CV classes have two co-teachers. That means two full-time co-teachers who collaborate, plan, and deliver instruction together, not a lead teacher and an associate. In addition to two co-lead teachers, classrooms also have a full-time teaching assistant. We’re committed to providing small group, differentiated instruction to meet our students’ needs, and our teaching model allows us to do that.

We prepare students in a comprehensive way, including the development of their executive function skills. These critical skills set students up for success both in the classroom and in life. Even our youngest students start discussing these skills at developmentally appropriate levels, and they continue to practice and hone these skills as they grow.

Academic rigor at CV is about challenging students cognitively and giving them opportunities to develop skills, resilience, and grit. We pride ourselves on really knowing our students, and our small group, differentiated instruction truly allows our teachers to challenge and support each student to maximize their growth and development.

Kids need to play. It’s not just fun, it’s also an opportunity for students to work on cooperating, sharing, negotiating, and other interpersonal skills. All CV students have recess daily, and our younger students even enjoy it twice a day!

It’s important for students to have the skills to complete and be responsible for their own work, but in most schools, the amount of homework is excessive and unnecessary. CV students have an age-appropriate amount of homework that helps them develop independence and responsibility. We also offer homework time as an after school option where students can complete their work in a quiet and focused environment. This means most homework is completed before heading home and students can enjoy family time and extracurriculars once they leave for the day!

As important as earth, life, and physical science, computer science is an essential part of CV students’ experience in grades 3-8. Coding, programming, 3D-printing, robotics, and digital citizenship are the foundation for our program. Students also learn age-appropriate computer skills that help support their learning and creativity in the classroom.

One of our hallmark enrichment programs, the outdoor classroom is a second science program in addition to our regular science curriculum. CV students spend time planting, caring for, and enjoying our courtyard and rooftop garden spaces throughout the four seasons. They also explore and learn on the nature trail behind the school.

Younger students serve in our school community by collecting recycling, distributing lunches, running the school store, and caring for our outdoor spaces. 

Older students work in partnership with organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Children Inspiring Hope to serve the greater community, both locally and globally.

We know CV students are going to take tests in high school, college, and beyond, so we help them become good test takers. We don’t create an unnecessary, high-stress testing environment; we help students learn good strategies for testing. We wait until third grade to start working on those skills, and students only test for one week during the school year.

A time-honored tradition at Cliff Valley, every Friday morning, students and teachers in grades K-8 gather in the gym for a brief assembly. Parents are always welcome to attend, and many make time each week to connect with the community and see our student body in action. Each assembly opens with the Jump and concludes with the school song. Students also have a chance to practice public speaking skills as they highlight important moments from the week and acknowledge one another for notable acts of kindness, respect, and responsibility.

Travel develops independence, flexibility, and an appreciation for new places (and home!). Starting in Kindergarten, CV students take multiple field trips around town to explore Atlanta in conjunction with their classroom curriculum. In third grade, classes begin annual overnight excursions. These trips take place in Georgia or throughout the southeast to various environmental education centers.

We want parents to be actively involved in and benefit from our community. We provide opportunities for you to be involved as much as you would like, but we understand that working parents may have limited availability. Opportunities are here as parents’ schedules permit, and we’re grateful for their time and talent.

We want you to know how your child is doing. We publish three progress reports with extensive narratives during the year, and you’ll also get a brief progress report every week to update you on your child’s progress.

Cliff Valley graduates go on to succeed at excellent independent and public schools. We take time and care with our 8th graders and their parents to make sure they consider all of their options and go on to the right school. Here’s a sample of schools our graduates have gone on to for high school and beyond.