Founded in 1985, The Cottage School provides an innovative educational program for middle and high school students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or social/emotional issues who have experienced difficulties in succeeding in traditional school settings. Fully accredited by Southern Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Georgia Accrediting Commission, the school serves approximately 200 at-risk students in grades 6-12. With a ten-to-one student-faculty ratio, small classes that accommodate various learning styles, and highly individualized instruction, The Cottage School provides a comprehensive academic college preparatory curriculum as well as vocational and special "hands on" classes including carpentry, culinary arts, drama, studio art, landscaping, and forensics.
The Cottage School's history of success repeatedly demonstrates that students who come to the school disillusioned or discouraged—some to the point of "giving up" on education—flourish in the school's environment and emerge as independent, capable, and successful young adults. Carefully designed to meet State of Georgia high school graduation standards, as well as HOPE scholarship requirements, the curriculum also exposes students to various situations and subjects that assist them in unlocking their own unique talents and finding their niche in life. All seniors must prepare an approved post-secondary plan as part of graduation requirements.
The centerpiece of The Cottage School program teaches students the basic work skills that will prove essential to them as adults. Among the school's unique learning techniques is a time management system, similar to the daily planners utilized by many adults. Students receive assignments in two-week blocks, enabling them to engage in short-term planning, with rewards for completing tasks on a timely basis. An instant "task feedback system" rewards students for completing assignments on time through the payment of a mock "salary" which they manage through a checking and savings account. Students learn that wages can increase for a job well done, and they learn the value of saving to pay for privileges such as off-campus activities or trips. Every other week, the students participate in "levels", a model of the corporate board meeting, in which students can apply for promotions, give or receive feedback from peers and teachers, and discuss issues of interest. Dress code and respectful ethic builds awareness and appreciation for appropriate workplace attire.
Keywords: learning disabilities, middle school, high school, SB-10, ADD, ADHD, small classes summer school
Alumni Parent on 5/28/2008
Contact The Cottage School:
