Atlas International School in Raleigh

Posted: August 19, 2026

Our family loves being part of the Atlas school community! Our four children have been enrolled for a year in preschool on up to 6th grade. We love the feelings of close community made possible by small class sizes and caring staff and families. We love the private music lessons during school hours, French and Spanish classes, the shorter school week, and extra time as a family. Academically, our children are given more flexibility to learn at their own levels with time spent more effectively learning, then playing with friends. They also get so many public speaking opportunities in small class settings and larger settings for the Fairs. Each child also gets to perform at the winter and spring concerts. We love the safe and supportive environment at this school where teachers care and work with families whenever problems come up. The Bakers care so much about each child and family and work to make Atlas a better place to learn.

Posted: August 19, 2026

Posted: August 16, 2026

Before I begin my review, I wanted to state that the school is under new ownership as of the 2025-2026 school year.

When we first began looking for a school, we wanted more than strong academicswe wanted a place that would support the whole child and partner with our family in raising confident, kind, and capable children. Atlas International School has exceeded our expectations in every way. The small class sizes and caring teachers mean that each child is truly known as an individual rather than just another student in a classroom. The teachers genuinely care about their students and work hard to help each child succeed academically, socially, and personally. Academically, Atlas offers a rich and challenging curriculum while still preserving the joy of childhood. We love the emphasis on traditional values, strong foundational skills, public speaking, and hands-on learning experiences. The addition of foreign languages and daily music instruction provides opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere and has helped our children grow in confidence and curiosity. One of the things we appreciate most is the partnership between the school and parents. Communication is excellent, and we always feel informed and involved in our childrens education. It truly feels like a community where families and teachers work together toward the same goal. Atlas has created an environment where children can thrive academically while also developing character, confidence, and a love of learning. We are incredibly grateful to be part of this school community and would highly recommend Atlas to families looking for a thoughtful, nurturing, and academically strong education for their children.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Posted: August 4, 2026

My family loves Atlas International School! We feel like we hit the education (and life) jackpot when we discovered the school! My two girls who are now rising 7th and 9th graders have been there since 1st grade and preschool. Things we absolutely LOVE about Atlas (and what sets them apart from other schools) -
* Small class sizes! This truly allows for a much more personalized learning environment, catering to each student's needs! They encourage critical thinking and really push students to go beyond the curriculum. The school fosters a love for learning, utilizing many different approaches for teaching. Both of my girls are way ahead of their grades, and we truly believe this is due to their years at Atlas.
* Languages! Both of my girls can understand full conversations in both Spanish and French. My oldest is completely fluent in both. My youngest is not quite fluent but close. It's amazing how well they know and understand the languages having only learned through Atlas! My 9th grader plans to minor in Spanish in conjunction with whatever else she majors in once in college as she feels it will be important for any career path she chooses. I am certain that would not have happened had she not gone to Atlas as neither my husband or I speak it!?
* Music! This is a big one. Both of my girls are truly exquisite on the piano. No doubt, Atlas started this love. We were fortunate to be able to get a piano for our home which encouraged it while not at school. They can also play violin thanks to learning through Atlas, though piano is what both truly love.
* Public speaking! Atlas has different projects throughout the year - poetry teahouse, wax museum, geography / science / math fairs, and different social studies and science projects - all of which require presenting to an audience. It makes me so proud to see how great my girls are at getting up in front of a crowd and completely CRUSHING it. I know this will be an incredible tool they will use throughout their entire lives and am so grateful they do it with such confidence and ease!
* Healthy Foods! Another big one (for me). As an ingredient reader and health nut, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my girls are only able to bring healthy lunches to school. I also appreciate that their friends and fellow students are held to the same standard. When kids are forced to choose healthy options, it becomes second nature. Additionally, it helps their overall well-being which goes hand in hand with learning.

Posted: August 4, 2026

Posted: August 3, 2026

We began at Atlas International School 2.5 years ago when we were feeling underwhelmed with our children's education and overwhelmed with the amount of busy work and behavioral issues present in the school. We were seeking simplicity and a focus on education without relying on computer apps. We wanted somewhere to foster our children's learning and specific interests without holding them back from their potential or ignoring their struggles. We found all of this and more at Atlas.
The things I always point out about their education to those who ask is the focus on health, outside unstructured play (even in middle school!), the incredible class sizes and even more than this, the amazing relationships the teachers build with the students. From my youngest who struggles with ADHD to my oldest who is introverted, the teachers always find ways to engage them, push them in the right directions, and foster deeper understanding of information. Each of my children entered struggling with math- they have each excelled with the right kind of education to one to two grades ahead in this area. Their reading and writing skills (including spelling, grammar and CURSIVE!) have dramatically improved as well.
The school's focus on public speaking, presentations and performances has encouraged each student to build impressive public speaking skills- I have rarely encountered a student who can not hold a conversation with an adult. The opportunities to be introduced two foreign languages and two instruments has also been an amazing addition to their time at Atlas.
The student body is respectful and engaged. It is such a relief to not have to worry as much about my kid's safety.
We were also very concerned about them receiving a parochial centered education- this has not been the case at all at Atlas.
I cannot say enough good things about this program.
This last year, we presented our middle schooler with the option of attending public school or returning to Atlas. He was so happy when we gave him that option and elected to return to Atlas. We were so glad he was happy with the choice we had made for him years ago.

