WELCOME TO WALKER!
We are Cobb County’s best independent school, according to Niche. And while we are proud to be No. 1, what happens behind that ranking matters even more: how Walker students learn.
Our students lean into challenge because they genuinely want to understand more, go deeper and discover what they are capable of. They learn by asking questions, pursuing ideas and finding their own way forward. Because we believe that how you learn makes all the difference.
From PK3 through 12th grade, Walker students discover the joy of being challenged and the confidence that comes from rising to meet it.
OUR SCHOOLS
THE HOW IS EVERYTHING
Third graders designed, built and crushed a balsa wood structure that held an impressive 670 pounds at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. Eighth graders developed model cars and used the data to figure out which variables created the fastest. Upper School dance students choreographed and performed their own works and even selected costumes and lighting to bring their vision to life. It’s learning that asks students to be active participants in their own growth. All with the guidance and support of a deeply invested community. Because that’s what it takes for students to discover who they are and to develop the skills and flexibility to thrive in a changing world.
WALKER VOICES
There’s no better advocate for the Walker experience than our incredible students. Hear what our seniors have to say as they close out their Walker journeys and head for what’s next.
| ANDY ROSSITCH - CAME TO WALKER IN PRE-K |
|---|
|
"Walker has provided an environment where students are consistently supported and encouraged to grow both academically and socially. Through this supportive atmosphere, students are given the tools and confidence they need to develop their skills, reach their goals and become well-rounded individuals." |
| CHARLOTTE FAUCETT - cAME TO WALKER IN 10TH GRADE |
|
“Before Walker, I had never experienced academic and social relationships that challenged me to be the best version of myself.” |
| FALON ARNOLD - CAME TO WALKER IN SIXTH GRADE |
|
“From Walker, I’ve learned the importance of community and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.” |
| JOSHUA EICHENHOLZ - CAME TO WALKER IN NINTH GRADE |
|
"I think Walker has done a great job preparing us for college academically, socially and professionally." |
#onewalker
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| What is the benefit of an independent school education? |
|---|
|
As an independent school, Walker challenges students to meet high academic expectations and nurtures personal growth. We offer a safe and supportive learning environment, foster a strong sense of community and allow for individualized attention from teachers. Given our size, we offer greater access to a variety of extracurricular activities and provide many opportunities for parent involvement. You can find more information about the value of an independent school education on the NAIS website (National Association for Independent Schools). |
| How do I apply to The Walker School? |
|
Learn more about applying to Walker on our Admission Process page. Learn more about applying to our New Avenues Dyslexia Program. |
| What are the important dates during admission season? |
Financial Assistance Application and Supporting Documents Deadlines:
We accept late applications, if space is available. Please call or email our Admission Team at (678) 540-7229 or admission@thewalkerschool.org, if you are applying in March or later. |
| Where is the Admission Office located on campus? |
|
The Admission Office is located in our main building. Visitor parking is designated in the parking lot in front of the main building. Families visiting the Lower School, Middle School and Upper School should check in at the front desk upon arrival. Families touring our Primary School will go directly to a different entrance at 830 Damar Road. Campus Map and Directions can be found here. |
| How important is standardized testing in the admission process? |
|
Testing is just one part of the academic credentials. A student’s grades, teacher recommendations, strength of academic program and potential contribution to our community are weighed more heavily than the testing. |
| Do you offer financial assistance? |
|
Yes. The Walker School seeks to enroll a diverse student body, including families of varying socio-economic backgrounds. No applicant should be deterred from applying for admission due to financial constraints. We are committed to a financial assistance program that makes a Walker education available to qualified applicants. All financial assistance is based on our assessment of a family’s financial resources. Income and expenses, assets, family size and the number of children attending private schools and colleges are the primary drivers of our assessment. Learn more about affording Walker on our Tuition and Financial Assistance page. |
| What does a day in the life of a Walker student look like? |
|
Primary & Lower School Primary School students begin their day at 8 a.m. After unpacking their bag, children enjoy free time in the classroom before moving to the rug for their Morning Meeting. In addition to academic time in the classroom, Primary School students also engage in Music & Movement, Art, Science, Library, T.E.C. Time (Technology, Engineering, & Creativity - P.K. and K), and Spanish classes several times a week. Our youngest Wolverines have the opportunity to travel to different classrooms and experience a variety of teaching styles. We have a full-time counselor dedicated to our Primary School building, who thoughtfully plans lessons for each classroom weekly. Children eat lunch in a lunchroom and have several opportunities to play on the playground every day. The school day ends at 2:45 p.m. Our Extended Day Program (EDP) is available until 6 p.m. During EDP, families may choose to register their children for additional extracurricular activities – everything from yoga to robotics. Lower School students begin their day at 8 a.m. After unpacking and hearing the morning announcements led by fifth graders, students gather with their homeroom class for Morning Meeting. This is a time to build classroom community between teachers and students. In addition to academic time in the classroom, Lower School students also engage in Art, P.E., Science, Music, Library, Technology, Spanish, and Innovation Lab several times a week. We have a full-time counselor dedicated to our Lower School building, who thoughtfully plans guidance lessons and meets with each classroom on a monthly basis. Children eat lunch in Gatti Hall and have a blast on the playground, where they can enjoy quiet in the garden, play Gaga ball, or just run around and have fun! The school day ends at 2:30 p.m. Our Extended Day Program (EDP) is available until 6 p.m. In addition to EDP, families may register their children for extracurricular activities- everything from yoga to robotics. Kindergarten Schedule Middle & Upper School Our 7-day rotating schedule reflects Walker’s desire to put the needs of our students first. Being able to see our students at different times of day on different days of the week ensures that we are able to plan lessons that tackle more difficult concepts during peak learning times; even out instructional time across all classes; and minimize the impact of absences due to illness, field trips, fine arts activities or athletic competitions on a single class. Sample 6th Grade Schedule |
| Do you offer advanced courses? |
|
We offer 26 Advanced Placement courses, 8 Honors courses and 7 post-AP Advanced Topics courses across all disciplines, and three Concentrations. |
| Can I attend athletic events and arts performances as a prospective parent? |
|
Absolutely! We recommend coming to see our students in action. Here is our Calendar of Upcoming Events. |
| Do you offer an after-school program? |
|
Yes, we offer an after-school program. For Primary and Lower School students: There is an Extended Day Program for an additional fee from the end of the school day until 6 p.m. Families can also register their child for a specific activity. For Middle School students: There is adult supervision provided for Middle School students in the library until 6 p.m. at no additional cost. |
| Do you provide transportation to and from school? |
|
We offer two-way bus service with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations in metro Atlanta. We also consider requests to add stops in areas of growth. Please note that bus routes are not always the same from one year to the next and will be scheduled as needed. Transportation availability, forms and questions should be directed to busing@thewalkerschool.org. Payment questions should be directed to billing@thewalkerschool.org. Busing is reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. If your child is requesting a different stop or needs to have a friend ride the bus with them, please remember to email busing@thewalkerschool.org for approval. This gives us time to make sure space is available and communicate with the drivers. For more information about transportation, check out our Transportation page. |
