Ivy Prep was created to offer families a tuition-free, public middle school option to students in Gwinnett County and surrounding Metro Atlanta communities. Ivy Prep provides families with a highly rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum supported by a small, structured school culture.
Ivy Preparatory Academy received its charter from the State Board of the Georgia Department of Education in January of 2008, and we will open our doors to our first class of students in August of 2008. We will serve approximately 120 sixth graders in our first year, and will grow one grade per year until we reach grade twelve.
We are delighted to offer this educational option, because we believe that the girls in our community will benefit greatly from the establishment of this college preparatory single-gender school design. Daily, our middle school students will take two math classes, two English/Language Arts classes, a science and a social studies class, and have access to an integrated math, science and technology enrichment program. Our students will receive 200 days of instruction as well as a Saturday and Summer Academy for students who need additional academic support.
We believe that by educating and strengthening our girls, we educate and strengthen our communities. We are in a very exciting time, and we are fortunate to be able to play such an important role in the lives of today's students and tomorrow's leaders.
Why All Girls?
Recently, there have been many national and international endorsements advocating for the creation of more single gender schools and classrooms. Research has shown that gender separate classrooms increases student achievement and broadens educational horizons. We also believe that girls and boys have different ways of learning, and because of that, a single-gender school can give each the ability to develop and learn in an environment that understands these differences. We believe that Ivy Prep’s environment will allow students to become engaged learners and positive risk takers. Most importantly, the culture of Ivy Prep will help students to acquire confidence in themselves and their abilities, learn healthy and virtuous habits, and develop a sense of personal responsibility and a commitment to the larger community. Visit the National Association for Single Sex Public Education website www.nasspe.org for more information on single-gender education.
What Is a Public Charter School?
Charter schools are free, independently-operated public schools open to all students, regardless of their neighborhood, socioeconomic status, previous academic achievement, or ethnicity. There are no admission tests or tuition fees. Parents and students choose a particular charter school because of its unique focus, curriculum, structure, size, environment and other features. Enrollment is on a space-available basis. When a charter school has reached its maximum enrollment, a lottery and waiting list system is used. Like all other public Gwinnett County Georgia Schools, Charter Schools receive public funds based on the number of students they enroll.