(Left to right: TCS Alums Luke Harden ’23, Jackson Carver ’23, Bethany Jennett ’24, and Kennedy Barnett ’24)
When Kennedy Barnett (TCS ’24, Pace Academy ’29) graduated from The Children’s School, she felt ready to take on the challenges of high school. Now a rising sophomore at Pace Academy, Kennedy reflects on how her Atlanta middle school experience at TCS gave her the academic skills, social confidence, and community connections to thrive.
A Smooth Academic Transition
Kennedy shares that the transition from TCS to Pace was “a pretty easy” one. At TCS, she learned executive functioning and time management strategies that proved essential once she became a student-athlete in high school.
“TCS helped me learn how to manage my time better,” Kennedy explains. “I wasn’t really used to studying a ton, but when I got to high school, I was prepared. I think I was right where my peers were—maybe even a little ahead in some classes.”
Building Character and Community
The Children’s School emphasizes Building Character and Community (BCC) traits, and Kennedy says those lessons carried over into her social life at Pace.
“Integrity helped me a lot,” she reflects. “Because TCS had small classes, we learned how to work with different kinds of people. That helped me understand my new friends better, avoid conflicts, and treat them how I want to be treated.”
Middle School Experiences That Last
Kennedy remembers TCS middle school as a place where strong academics and close teacher relationships went hand in hand. She particularly valued small class sizes, opportunities to study Spanish, and supportive teachers who encouraged students to ask questions and build confidence.
“One thing they tell you in high school is to build relationships with your teachers. Because I already did that at TCS, it wasn’t scary in high school.”
And her favorite tradition? The camping trips. “We cooked our own food, set up tents, and had fun together as a grade. Those trips built bonds and gave us great memories.”
Advice for Families
For families approaching the end of their TCS journey, Kennedy’s advice is simple: don’t worry.
“As a parent, don’t be nervous,” she says. “I was upset to leave TCS, but when I got to Pace it was easy to make friends and adjust to the academics. My mom was nervous at first, but now she sees it was all worth it.”
Preparing Students to Thrive
Kennedy’s story highlights how The Children’s School, an Atlanta middle school rooted in rigorous academics and social-emotional growth, equips students to transition smoothly into high school and beyond. From study skills to community values, TCS prepares students to meet challenges with confidence—and carry their learning forward into every new stage of life.
