In recent years, North Atlanta High School has become a magnet for neighboring private school students bound for the towering 11 stories. For various reasons, these students confidently trade in their pristine uniforms and close-knit communities for traditional attire and the teeming, diverse population at NAHS.
It’s no surprise that with 11 floors comes with over 2,400 students, a particularly daunting reality to some. However, those who have long been accustomed to class sizes capped at roughly 150 students have appreciated the larger student volume. NAHS boasts a vibrant student life with overlapping social networks and an expansive club and activities scene suited for a range of interests. This environment has been welcoming for newcomers, making the transition a natural ease. NAHS has also been celebrated for its notable demographics, with a ranking of #701 out of 22,747 public schools in America for diversity according to Niche. ‘’I never felt any pressure to fit in with a certain group,’’ said junior Weston Goodman, a former Blessed Trinity student. ‘’And I’ve become closer with so many new faces.’’
Apart from the inviting energy within the Dub community, private school transfers have also had to adjust to the academic climate at NAHS. While underclassmen have found the workload to be less demanding, transfers who are now enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program have had an increasingly difficult time adapting. However, the student culture at NAHS has been found to be more collaborative in contrast to the hostile opposition at private schools. Despite this, NAHS has a 15:1 student to teacher ratio, exceeding that of the private school average by seven students. Junior Scarlet Kirkland, a former Westminster Wildcat, has considered the individual class sizes challenging throughout her three years at NAHS. ‘’Looking back, I felt more supported in the classroom at Westminster,’’ said Kirkland. ‘’The smaller class size made it easier to get individualized help.’’
Upon arrival, many transfers have taken advantage of the specialized programs unique to NAHS. Among these courses, the IB program stands out as a renowned worldwide curriculum with high enrollment rates among private school transfers. The curriculum expands over both elementary and middle school, but the Career-related Program (CP) and the Diploma Program (DP) begin in junior year. Both DP and CP classes challenge students to balance a rigorous workload and encourage critical thinking rather than sole memorization of material. IB students are exposed to unique opportunities such as the extended essay research paper, internal assessments, and an education that promotes global understanding. In light of IB advancing students’ college readiness, it is highly regarded by college admissions offices. Ava Tomlin ’22, former Editor in Chief of the Warrior Wire, came to NAHS from Lovett her freshman year and was a graduate of the IB DP. She is now a successful student at the University of Michigan and credits her success to the program. ‘’IB felt like perfect preparation for college courses at Michigan,’’ said Tomlin. ‘’I’ve found many of the projects and assignments easier to manage because of it.’’
Despite saying goodbye to private school life, it is inevitable that each year, students will peer out of the expansive windows of Lovett, Westminster, Pace, and others with their eyes on the prize: North Atlanta High School.
