our story
For over 50 years Counterpane has fought for children's acceptance, curiosity, and voice.
a better way
In 1974, our founder, Brenda Erickson, understood that there was a better way to educate children. From her training as an AMI-certified Montessori Primary teacher she learned how to follow the child's desire to explore, investigate, and question the world around them. She learned methods of guidance that allow the child to thrive independently and correct their own mistakes. But most importantly, she realized that children must not only be engaged in the subjects they are learning, but they must also love the act of learning itself. Brenda brought her experience, passion, and dedication to life and Counterpane was born.
It began in the basement of a church in Riverdale with a small group of families who believed in the Montessori Method. It was soon clear this little school was destined for bigger things so 5 wooded acres were purchased in Fayette County, Georgia and they began building the dream. Brenda designed the building, incorporating large multi-age classrooms with shared gardens, a natural playground, outdoor learning spaces, hiking trails, and room for animals. The new campus opened its doors in 1984 and the first class graduated in 1991. Over the years they added more acres of forest and field, 14 in total, as well as a cozy library and other indoor areas as needed. From its curving architecture to its comfortable, welcoming interior, the place Brenda and her family created has always been one of a kind; a place where children are encouraged to be curious, independent, and uniquely themselves.
Counterpane has stood for decades as a beacon for families who want more from life: more creativity, more cultural acceptance, and more connection to the natural world. As Brenda herself always says, "We go deep, not wide." The community that has grown from these ideals is why Counterpane has become the incredibly special place that it is;
a haven for the growing child.
who we are
Counterpane Montessori School is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization founded in 1974 and “Accredited With Quality” by the Georgia Accrediting Commission.
Currently, Counterpane School is one of the few schools in the country extending the Montessori philosophy from the 3-year-old child through twelfth grade.
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Students and teachers share in this co-worker, co-learner environment, and the student body and staff reflect a wide cross-section of backgrounds. We have students and teachers from all over the world with multiple languages spoken and many cultures represented. According to Niche.com we are the most diverse private high school in the state of Georgia.
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Our campus is on 14 wooded acres with organic gardens, a natural playground and farm animals. The academic program emphasizes experiential and authentic work; relying on mixed age classrooms, an interdisciplinary curriculum, and a fully-integrated creative arts program that includes music, theater, and visual art.
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The student body is divided into three separate communities of learners: Primary: 3 to 6 years, Lower School: 6 to 12 years, Upper School: 12 years to graduation. This format ensures an environment in which each student advances to the next piece of work only when mastery is achieved, therefore developing intellectually and emotionally at his or her own rate.
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While technology is certainly a part of our every day world, we pride ourselves on using as little as necessary in our school. The Primary class is a "no-tech" environment, Lower school is "low-tech" and only in Upper School do students utilize laptops as a part of their daily work. More info on this can be found on each classrooms' page under the academics menu.
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From preschool through matriculation, students' work emphasizes writing, problem solving, public speaking, time management, community service, conflict resolution, and exploring one’s interests.
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At the high school level, the curriculum is exclusively college preparatory, and the environment closely resembles college with individual contracts, group projects, Socratic discussions, student/teacher appointments, and flex-scheduling. Self-directed independent study, long-term research projects with oral defenses, service to others, and microeconomy are inherent in the program.
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Students are not ranked and we do not assign homework or grades until Upper School, though Lower School Students are expected to read every day. When they reach Upper School, a student’s GPA is based on a 100-point scale and is exclusive of Fine Arts and P.E.
At every level students are assisted in addressing individual strengths and weaknesses to achieve independence and college readiness, both academically and emotionally.