When Audrey Brasfield graduated from The Children’s School (TCS) in 2025 and moved on to The New School, he stepped into high school ready for the academic expectations, social landscape, and increased independence that come with the transition. In his own words, TCS, a progressive preschool–8 Atlanta community, gave him the confidence, skills, and mindset to thrive.
Strong Academic Foundations & Confidence to Seek Support
Audrey shared that one of the biggest academic strengths he carried into high school was his comfort communicating with teachers.
“I feel more comfortable talking to my teachers… about missing assignments or when I need help.”
This openness wasn’t accidental. TCS intentionally builds a culture where students learn to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and build healthy relationships with teachers.
Audrey also credits TCS with helping them become a curious, self-directed learner:
“I’m more willing to try different things in different subjects… I even started researching on my own over the summer.”
Today, Audrey especially enjoys English and history, two subjects where TCS’s project-based learning approach helps students analyze deeply, make connections, and take intellectual risks.
Social-Emotional Skills That Make Transitions Easier
Switching to a new school where he didn’t know anyone could have been overwhelming, but Audrey felt equipped thanks to the social-emotional grounding TCS provides.
His biggest strategy?
“Join clubs you’re interested in. I made a lot of friends that way, even in different grades.”
At TCS, students are encouraged to try new things, collaborate across grade levels, and practice skills such as confidence, empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to engage with new people that help them build community. Audrey walked into high school ready to do just that.
Unforgettable Experiences That Build Character and Community
Audrey’s favorite TCS memories are from overnight trips full of teamwork, laughter, unexpected challenges, and bonding.
He recalled a camping trip where a sudden storm soaked the tents and brought everyone together:
“We were all huddled under a pavilion, telling stories and playing games… those trips were some of my best memories.”
Whether through the outdoor education program, project-based work, or specialist electives, TCS builds lasting connections that students carry long after graduation.
What Audrey Misses Most
“How close all the grades are. There’s so much connection between clubs, projects, and groups. You don’t get that at a lot of schools.”
That sense of belonging is a hallmark of TCS, a school where students are known, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.