We would choose Atlas again and again. It's the best thing we have done for our children.

Posted: August 3, 2026

Posted: July 14, 2026

We are going on our 4th year at Atlas this fall, and it's been a wonderful school for us! My child really benefits from the small classes, music, and fun activities and projects. We had considered looking for another school with the old owner, but the new owner is wonderful. They have made a lot of positive changes this past year, and I'm excited for what is to come! I will say it would be nice, as they grow, to consider a new location, as we have outgrown what we have and could use bigger, nicer facilities. One last thing, is the teachers are very attentive and accommodating. They do truly care and it makes a huge difference. We also like the shorter days, and they are efficient with the lessons they cover.

Posted: July 14, 2026

Posted: August 13, 2023

Trigger Warning for POC & all allies of injustice.

Id like to start by saying that the principal of the school once mentioned she was more American than my Blackfoot boyfriend.Im not sure where the competitive pride came from, but I digress.

My daughter (the only POC in her class, 1 of a handful in her school) reported getting hit 3 days in a row by a boy about 1.5yrs older than her in her class. The principal stated that she was making it up since no other adult witnessed it. However, the mother of the boy confirmed that he was diagnosed with dyslexia, & resorted to hitting first, since using words to express himself was difficult. She also revealed that he had the same issue last year.

My boyfriend, a previous sports director for 200+ kids, expressed the necessary protocol of a meeting. When it was once again dismissed, he emphasized that we will be telling our daughter to defend herself, since telling an adult was being overlooked. I did not bring my daughter to school the next two days awaiting a response about having a meeting. She had been increasingly anxious about going to school. Her cues of putting her head down while approaching the school, slowing her pace while walking towards the entrance, ect, confirmed that she was indeed stressed. Thankfully I didnt bring her to school, because the principal mentioned that she contemplated calling the police for the morning drop off assembly. She feared that two reasonably concerned parents were going to fight the boys parents and her, since we were so adamant about a meeting

Posted: August 13, 2023

Posted: August 27, 2019

My 2 children know how to do the homework and do it in aftercare at the school and theres a teacher there assisting if needed.

Posted: August 27, 2019

Adore absolutely adore the teachers at this school they are best!!!

Posted: August 27, 2019

This school is a diamond is the rough, the skills, ethics, academics that are taught to my children are amazing.

Posted: August 27, 2019

My daughter is dyslexic and both of my kids have trouble w focus but w the small class sizes its not an issue and now they are excelling!

Posted: August 27, 2019

There is no bullying sat this school period!!!

Posted: August 27, 2019

My husband and I could not say enough about this school and its leader, she is an amazing woman who I truly am grateful for!!!

Posted: October 10, 2018

The homework load is heavier than at most schools, giving parents the chance to be involved at home in their children's learning yet still in a structured way. The shorter school day and school week allow time for that. The homework is emailed out on Thursday night for the following week. That way if desired it can be done Friday (no school) or over the weekend. It is a great system! If I ever have a question about homework the teachers respond right away.

Posted: October 10, 2018

The teachers are qualified and passionate. There is consistent, open communication between teachers and parents. The low student to teacher ratio allows for much more attention per child which means their time in the classroom is that much more effective.

Posted: October 10, 2018

Respect and integrity are part of the Atlas culture and that can be felt in each classroom. The literature is carefully chosen to inspire good character development in the students. At Atlas there is a lot more interaction between students of different grade levels than at most schools and I can see the character development (kindness, compassion) that is occurring from students playing with/working with/learning from/helping students both older and younger than them.

Posted: October 10, 2018

The director is very involved and intentional, resolves issues quickly and is committed to creating the best learning environment for the students. She sticks to her principles and in doing so demonstrates strong integrity.

Posted: October 10, 2018

Although there is not a special education program, a student who has difficulty learning can be very successful at Atlas because of the additional attention from teachers and the increased parent involvement in the child's learning. Advanced students can also be very successful at Atlas. Students are evaluated in the various core subjects at the beginning of the school year. Students who test above grade level in a certain subject get to go into the higher grade for that subject giving the student the chance to be challenged and pushed rather than bored. This is one of my FAVORITE things about Atlas. It keeps advanced kids engaged and excited about learning!

Posted: October 10, 2018

With a maximum of 6 students per teacher, the teachers are very aware of what is going on, including the interactions between the students. My daughter had an issue with another student a couple weeks ago on the playground (not a bullying issue in the least, just getting feelings hurt mildly). She was encouraged to work it out on her own. When the problem persisted both children were invited to speak with the teacher and director in an office to express their feelings and perspective. By the end the two students both understood and felt understood, shook hands, and after a few minutes back on the playground they decided they were best friends. Problems are resolved early and in such a positive way. My daughter was beaming when I picked her up and was so excited to tell me about how she was helped to resolve a problem and make a best friend.

Posted: October 10, 2018

Our experience at Atlas has been excellent. We feel like our kids are getting a great education in a safe and positive environment while also building wonderful friendships (with friends AND each other!). We love the teachers, the diversity, the shorter school day and three day weekends, the language and music opportunities, the academics, the required presentations and projects, etc. We feel blessed to be a part of this school!

