Private schools offer choices of educational styles

As one Columbia County private school opened a week ago another was getting ready to do the same thing on Tuesday

Augusta Christian Schools welcomed about 660 students on its first day of classes, August 9. Augusta Preparatory Day School will open its doors this week to about 540 students, its most ever.

Teachers and staff at Augusta Christian, a Christian-based learning institution on Baston Road in Martinez, began a new year of improving minds while nursing souls.

"We're a true Christian school where our students engage in Bible study everyday in class," Augusta Christian Headmaster Joel Woodcock said. "We're developing good students, but we're also developing Kingdom leaders."

By contrast, Augusta Prep, which is located on Flowing Wells Road in Martinez, prizes its status as the only area private school without a religious affiliation, said Helen Stephens, the school's director of development.

Something the two schools share is the ability to offer programs and a learning environment that isn't available at public schools.

Both offer foreign language instruction at the elementary school level. Augusta Christian teaches Spanish, and Augusta Prep teaches Spanish and French.

The private schools also limit class sizes to offer students more individual attention.

Augusta Prep caps class sizes at 18 pupils. Augusta Christian limits class sizes to 18 pupils in its elementary school and as many as 24 in high school.

"There is no back row in our school," Stephens said. "All kids are engaged in active learning here.

"It's a place where everybody knows your name. The teachers know all the students and vice-versa. There are relationships that are critical to the learning process. Kids aren't afraid to come in and ask for help."

Woodcock agreed.

"We're like a large family," he said.

ANNUAL TUITION

Augusta Christian Schools:

High and Middle School: $5,834

Elementary School: $4,800

Augusta Preparatory Day School:

Upper School: $9,750

Middle School (grades 5-8): $8,400

Lower School: $7,600

Pre-kindergarten: $4,200