Our School Home / About Us / Our School Wood Acres School in Marietta, GA At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. Founded in 1969, we are one of the best private preschools, elementary, and middle schools in Marietta, we are proud to give your child an experience that no other school can match. Our commitment to exceptional academics and student-centered learning ensures every child is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. We are proud to be fully accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Our teachers create a vibrant, supportive space where our students feel safe, excited, and ready to learn. We teach them to be independent and motivated, helping them build a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Through hands-on activities, exciting lessons, and the latest technology, we prepare your child for the future. Here, your child won’t just meet expectations; they will exceed them. Address 1772 Johnson Ferry Rd Marietta, GA 30062 Phone (770) 299-2473 Hours M-F 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Grades 2 years — 8th Grade Before & After Care Summer Camp Explore Our Curriculum Preschool Elementary Middle School Discover the Wood Acres School Advantage Children who attend our school from preschool to 8th grade get a great start for their learning. They blossom into confident leaders and grow their academic success. Our families, staff, and students develop a strong sense of community, and stay connected even after they go to high school. Picking a school can be exciting, but also hard. Wood Acres School works closely with prospective families in hopes of making an educational match. Visiting our school will help you decide how to help your child learn and grow. The 10 Benefits of Choosing Wood Acres School Student Engagement Our students thrive through active participation, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Mastery & Fluency Our elementary school curriculum emphasizes a deep understanding of math, strong reading skills, and critical thinking development. Leadership & High School Preparedness Our middle school students gain the confidence and readiness for the future through challenging academics and leadership opportunities. Excellence Since 1969 For over five decades, we have inspired generations of students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Fully Accredited We have been recognized for our high standards of education by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Small Class Sizes Individual attention is made possible by maintaining small class sizes of 16 students or fewer. Dedicated Faculty Our teachers are committed to caring for, challenging, and nurturing each child. International Academic Standards We offer a foreign language program that is aligned to international academic standards. Physical & Mental Well-Being Daily recess ensures that our students enjoy a balanced approach to physical activity and mental refreshment. Enrichment Programs A variety of after-school and summer programs provide opportunities for growth beyond the classroom. From the Head of School Laurie Mazor Greetings! As I sit down to write this letter, I realize that it is a wonderful metaphor for who we are and what we have done at this unique school for over 50 years. We are nestled on nine beautiful acres in the heart of East Cobb and proud of our legacy of educating decades of children in our community from two years old through 8th grade. Our dedicated teachers are known for sharing their passion of teaching and learning with children. We model leadership and have high expectations for student excellence. We value recess, traditions, celebrations, childhood, and community. We challenge our students with an accelerated curriculum with STEM learning experiences. We are also committed to teaching Spanish as a second language, all while developing a strong sense of self and character. We use technology purposefully and recognize that time with each other is priceless. Our students care for their friends, teachers, and community. Above all else, we value our students and their families. We celebrate their successes. We work hard to solve problems or concerns. We never compromise on academic rigor and excellence. Wood Acres IS the place to be! Your choice of a private school education indicates to us the value you place on teaching and learning. We hope you will visit us and see our school for yourself. In the meantime, you can view more of our campus on Google or Facebook. Sincerely, Laurie Mazor, Head of School Read More Our History In 1969, something amazing happened—astronaut Neil Armstrong walked on the moon! That same year, the most famous music festival of modern times occurred at Woodstock, New York. But in Georgia, something smaller but special happened too. Entrepreneurs and educators Kay and Dave Clark opened Wood Acres Country Day School on the corner of Johnson Ferry and Roswell Roads. It was in a cozy house under a big oak tree. The school was made just for children ages two, three, and four years old. As more families joined, so did its need for more space. In 1981, the Clarks found forested acreage further down Johnson Ferry Road. They moved the growing Wood Acres School to where it is today. The Clarks took care of Wood Acres until 2001, when new owners, John and Judy Thigpen, came to help the school grow. They built new classrooms, including Turner Hall, in 2006. Turner Hall has rooms for 4th through 8th graders, science labs, a STEM lab, a technology lab, and spaces to learn new languages. Wood Acres turned 50 years old in 2019! The Thigpens retired in 2023, but the school is still a special place where kids love to learn and grow. Frequently Asked Questions What grades does Wood Acres School serve? Wood Acres School provides a continuous, carefully scaffolded education for children from age 2 years through 8th grade. Our faculty gets to know each student across the most critical years of their development, building the