Posted: February 21, 2018

I firmly believe that less classroom time is instrumental in children learning best. Children, by nature, are not designed to sit still for hours and hours on end as typical school environments require. I also believe (and studies will back this up) that children are most likely to succeed when parents are involved. Atlas is designed in a way that the classroom/desk time is 2-3 hours, only 4 days a week. As such, yes, there is more homework than your average school. However, homework can be spread out over 7 days, done all at once or in any order preferred, and it builds on the lesson plan (ie not busy work). Parents are expected to assist their children with homework as needed, which is a great way to ensure the material is being understood. I will always happily take a little extra homework in exchange for a lot less desk time.

Posted: February 21, 2018

I can tell you why teachers in this school are effective in one word: communication! If I'm adding extra words, some others I'd use to explain the reason for their effectiveness include partnership, genuine, loving, thorough. The teachers are in regular communication with parents. In addition to the weekly emails sent out with the lesson plans and homework, they will contact parents immediately when a student needs additional help. In some environments, weeks can go by before a parent is informed their student is struggling. By then, the material they struggled with has long since passed, and they're struggling to keep up because they never mastered the previous lessons needed for the current lessons. At Atlas, parents are notified immediately, and teachers and parents work together to come up with an action plan to help get the student back on track! This is also the partnership part of their effectiveness. When parents and teachers work TOGETHER, a student is so much more likely to succeed! These teachers love their students. The kids are happy to go to school each day and interact with their teachers! The teachers get to know each and every student, their personalities, their strengths, weaknesses, fears, loves, and more! I could not ask for better teachers and engaging teachers than we've found at Atlas!!

Posted: February 21, 2018

I feel the teachers do a wonderful job modeling these character traits themselves, and trying to instill their importance in the students. I feel like more hands-on exercises could be implemented to allow them the opportunity to grasp the meaning behind them, but given the short days, I can understand the limitations on time.

Posted: February 21, 2018

Atlas does not have a program for special education, however, due to their low ratio of only 6 students to each teacher, they are able to address individual student's struggles and help them. Many students with learning disabilities are able to successfully integrate into Atlas and reach their full potential and thrive!

Posted: February 21, 2018

Absolutely! Staff members will step in immediately once made aware of a situation! For typical peer to peer disagreements, they do try to guide the children in how to work out disputes together. Ongoing taunting, demoralizing, and group antagonistic behavior is not tolerated AT ALL and penalties are serious. Thankfully, there has been very little, when any at all, bully-esque behavior in the years we have been a part of the school.

Posted: February 21, 2018

Overall we are very happy at Atlas! As with any school, there are things I wish were different. However, for the education my child is receiving, the pros of this school outweigh the cons by a landslide!

This is a conservative school. Point blank. They teach abstinence until marriage, and believe gender fluidity and sexuality should be kept out of the school, and are conversations best had at home among family. The owner shares this conviction openly with parents in meetings and discussions. It is not brought up irrelevantly. It is brought up, and discussed, so parents are aware of the expectations when it comes to permitted reading material, permitted classroom discussions, and so parents know that in foreign language, gender pronouns are not fluid.

Additionally, the school website (which has changed very little in the past 5+ years) directly states: "We believe in protecting children's innocence. We do not agree with the hypersexualization that is so common in today's culture. We discourage children's use of TV and the internet because of its inappropriate content."

For any parent to act as though they are suddenly surprised by the owner's stance is laughable. I am overjoyed to be a part of a school that works to keep children CHILDREN as long as possible. They have their whole lives to learn about, and be exposed to, everything else. I just want their educational experience to be straightforward. Academics, friends, music and foreign language introduction, play outside, love their teachers, love their school, etc. That's what you'll get at Atlas.

Posted: February 20, 2018

Note that management has changed as of August 2017. I am one of the previously satisfied parents at the school with a review in this section (4 fantastic years!). Since my last review, the director of the school has left, and the owner has taken over daily operations. As a result, more than half of all children older than 8 years have left the school throughout the school year. There are no clubs anymore. Teachers have left at a far higher rate than before, during the school year.

Children are supposed to read independently, but there is a book censorship policy that is ad hoc. For instance, the "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" was banned. I found a pattern of the owner is bringing up questions of sexuality in casual conversations (my child was 6 or 7 at the time), in parents meetings (Fall 2017), during a conference about the book choice of my 9-year old, and in emails thereafter. I am not aware how this relates to instruction of 6 to 9 year olds.

My child was expelled after I did not agree in a conversation with the owner which she initiated, and in which she ridiculed my concerns about my child (she called it "baloney"). It took a week of communication to let obtain an 80% refund of money paid ahead, my son was not able to say farewell to his teachers during school hours, and it took communication to be able to retrieve my son's belongings in person. This may well be within the policies of the school, but I would like to turn your attention to it.

Posted: February 20, 2018

Please note that management has changed since August 2017, so many of the previous glowing comments are outdated. We have had a TERRIBLE experience since then. My family has been harassed by the owner simply because she did not approve of our political stances. The owner is obsessed with discussing inappropriate topics such as sexuality, gender, and politics with parents at meetings. Many of the long-time families and teachers have left because of this, which has disrupted the entire school year. I would not recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: February 20, 2018

Leadership has changed at this school as of August 2017. We are very disappointed in the school, and have left, along with the majority of students and staff. Last year's director was warm, compassionate, kind, and knowledgeable. This year, the owner of the school has taken over as the director, and the school has fallen apart.

