The Gist: North Atlanta parents have a new private school option with the opening of Dunwoody Christsian School. The brand-new school will open its doors Aug. 6 and a ribbon-cutting is being held Aug. 8 at 10 a.m.
The School’s Mission: The mission of the new school is to “partner with parents to develop children who are grounded in Christ-like character, possess exceptional knowledge, and are prepared to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges,” according to the school’s founders, Bob and Cindy Baima. Dunwoody Christian School is a non-denominational, independent, covenant Christian school that promises class sizes of no more than 12 students per class.
Meet The Founders: In addition to serving as the school’s headmaster, Mr. Baima is a chaplain in the US Army Reserve where he trains other Army chaplains. Prior to his leadership at Dunwoody Christian School, Baima enjoyed a two-decade long career at IBM.
Before her career in education, Ms. Baima enjoyed a successful entrepreneur and small business owner. The husband and wife duo also have two children: Abigail, 4, and Nathan, 6.
What grade levels are offered?: Like many private schools, Dunwoody Christian School will start small and grow as its initial classes move up. The school will open with full day Kindergarten through second grade and will add at least one grade per year until it becomes a full K-12 school. The school will follow the DeKalb County School System calendar.
Accountability: Video cameras in each classroom will allow parents to monitor their child’s classroom using an app provided by the school.
Is the school accredited?: Currently, the school is a member in good standing with the Association of Christian Schools International. As the school grows, the founders plan to seek accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: According to the school’s website, founding members can expect an annual tuition of $5,900 for kindergarten and $8,000 for first and second grades. Standard tuition is $8,500 for kindergarten and $11,500 for first and second grade.
Mascot: The school mascot is the lion.