kind of deep relationships that make it possible to nurture the whole child. What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Wood Acres School? Our preschool classrooms maintain an average 7:1 ratio, our elementary classrooms average 14:1, and our middle school averages 16:1. These figures include teaching assistants, whose direct role in instruction makes them essential to the learning experience. How much is private school tuition in Georgia? Private school tuition in Georgia varies widely based on factors including location, program type, student age, and schedule. Our tuition is not only competitive, it consistently ranks among the strongest in Georgia when measured against the quality of the academic program it supports. For more information, visit our Tuition page or contact finance@woodacresschool.org. What makes Wood Acres School special? What defines Wood Acres School is not any single program or feature. It is the coherence of our philosophy in action. High expectations for student achievement, close monitoring of instruction, a purposeful school climate, and deep community partnerships are not aspirations at Wood Acres; they are the daily practice. Strong, consistent leadership ensures that this vision is realized across every classroom and every grade. We invite you to explore our Only At page to learn more. Is Wood Acres School accredited? Yes. Wood Acres School is fully accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. This accreditation reflects our sustained commitment to institutional excellence, rigorous standards of curriculum and instruction, and the spirit of continuous improvement that defines a school of enduring quality. What are the benefits of full-day kindergarten at Wood Acres School? Kindergarten is one of the most formative years in a child’s educational journey, and at Wood Acres, full-day kindergarten is designed to make every moment matter. Our kindergarten program pairs an advanced academic curriculum with enriching specials, giving children the time they need to fully engage in learning, build genuine friendships, and grow in confidence. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, each student receives the individualized attention that allows them to be both appropriately challenged and deeply supported. The result is a child who arrives at first grade not simply ready, but eager and with a love of learning already taking root. What are the benefits of private school? Private school opens doors that most schools cannot, providing access to rigorous academic programs, experienced faculty, and resources designed to meet each child where they are and challenge them to go further. At Wood Acres, we identify the knowledge, skills, and character we want each graduate to carry with them into high school, and we build purposefully toward that milestone across every grade. This deliberate, collaborative approach to instruction is what separates a Wood Acres education from the ordinary. Learn more on our Only At page. What are the hours of operation at Wood Acres School? Wood Acres School offers a range of schedules designed to meet the developmental needs of each age group and the practical needs of busy families. Beginners (ages 2–3): 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Intermediates (ages 3–4): 8:15 am to 1:15 pm Pre-K (ages 4–5): 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Kindergarten: 8:45 am to 3:00 pm 1st through 4th Grade: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm 5th Grade: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm 6th through 8th Grade: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Extended day is available from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm for families who need additional flexibility. When does school start in Marietta, GA? School start dates vary across Georgia. At Wood Acres School, our academic year begins in August. Visit our school year calendar for key dates. What are the symbols of Wood Acres School? Every symbol at Wood Acres School carries meaning rooted in our identity and history. Our logo, the Ginkgo leaf, reflects the longevity and endurance that have defined this institution since its founding. The Ginkgo is among the most ancient of trees, a fitting emblem for a school built to last. With the opening of Turner Hall, Wood Acres welcomed Navi-Gator as its mascot: a spirit of exploration and forward motion. And at the heart of our campus, the compass rose in our school plaza serves as a daily reminder that direction and purpose guide everything we do. What credentials do Wood Acres School teachers hold? All Wood Acres educators hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, with many also possessing Master’s degrees. Beyond formal credentials, our faculty is defined by a rare combination of eloquent communication skills and deep institutional dedication. A testament to our vibrant, supportive teaching culture, many of our educators have called Wood Acres home for 15 years or more, bringing an invaluable wealth of experience and continuity to our classrooms each day. How do Wood Acres School teachers communicate with parents? Wood Acres teachers maintain an open, transparent, and direct line of personal contact with families. Regular, meaningful email updates ensure you are always connected to your child’s daily progress. Formal parent-teacher conferences are hosted twice a year, offering a dedicated space for deep, collaborative reflection on your child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. For preschool families, we utilize a communications app to provide insights into your child’s day. What makes the teachers at Wood Acres School exceptional? Teachers at Wood Acres teach beyond academics. They teach confidence, character, and communication skills. Wood Acres teachers are not just instructors; they are mentors, guides, and role models who are deeply invested in our community, inspiring students to grow into compassionate citizens and capable leaders.