Posted: February 20, 2018

Learning differences are NOT supported. If you are looking for a school that provides IEPs, this is not the school for your child. The owner will single out your child and talk about them with other parents.

Posted: February 12, 2018

Homework is given at a volume that is often not finished in afterschool care.

Posted: February 12, 2018

High turnover has lead to loss of institutional knowledge.

Posted: February 12, 2018

Compassion and respect are not demonstrated by management.

Posted: February 12, 2018

Posted: January 31, 2018

We LOVE Atlas!!! Our two children have attended for 2 years and have grown so much in their time there. Their teachers are kind, nurturing, patient, and loving. My children feel safe and happy at school in addition to learning academic and social skills. One of the many things we love about the school is the amount of diversity. The students and teachers are all from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. It is beautiful to see them all happily working together and for this to be normal for the students, who do not seem to have any sense of discrimination or prejudice whatsoever! This is the environment I want my children to be in. I truly believe this school is a hidden gem! If more people knew how wonderful it was, there would be a waiting list a mile long! We are so thankful to have found Atlas!

Posted: January 31, 2018

Posted: December 10, 2017

Atlas is a very unique school, it may not be for everyone, as it does not have all the bells and whistles of some other schools. But if you are looking for a place with very dedicated teachers, a caring director, solid academics and also exposure to foreign languages, music as well as an appreciation for a healthy body & mind, Atlas is a wonderful fit.

Posted: December 8, 2017

There are a few shortcomings of this school. There are very few after-school activities or clubs available for students to participate in. The school is also considered a co-op, so as a parent, you are also considered a co-teacher. However, the price for the school is more like that of a private school. The school rents their space from a church, who uses it on the weekends. The building is not well-kept, nor is it in the best neighborhood. There are no field trips, spirit days, or monthly newsletters. It is very bare bones.

Posted: December 8, 2017

Posted: November 19, 2017

We had two children at Atlas over the period of last 7 years. We were very satisfied with individual attention to our children and responsiveness of the teachers, the director, and the school founder/owner to our suggestions and feedback. We had experience with several other private and public schools in the area, and found Atlas to be the most suitable and effective school, with serious academic program. Atlas works well for parents willing to be involved in their children's education. The owner is very resilient and gets things done. She was able to maintain quality education despite fluctuating student body size.

I was present at the parent meeting mentioned in a previous review and disagree with those remarks. The director/owner was the one verbally attacked by a parent. The outburst was unexpected and rude, and the director's reaction (leaving the room to recover) was totally understandable. The comments about lack of structure or poor management are similar to the accusations made at the meeting and represent the attacking parent's subjective opinion. Several of us at the meeting were surprised and troubled by these accusations.

Posted: October 27, 2017

The owner is now the full time director. Since the previous director left the management of the school has fallen apart. Several families and faculty have left the school. The upper school has no structure. Additionally I observed the director verbally attack a parent during a parent meeting and storm out of the meeting. This is not the type of environment I feel comfortable having my child in.

Posted: January 30, 2017

Let me begin by saying I have my PhD in Education so choosing a school for my own child was a really big deal. We initially tried public school here and hated it. My K student arrived reading at a 3rd grade level and there simply were too many children to do anything with her besides have her color in a corner. I felt guilty sending her to school it was so bad! I think we looked at every possibility until we finally settled on trying Atlas. I am thrilled with our decision.

Here's what I love the most: Our daughter was assessed at the beginning of the school year and was placed according to her level. If that meant attending 1st or 2nd grade during reading and math time, that's what the school did. I am delighted with this concept. Instead of K year being a huge waste, my child has grown and advanced in leaps and bounds.

Second, teachers do an outstanding job of communicating information to parents. Thursday night each week, I receive an outline of lesson plans in every subject, as well as all of the homework assigned for the entire week in each area. This concept is simply unheard of in public school. There is quite a bit of homework, but I am ok with this because we WANT our children to be advanced intellectually. The homework is NOT busy work, so I feel good about it. Every homework assignment has been something I would hope my child would learn.

Third, the curriculum aligns with what I would call a Classical Education. They teach 2 foreign languages by providing a language immersion program through song and games 1 full hour each day. They also teach piano and violin at school. The curriculum used (Core Knowledge NOT to be confused with CORE curriculum) covers classical topics--famous literature/poems for language arts and basic history/science.

My 2 greatest concerns when looking at this school were whether it was legitimate (it very much is) and whether it was for kids who "couldn't make it" in Public School (not the case). The school seems perfect for bright, advanced, mature children whose parents want them to advance beyond what public school can offer. It does this.

This school is not perfect (none are), but I have found it is an exceptional choice. I love the shortened day and Fridays off. We use them to visit museums or travel. Although we haven't used it, I've heard after school care and Friday programs are also high quality. Great school!

Posted: January 22, 2017

Yes. Both my children are taught and pushed to improve themselves with love and kindness but with a firm word. They have experienced the rewards by their hard work and they are always determined to do their best, even when the going gets tough.

