Families exploring schools today are asking bigger questions than ever before:
- Will my child be academically prepared for high school?
- Will they feel known and supported?
- Will they develop the confidence, adaptability, and critical thinking skills they’ll need in a rapidly changing world?
At The Children’s School, we know students thrive when they experience challenging academics in a nurturing environment. And years after graduating from TCS, our alumni continue to show what that looks like in action.
From public school programs to independent schools across Atlanta, TCS graduates consistently describe arriving academically and socially and emotionally prepared.
Learning How to Think, Not Just What to Memorize
When Tristan Victor (TCS ’24) entered Campbell High School’s International Baccalaureate program, he quickly realized how much his TCS experience had prepared him.
“TCS taught me to think critically and look at things from different perspectives,” he shared.
That ability to analyze, question, and connect ideas helped him feel confident in demanding coursework right away. He also credits TCS with helping him develop the study habits and organizational skills needed to manage an increased workload.
“At TCS, we had homework almost every day and big projects that taught me to plan ahead,” added Chris Broyles (TCS ’23), now at The Galloway School. “At Galloway, teachers give you an assignment and expect you to know when to do it. TCS prepared me for that.”
For many alumni, project-based learning played a major role in building that confidence.
“At TCS, we did hands-on projects that connected to real life,” Chris explained. “That helped me in high school science labs to understand what I’m learning and how to apply it.”
This is one of the defining elements of a TCS education: students actively engage with learning through discussion, collaboration, investigation, and real-world application. They leave knowing how to think deeply, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges.
Confidence That Extends Beyond Academics
Academic preparation matters, but alumni consistently point to another skill that shaped their transition to high school: self-advocacy.
“When you’re new and the work is challenging, it really helps to be able to tell your teachers or classmates what you need,” said Chandler Docka (TCS ’25), now at Mount Vernon. “I use my ‘I statements’ and all the tools we practiced at TCS.”
Jordan Zackery (TCS ’25), now attending Benjamin E. Mays High School, shared a similar perspective.
“If you just let things slide beside you without putting up a fight, it is always a losing game,” she said. “We learn to speak for a reason.”
At TCS, students practice expressing ideas, navigating conflict, collaborating with peers, and building emotional awareness from an early age. These experiences help students join a new friend group, participate in classroom discussions, or advocate for themselves with confidence.
“Even though I didn’t know anyone at first, I connected quickly,” Tristan said. “TCS helped me build strong social skills and confidence.”
A Community That Helps Students Become Themselves
Again and again, alumni return to one theme when reflecting on their time at TCS: belonging.
“The community,” Chandler said immediately when asked what she misses most. “Having such a tight-knit group, knowing everyone’s pet’s names, siblings, and what they like. Going to a bigger school made me appreciate how special that was.”
That sense of connection helps students develop confidence in who they are.
Jordan credits TCS teachers with encouraging her creativity and individuality in ways that still impact her today. “I still add little droplets of color to remind myself of who I am,” she shared.
At TCS, students are known deeply by teachers and peers alike. They are encouraged to explore their identities, share their perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to their community.
That foundation stays with them long after graduation.
Childhood Matters Here
As a preschool–grade 8 school, TCS is intentionally designed around the developmental needs of children and adolescents.
Students are challenged academically while still being given space to grow, explore, play, collaborate, and mature at an appropriate pace.
Some of the memories alumni treasure most reflect those experiences outside the traditional classroom.
For Tristan, it was sitting on the beach during his eighth-grade TCS Outdoor Education camping trip, talking with classmates under the stars.
For Chris, it was huddling together with friends during a rainy backpacking trip while waiting for pancakes at sunrise.
These moments are more than memories. They build resilience, independence, empathy, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
Prepared for What Comes Next
TCS graduates go on to thrive in many different kinds of high schools: public and independent, progressive and traditional. But no matter where they go, alumni often describe carrying the same strengths with them: curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, self-advocacy, and connection.
“Leaving was hard,” Chris reflected. “But I was ready. TCS prepared me for everything that came next.”
That preparation is exactly what families are searching for today: not simply a school that helps children perform well academically, but one that helps them become capable, thoughtful, adaptable human beings ready to navigate an ever-changing world.
