3]

The Epstein School
Location
The Epstein School
The Epstein School
Sandy Springs
,
Georgia
United States
Coordinates33°55′44″N 84°23′56″W
Information
TypeIndependent
Motto"Three Languages, One Community"
Established1973
MascotEagle
WebsiteThe Epstein School

History
The Epstein School's mascot is the Eagle.

Founded in 1973,[4] Epstein is a bilingual[5] (English-Hebrew) school.

The school was originally housed in the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. In 1987, it moved to a new location. It later purchased the building and began plans for renovation and expansion.[6] The building that was purchased was originally a Fulton County Elementary School, then called Underwood Hills Elementary.[6]

The school's mascot is the Eagle, as represented by the Epstein Eagle crest.

The Early Childhood Program

In the Early Childhood Program headed by Principal Cathy Borenstein, exploration plays a major role in the curriculum. Hands-on activities that require children to use senses such as sight, sound, smell and touch define the schools' early learning programs.[7]

Middle school

The Epstein Middle School is headed by Principal Myrna Rubel. The school is ideologically conservative, but teaches cultural diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all.[8] In 2008, Epstein Middle School participated in the Faith on Wheels Project, a cultural and religious exchange with three different schools with different faiths: Jewish, Christian and Muslim.[8]

Bilingual curriculum
Epstein's learning lab offers academic support for the bilingual curriculum.

The middle school curriculum is bilingual.[9] Recognizing academic challenges for students of a dual language curriculum, the school also offers additional support in the learning lab and Sha'ar, a special education program.[10]

Each year, the school holds its middle school celebration of Hebrew song and dance, Shiriyah.[11]

At the end of each school year, 8th grade students visit Israel as a culmination of their studies.[12]

Recently, Spanish has been introduced to 7th and 8th graders.

Language arts

In 2009, a book previously published by Epstein Middle School students, Go Where Your Eyes Take You: Creating a New Future after the Holocaust, was archived by the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education.[13] The book was part of the students' language arts studies, and features stories about 23 survivors of the Holocaust and how they rebuilt their lives.[13]

Technology/video production

Students use technology in all subject areas, and every classroom has internet-linked computers.[9] Elective classes include digital photography, website design and robotics.[9]

In the Genz Television Production Studio, middle school students produce and direct a weekly TV broadcast for the school.[14] Students are also the featured on-air talent, writers, anchors and camera operators. Each year, students culminate their broadcast studies with a visit to Fox 5 News - WAGA-Atlanta.[14]

National recognition

In 2005, Epstein was identified as a U.S. Department of Education Innovator[9] and is one of only three Jewish day schools in the nation to be honored as a 2004 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.[15]

Athletics

Epstein offers many sports, including tennis, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, baseball, and volleyball. Most sports are offered for both girls and boys.

Accreditation

The Epstein School has dual accreditation from Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).[16]

In 2009 the National Wildlife Federation recognized The Epstein School's Sustainable Educational Garden and Teaching Pond as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.[17]

See also
  • Blue Ribbon School

References
  1. Epstein School ~ Directions and Map
  2. Directory of Schools
  3. Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta
  4. Epstein School, The (Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta)
  5. Being Bilingual Boosts Brain Power
  6. The Epstein School
  7. Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta
  8. Diversity in action | ajc.com
  9. The Epstein School Offers Strong Academics to Achieve Derech Eretz
  10. Federation Flash - January/February 2003 - Epstein School
  11. lps2.com
  12. 8th Graders from Epstein School in Atlanta visit Yokneam
  13. http://brookhaven.reporternewspapers.net/Articles-c-2009-05-01-155969.113118_Epstein_book_becomes_a_part_of_history.html
  14. lps2.com
  15. http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2004/2004-schools.pdf
  16. SAIS Archived 2011-10-09 at the Wayback Machine
  17. "The Jewish Georgian" (PDF) (May/June 09 ed.). p. 39.
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