In the 6 years we have enjoyed Atlas I have been comparing my children to the hundreds of children I see in my business weekly. I serve a co-op with hundreds of families committed to participate every week all year long and from my observations, my children are definitely not behind in their education.

One of the ladies in my coop is a teacher at a charter school and she told me that she can not believe how smart my children are and how far ahead of their grade level they actually are. When I compare them to any other children their age, they are always ahead by 1-2 years in every subject.

We will never go back to public school. Our children are NOT bogged down with homework. They are both able to complete all their homework for the following week on home school Friday. I find that this gives them an idea of what is coming the following week and it is the highest and best use of our home school time. This also allows my children the freedom to ONLY DO any home work they were struggling with during the week. In our case that is almost NEVER.

Posted: January 22, 2017

They are very thoughful and intentional in the classrooms ensuring that each child is met at the level they are at. When children fall behind or soar ahead, the school makes necessary adjustments in the classes to ensure that child is able to proceed or get the extra help they require accordingly.

Posted: January 22, 2017

We are able to complete all our homework on Homeschool Friday's along with project work. It is fantastic for the chlidren to spend the morning doing their homework and by lunchtime they are ready to enjoy the weekend! During the school week my children are able to relax and PLAY afterschool and before bed because they have completed their work on Fridays and reviewed it at breakfast each day before school starts.

Posted: January 22, 2017

Our experience at Atlas is fantastic. My children have been at the school since 2010. We found the school when my son was 6 and daughter was 2. We are not going anywhere! The school has a fantastic academic program that is proven to be highly successful. If you are seeking a social atmosphere, this may not be for you. If your focus is academic- you have found a gem. It is a fantastic alternative to homeschooling. There is just enough exposure to several other children, but the school reminds me of a single classroom setting from Little House on the Prairie. The folks in the community are diverse, and children of all ages are working together. Children at Atlas experience things you can not find in a public school such as tolerance, compromise, pliability and grace. The older children feel responsible to care for the younger ones and the younger ones admire and look up to the older ones. WE LOVE IT!

Posted: January 22, 2017

Each child is assessed at the beginning of the school year and they are taught based on their skill level and not on a random schedule pre-written for the grade level. My son is in the 7th grade but in some subjects he is working on a 9th grade level, others on an 8th grade level and some on a 7th grade level. He is always advancing and never regressing. In the past there have been times when he exceeded his classmates in a subject and was given one on one time to learn advanced concepts to keep him from being held back or bored due to lack of academic challenge.

Posted: January 22, 2017

We have been at Atlas for 6 years. The leadership there is in line with our integrity, virtues and morals. There is an inclusive atmosphere and dignity and respect is promoted in the classrooms and on all of the administrative levels.

Posted: January 10, 2017

I love this school for a lot of reasons. Everyone seems really happy, there's always someone to greet you with a smile, eveyone knows everyone, the program itself is awesome. I had my child in public school and my child was not being challenged at all. I went through so much and I finally took my friends advice to get my child into Atlas. I must say that I'm beyond proud and happy. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my child getting the proper education and on the level that my child should be at. Being passinate about going to school is a win win for my family.
I love that the kids have French and Spanish, they play instruments, have projects, before and after school care, Friday program, concerts to see what your child has been learning throughout the semester. The communication is great whether it's with my childs teacher or the administration. I enjoy how parents can be involved and get involved. The weekly emails also help just in case something personal arises. I would highly recommend Atlas.

Posted: January 10, 2017

We actually had a concern arise this school year. The situation was handled with the utmost respect, care, and professionalism. It was handled immediately and I can say within 24 hours, there was no longer any concern. Wonderful job, Atlas.

Posted: January 10, 2017

Due to small class size, virtually ever learning need gets met. I am most concerned with my advanced child receiving differentiated instruction at her advanced level, but I know should she ever struggle, the 6 to 1 ratio would allow her the extra help she would need.

Posted: January 10, 2017

There is no problem I have had without an almost instantaneous response from the leadership. They are wonderful. They took time to meet with me numerous times before my decision and allowed trial days and observations to help me feel comfortable and confident in my choice. Outstanding!

Posted: January 10, 2017

Students are very kind, mature, and respectful. I think because they teach public speaking here, children respond to adults in an unusually mature and respectful way.

Posted: January 10, 2017

I can only really speak to my child's teacher, who is loving, nurturing, and wonderful. I like that the teachers here are all certified and have degrees in Education.

Posted: January 10, 2017

I love the homework. It is extensive, but advances my student.

Posted: January 9, 2017

We have loved our experience in the preschool and elementary at Atlas! Our children have learned so much and have gained so many skills, socially, academically and musically.

My oldest used to be very shy and nervous about giving a presentation in front of a group, and now it's second nature. My youngest child had much difficulty with writing, however now he loves to write and seeks out opportunities to improve.

The teachers are wonderful! I cannot say enough nice things about them! They truly care about the individual child and want the best for them. The open door policy, in addition to being able to go to school and observe my children's classes whenever I want allows me to see how my children learn within the classroom setting. This has helped me greatly at home when we are doing projects and additional academic activities.

