By Grier Kellett
Published in the November 2020 Smoke Signal
Smoke Rise Prep (K-8), Stone Mountain’s best kept secret, focuses on the core values of character, culture, and curriculum. In order to shape well-rounded students, our teachers and parents create an atmosphere that aligns with those core values. One way that we accomplish this is to create a healthy balance between academic rigor and enriching activities.
Smoke Rise Prep is loving being back in school! We have implemented a phased-in hybrid model. Our elementary students had an option to begin in person or virtually on August 19. Our middle school students were able to re-enter school in person twice a week starting on September 21. Our school continues to rigorously follow all CDC-recommended safety precautions. All students, faculty, and staff must wear masks (with daily mask breaks), social distance, wash hands frequently, and receive daily temperature checks. Our number #1 priority is providing a quality education as safely as possible while providing flexible options according to our families’ comfort levels.
Smoke Rise Prep operates on a 4-day academic week, Monday to Thursday, with Fridays being Enrichment Days from home. Some fun and engaging Enrichment activities range from art classes, to Minecraft groups, to Disney karaoke challenges and much more! Our teachers have been busy incorporating engaging, project-based lessons that challenge our students both in person and virtually. Our small class sizes create the optimal learning environment for our students.
We had many awesome events in October including our annual, festive Spooky Fun Run which has our students running laps to fundraise for our school. “Trunk or Treat” was a blast as we safely trick or treated around the parking lot. We had our first Scholastic Book Fair, Red Ribbon Week, and even a field trip in the parking lot with Parrot Productions. Our staff and students were able to safely interact with a variety of colorful, entertaining parrots.
To hear more about specific grade levels and to learn about additional offerings, contact info@smokeriseprep.org. Spaces are limited!