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Two lower school students working in a workbook together
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Who We Are

Our vision began in 1950, when Marian Howard, a young teacher and graduate of Agnes Scott College, poured her life savings into starting a school. She saw the potential in students whose motivation to learn was diminished as they faced constant failure and challenge. She knew that teaching and learning could go beyond rote memorization and recitation of disjointed facts.

And for more than 75 years, thousands of students — the legacy of her leadership and learning — have passed through our doors out into a world they’ve helped to create.

Our Mission

We celebrate each student, transforming the learning experience and developing lifelong strengths.

Our Values

Practice Kindness and Respect

Seek a Spirit of Partnership

Honor Our Humanity

Celebrate Our Differences

Accreditation

The Howard School is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

SAIS and SACS accredited schools are part of an international network of accredited schools, which have demonstrated success in educating children. To earn accreditation, schools must meet quality standards, be evaluated by an outside group of peer professionals, and implement a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance.

Affiliations

A blue Celtic knot design is centered between two thin blue horizontal lines on a white background.

History

1950s

Marian Howard opens The Howard School in her home with three students in 1950

The School is incorporated in 1952.

An old photo of the first location of The Howard School

 

1960s

The first official school logo is unveiled in 1963.

Jean Abt succeeds Marian Howard as the Head of School.

An old photo of one of The Howard School's previous locations, at the Cator-Woolford Mansion from 1960-70

 

1970s

Howard enrolls a record number of 51 students, ages 5 to 16, and employs six teachers, three support teachers, and one PE coordinator. 

The Howard School moves to 1246 Ponce de Leon Avenue in 1979.

Mary Ben McDorman is named the third Head of School.

An old photo of one of The Howard School's past locations

 

1980s

The North Campus opens in Roswell.

The Diagnostic Clinic opens.

Coach Hamilton created the Atlanta Athletic Conference so that smaller independent schools can compete in their own league.

In 1988, the United States Department of Education named The Howard School as one of its National Schools of Excellence.

A single-story white building with a slanted roof and a porch sits in a wooded area, surrounded by a paved parking lot.

 

1990s

Howard is the first accredited special-purpose school accredited by SACS in Georgia.Pam Helms appointed as interim Head of School.

In 1996, Dr. Sandra N. Kleinman became the fourth Head of School of The Howard School, and served in that capacity until June 2005.

2000s

Howard School unveils a new logo and the tagline, “A Different Approach Makes All the Difference.”

Construction is completed for its current location at 1192 Foster Street, Atlanta

Marifred Cilella is named the fifth Head of School.

The Howard School signage

 

 

2010s

The Howard Institute, now known as The Howard Exchange, is launched.

The Class of 2014, made up of 26 students, is the largest graduating class in our history.

Current location of the Howard School

2020s

The Steve Young High School and the Marifred Cilella Student Center opens in March 2020 only to close a few weeks later due to the global pandemic. The school hosts a drive-in graduation ceremony for its seniors.

Dr. Anna B. Moore is named the sixth Head of School.

High School Building

 

2025

Enrollment is 300 students with 100 full time, and 17 part-time faculty and staff.

27 students graduate garnering 123 acceptances to 87 colleges and programs, and earning over a million dollars in scholarship awards.

The Howard School joins the International Thespian Society. 

First time in school history the swim team wins their conference championship.

The image displays a circular logo celebrating the 75th anniversary of The Howard School, featuring the number "75" in large blue text and the school's logo in the center.