Every autumn, our family joins in the Atlas trip to Hill Ridge Farms. The kids always have a great time! We have so many nice fall pictures of the kids with their friends. So many memories to cherish! Thank you Atlas!

Posted: January 8, 2017

Atlas hasn't been the best for my family. There is no communication between the parents and staff even if they claim thats a strong suite for them. For example, I have no idea what my son is learning and the things that he brings home don't flow or make sense. One day its dinosaurs and the next its fruit. One day its a science experiment and the other its about cats. Also, I have no idea who is in my son's class. There isn't any community there and its really sad that I don't know who the parents are and what is being taught.

Posted: January 5, 2017

Atlas has been great for my son and family. They offer foreign languages, music, and a small class size (6:1 student/teacher ratio), three things lacking in the majority of public schools today. My son has really taken off academically and socially here. The "whole child" philosophy is an excellent approach to learning. Atlas International is an excellent choice.

Posted: January 5, 2017

Posted: January 4, 2017

Our family loves Atlas! My son receives the individual help he needs instead of being lost in a large classroom. He has also found a wonderful love for music and other cultures. I love that Atlas educates "beyond the book". The traditional calendar year works great for our family.

Posted: January 4, 2017

This school has given my son and opportunity that public school could not give him. My 5 year old at the time entered k reading at a 3rd grade level. Needless to say he was bored and unchallenged by public school curriculum. At the entry of Atlas he was assessed and place in the appropriate reading and math levels and constantly challenged. He is so happy and talks about the school, his teachers, and his friends nonstop!

Posted: January 4, 2017

My daughter has been going to Atlas for 3 years now and is in high school. We moved in the middle of the year from PA so I put her in public school and was mortified at how horrible it was. My child became a member of Mensa at 8 and the schools in NC weren't equipped to take on her needs. Looking at how expensive private schools were in the area and they still had fairly large class sized, I was very discouraged as to what to do, until I found Atlas.

The teachers are awesome and supportive looking at each child as an individual. They have 6 students to 1 teacher and this allows kids to gain so much more in the time they have. At public school my child had 2-3 hours of homework and now has less, plus she really understands what to do so I don't have to spend a lot of time trying to help her. They do have special projects that do take longer, but what a great way to gain so much. It is meant to be a family project, which builds communication at home, teaching her project management skills, brainstorming and even presentation skills. Atlas is definitely grooming future CEO's. The great part about these project are also a child can think outside the box and get really creative. My daughter has made civil rights bingo, science experiments, parities , diorama and shown other ways she knew and understood the material.

Posted: January 4, 2017

This school doesn't have bullying! Sure I'm not going to say friends don't get mad at each other once in a while, but it's like a sibling type thing. The teachers pay attention to the students, are easy to talk to and if you have a problem, everyone from the teachers to the administration are easy to express your concerns to and I will assure you they will address the problem head on!

Posted: January 4, 2017

No 2 children are created equal so It's nice that they allow some creativity impressions on the work they do.

Posted: January 4, 2017

Like I said, my daughter is actually shy, which I'm sure the school might find that hard to believe, but her projects have taught her many things and confidence in public speaking.

Posted: January 4, 2017

My daughter is actually shy when meeting new people. The opportunities to build her confidence in public speaking has helped her have confidence in her voice. The setting is small so every child becomes true friends and the students care for eachother and respect each other's differences.

Posted: January 4, 2017

I can't say enough great things about the teacher at Atlas. They are able to address each individuals weakness and cheer on their strengths. They really care about your child and make them shine!

Posted: January 4, 2017

It horrible when your child comes home with homework that they don't understand. At Atlas they make sure your child is confident about the work and don't punish you if you come back with guestions, but encourage the conversation as others might have the same question.

Posted: May 31, 2016

Like many families, we chose Atlas after a disappointing public school experience. We love the school and the dedication of the teachers and director. Students who are curious, respectful, kind, and love learning will thrive at Atlas. Parents who seek open communication with teachers and the director will find that most concerns can be resolved quickly and effectively. We are thrilled to have found the right school for our family!

Posted: February 11, 2016

The ABC's of a great school:

A) Teachers who are passionate about learning and want students to succeed.
B) Curriculum that is vibrant, current and age appropriate.
C) Director who is involved in day to day lives of students and interacts with parents.
D) Students who feel accepted, able to ask questions and realize a connection between home and school.

Atlas is all of the above, a blessing to my family and the community.

Posted: February 1, 2016

With a 6 to 1 Student to Teacher ratio, the teachers are able to be extremely effective.

Posted: February 1, 2016

The 6 to 1 Teacher to Student Ratio is amazing. The language and music emphasis is really great.

Posted: February 1, 2016

Posted: January 31, 2016

Posted: December 16, 2015

After 8 years at this school, we finally made the decision to leave because the academic needs of my middle two children were not being met. I had talked with teachers and the administration repeatedly for over a year, and very little was done until they realized I was looking elsewhere. I became most frustrated when, at the beginning of first grade, my child's reading level was assessed to be at half of the level she was at by the end of kindergarten, and no one noticed. I had to point this out to them, at which time they offered to reassess; but with such a small class size, why is no one paying attention? It is true that the teachers are caring. And I loved the "family" atmosphere of the school, but when all was said and done, my kids were not receiving an education that measured up to public school standards. My straight-A eighth grader was behind when she began public school this year, particularly in math. She placed in their lower level math class and is struggling to make C's at this point. Her confidence has taken a huge blow, and it has been hard to watch. The foreign language program is nice for exposure. The kids develop a natural accent. However, they do not learn more than what they would learn in 1-2 semesters of foreign language in middle school. Overall, they do an ok job at the elementary level, though they do not consistently live up to their claim to "meet your child at his/her level." They use terms like differentiation, etc, but it is not done effectively. And the middle school curriculum is below average at best. It does not prepare the students for success once they leave the school. This was certainly not the private school education I thought I was paying for.

