Elementary School

GAC academic standards surpass state standards and challenge our students to grow in their knowledge through a well-rounded curriculum that includes a solid foundation in principal subjects, weekly activities in our STEM laboratories, world language skill development, and weekly visits to SPARK, the learning laboratory in the media center. From Kindergarten to Fifth Grade, learning is hands-on and students leave the elementary school prepared for the challenges of middle school, including having gained skill in technology literacy. Students as young as 4th grade prepare Keynote presentations to share their learning with their peers. The curriculum is adapted to technology so that students can advance their learning in the most innovative ways. 

Instruction to the arts begins early at GAC. Here are a few of the creative opportunities for our Lower School students:

• The School of Music provides private, one-on-one instruction for all students in all instruments, from the string and percussion instruments to vocal and piano, and can be taken during the school day.
• The Fifth Grade Band is a class for students who wish to begin study of a wind or percussion instrument. They meet several times a week during the school day and perform throughout the year.
• Students participate in the Visual Arts  program beginning in Kindergarten as visual art students in a weekly class.
• Our large Promises Elementary School Chorus, which rehearses before school, performs at events such as Grandparents Day, Christmas concerts, all school chapels, and community events.
• The GAC School of Ballet has three dance studios where students as young as two can begin learning and performing the dance arts after school.  
• The 5th grade GAC Silver Strings Orchestra introduces students to the library of instruments in the string family and performs several times throughout the year. 
• Through Discovery Activities, students can participate in two drama productions a year. 

Lower School encourages students to be confident in who God created them to be. Teachers weave the Christian faith into each classrooms with regular Bible lessons and connections to biblical teachings in all subject areas.  Students engage in service projects, participate in Chapel three times a week, and develop leadership skills by leading chapel on a rotational basis throughout the year with their peers.  Service is introduced early at GAC, and several school-wide service endeavors take place each year, engaging and inspiring our youngest Spartans. As they get older, students have the opportunity to dig deeper in their faith by attending our our Annual Lower School Spiritual Retreat or by joining our Lower School Student Ministry Team.

Why drive all over Atlanta for private lessons, after-school activities, and fun?  Through our Discovery Activities,  Early Childhood Village and Elementary students can discover their inner artist, learn how to play a new sport, see what it's like to be on stage, conduct science experiments, learn a new language, and so much more. Encore Kids provides childcare before and after school for busy parents. 

We keep joy in the journey. We have many traditions that our students look forward to with great delight. Many are sponsored by the GAC Parent Association. Here are just a few: 

• Mile Run Day
• "Screen on the Green" nights
• Father-Daughter Tea
• Mother-Son Events
• Annual Pool Party
• GAC President reading of The Polar Express
• Goldilocks trial at a Gwinnett County courthouse
• 5th grade overnight retreat to Rock Eagle
• Homecoming dress up days
• Football on the Village lawn with Varsity players
• Trunk-or-Treat

In the Nasmyth Environmental Learning Center, Students engage in learning activities as they carry out real life operations of a working greenhouse, fish hatchery, and chicken coop. It's not a museum; It's a hands-on learning center for all ages. Students have the opportunity to explore topics like sustainability and limited resources while watching and helping tend to plants as they grow. As they explore the ELC, they recognize that education often extends beyond the classroom, unfolding among the wonders of God’s creation.

Parents at GAC work together to raise their children in a faithful and loving environment. Check out a few of the ways parents are involved in the GAC Elementary School: 

• GAC parents are invited to weekly Bible study
• Learning opportunities and parent workshops on timely topics through the GAC Parent Partnership Series
• Volunteerism with the GAC Parent Association (GPA) to enrich student experiences and activities

There are many special events, both formal and informal, on campus throughout the year, too.  It's a vibrant campus that is always alive with activity, and we welcome you to participate.