Posted: December 16, 2015

I think they are as effective as possible in their environment. They often run out of time to cover material in depth. Ideally, the parents can fill in this gap. But the reality is that we don't know what gaps to fill in. NC State Standards are being missed by very capable students whose parents aren't teachers and don't know what to look for.

Posted: December 16, 2015

They make the outward appearance of developing these traits. However, in the middle school, the kids were allowed to call another student trailer trash, and tell her she needed to go to rehab, etc, without ever getting in trouble. But the student who was frequently picked on got in trouble because there was a conversation where she may have used a curse word. I am not condoning cursing. But my child heard almost all of the middle school students curse while she was there. It should have been addressed as an issue within the entire middle school, but it was not. And no one should have been allowed to treat another student the way she was treated. Huge double standards exist.

Posted: August 24, 2015

Unlike charter schools, all of them are certified. They're also not overwhelmed with 30 students.

Posted: August 24, 2015

Kids at competing private and charter schools have projects over the breaks (Sterling Montessori, Triangle Math etc.) My family can take vacations over breaks. An hour a day is typical at Atlas.

Posted: August 24, 2015

Yes. All of my son's teachers set very high standards and high expectations. Having high quality teachers is a strong point of this school.

Posted: August 24, 2015

My son attended public school in kindergarten, his class had more than 20 students, the assistant was harsh, and the teacher was overwhelmed. We switched to Atlas and he is thriving! He has nurturing, enthusiastic teachers, and is excelling academically.

Posted: August 20, 2015

We love Atlas! They use a project method that the kids love! And all the students learn French and Spanish AND two musical instruments. The 1 to 6 teacher-to-student ratio is awesome! Whether your child is gifted and needs more stimulation, or struggling and just needs more attention, Atlas is the place to go! All kids are placed according to their ability, not their age. You really need to visit the school and see it for yourself.

Posted: August 14, 2015

It is a great school until you realize that it lacks SO much that is taught even in the public schools.

Posted: August 14, 2015

Atlas has potential but unfortunately it is seriously lacking the resources needed to compete with other area schools. They are unable to offer a more challenging curriculum to students who work above their grade level. The preschool needs much better direction and oversight; a poorly designed program. New ownership is needed before any real positive changes can be made. While they do offer smaller class sizes, too many other shortcomings make this school an unviable option, especially considering how many other really great schools are located in this area.

Posted: August 13, 2015

Atlas International is an amazing school and once you become part of the Atlas family, you clearly see and feel a part of something special. We feel honored to be a part of Atlas and cherish the experience in education there. Not only have we benefited from the healthy food policy, but others with whom weve shared this, have also benefited. When students present their projects and you visit the classrooms to hear, see and witness the learning, it is awe inspiring. We feel the project based learning allows for real life experience in the classroom, and the low student/teacher ratio allows the teachers, students and parents to better understand each other and support expectations and goals. You have to be committed in making education a priority, and understand as parents, education not only occurs at school, but it takes place at home too, which is where morals, values and ethics should be taught. The teachers are amazing, and it is very clear they are dedicated and have superior backgrounds. The teachers and administration have a vested interest in all who attend there. Atlas does an outstanding job serving the diverse makeup of the individuals who make up the Atlas family. As a long-term committed parent to Atlas and having experienced many decorated educational facilities, Atlas certainly stands out and will make a forever impression as a positive and rewarding learning experience.

Posted: August 12, 2015

The teachers are incredible. Just incredible. You really get to know them and they really care about the kids.

Posted: August 12, 2015

The definitely develop honesty, integrity, and fairness in their students. The books and other literature they choose are chosen in part for this.

Posted: August 11, 2015

This school is a parent cooperative school and the parents are expected to work as co-teachers. It's great because we get to help educate our children!

Posted: August 7, 2015

This will be our 7th year as part of the Atlas family. We had some very specific goals for our children's education and Atlas has met those and more. Being from a bilingual family, we very much wanted our kids to have foreign language included in their curriculum starting in pre-K. Atlas' immersion program has been great for our kids without being overwhelming for students just starting to learn. We also wanted a school which addressed the whole child, not just a score on a standardized test. Atlas emphasizes nutrition, manners, core values and being part of the team as well as teaching individuals at their own pace. With a 6:1 ratio, we know that our kids are getting the attention that they need. Finally, it was important to us to have a school where we felt that we, as parents, were part of the educational team. Atlas is great about keeping parents current on important information but they also want parents to be involved in projects and events at school. This gives us an opportunity to be hands-on and really add to what the kids are learning in the classroom. We couldn't imagine our kids going to any other school.

Posted: August 7, 2015

With a 6:1 ratio, the teachers really get to know each and every kid. They are able to let some move faster or get added complexity to their lessons. Still other kids are able to slow down and spend some extra time learning individual concepts. They are really so pleased when parents are involved. They have great ideas for supplemental learning for individual kids. They are a very dedicated, caring group of educators.

Posted: August 7, 2015

Because Atlas is set up as a co-op school, there is more homework than one would normally see at a public school. The idea is that the teachers set the curriculum and teach the basic concepts. Homework is assigned to reinforce these ideas but its up to the parents to judge how far to take each lesson. There will be times that kids just get through the assigned homework, understand the lesson but don't wish to learn more. There are also times when even after the homework is completed, the kid just needs a little more explanation to really understand. Finally, and here is where I LOVE being part of a co-op school, there are times that your kid finishes their homework and are absolutely fascinated by the lesson. They are eager for more. When you see your kid that excited, it's hard not to share their enthusiasm. Because of the shorten school days and no classes on Fridays, parents have the flexibility to go further with these lessons that their kids love. We go to the library and check out more books on certain topics. I can take the kids (and sometimes several friends) to the tons of local (and often free) museums to get more information. As a result of these extras, my kids are completely comfortable speaking to tour guides and museum curators. They are respectful of rules and behave wonderfully in any public situation. We can choose this topic for one of the assigned projects throughout the year and make posters, videos, or models to learn more. My kids may not remember individual lessons when they grow up, but they will remember that we had the time to have these experiences.

Posted: August 7, 2015

Every month, the director of the school sends parents a newsletter that contains a monthly virtue (in addition to important school updates and dates to remember). The intention of including this virtue every month is so that kids can begin to think about the world outside of themselves and encourage a curriculum as a world citizen not just an academic one. These lessons are discussed by the teachers and parents for reinforcement and so that the kids can ask questions at home or at school.

One of the moms also started a kindness club this year. Any kids and parents interested get together a few times throughout the year and talk about kindness, empathy, inclusion, service to the community, etc. I wondered how many kids would think that it was not cool or that it was too touchy-feely but every meeting there was a great turn out with active participation.

Posted: October 11, 2014

I chose Atlas because of the holistic approach to learning that my children are being offered there. My children are structured and encouraged to perform to the best of their abilities while being provided with the proper tools to succeed. Parents and teachers work as a team, and students are expected to be kind and respectful. The healthy eating policies and daily recesses help make it easy for the children to stay focused during the day. I love the homeschooling aspect encouraged by the school's shortened school days and weeks allowing the parents to work with the children at home on research projects which the children proudly present to their class every other week. We love Atlas!

Posted: October 6, 2014

When we moved to Cary, last year it has been chaotic due to the public school system. With year round schools which is more confusing and disrupting for both parents and children. In my desperation when I found Atlas I was elated. My child used to attend a public school last year. This year when we were arm twisted to attend an year round school, Atlas School was my answer. We are very happy with the school it feels like there is personal attention. Our child takes responsibility for his work and scores higher marks in his tests. Our child also discovered that he is a very creative writer. It makes a world of difference. I just wish there were schools like Atlas. It is not your fancy school but if you want to raise children with good eating habits, good ethics, and to understand academics and actually be interested, inspired towards learning then this is the place to go. They teach two foreign languages, music one on one violin and piano, and they have clubs on fridays along with Saxon math. Super, Super, school. I personally feel that this is cary's best kept secret.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Eagle Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Raleigh	NC	7.8 mi
2	Hedingham	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Raleigh	NC	11.3 mi
3	Winston Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Clayton	NC	15 mi
4	Forest Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Bunnlevel	NC	34.1 mi
5	Anderson Creek Club	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Spring Lake	NC	35.4 mi
6	The Summit	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Sanford	NC	35.4 mi
7	Sunset Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Sanford	NC	35.8 mi
8	Overhills Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Spring Lake	NC	37.3 mi
9	Ellerslie Subdivision	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fayetteville	NC	37.9 mi
10	Carolina Seasons	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Cameron	NC	38.1 mi
11	Castlebrooke	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Linden	NC	38.4 mi
12	Forest Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Cameron	NC	39.3 mi
13	Deerfield	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Spring Lake	NC	41.4 mi
14	Kings Grant	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fayetteville	NC	41.7 mi
15	Stonegate Apartments	Apartment Complex	Spring Lake	NC	43 mi
16	Inverness	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fayetteville	NC	43.1 mi
17	Patriot Park Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fayetteville	NC	43.1 mi
18	Kinwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fayetteville	NC	44 mi
19	College Lakes	Area of Town	Fayetteville	NC	44.4 mi
20	Woodlake	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Vass	NC	44.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Princeton	Princeton	NC	38.7 mi
2	North Ramsey Road	Fayetteville	NC	39.7 mi
3	Spring Lake	Spring Lake	NC	43.1 mi
4	Spring Lake by Ft Bragg Base	Spring Lake	NC	43.5 mi
5	Vass	Vass	NC	46.5 mi

Base	Distance
Raleigh National Guard	3.6 mi.
Pope Field	43.7 mi.
Fort Bragg	49.7 mi.

Atlas International School

Raleigh, NC 27606

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Raleigh, NC 27606

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