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One of Buckhead's best assets is a neighborhood school called E. Rivers Elementary, located at the intersection of Peachtree Battle Avenue and Peachtree Road. E. Rivers is a well-run school with committed teachers and staff, a small student body of approximately 475 students and an active PTA. Most importantly, our parents are very satisfied with the academic progress of their children and the supportive environment in which they are taught. E. Rivers continues to exceed its targets as set by the central office and has achieved Adequate Yearly Progress as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. E. Rivers is a school where each child is celebrated, and every family is made to feel special and a part of a larger, school-wide family.

Our Teachers and staff: The dedicated faculty and staff at E. Rivers make this school a very special place. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees and make it a priority to attend workshops to learn new teaching techniques. Our teacher retention is high, primarily due to the strong bond teachers create between one another and the families they serve. Their strong commitment and positive attitudes are reflected in the excitement of the students. Some interesting statistics about our teachers and staff include:

Our Principal, David White: Our principal began his career in public education right out of undergraduate school in 1991 as a teacher in Gwinnett County.  He came to the Atlanta Public Schools in 1996.  In our district he has taught at Pitts Elementary, provided staff development as a Model Teacher Leader for Math and Science, worked as an Instructional Specialist at Lakewood and Garden Hills Elementary Schools, and served as the Campus Administrator for the Sarah Smith Kindergarten Campus.  He holds degrees from East Tennessee State University and Oglethorpe University with leadership credentials from Georgia State University and Clark Atlanta University. David is eager to begin his second year at E. Rivers and looks forward to a long tenure here.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP)

Our teachers, parents and administration are focused on improving the quality of education at E. Rivers and fulfilled a Atlanta Public School system mandate to seek full accreditation as an International Baccalaureate School.

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Primary Years Program (PYP) focuses on the whole child through international education. It addresses the social, physical, emotional and cultural needs of the child. The curriculum gives students the essential elements to synthesize the area of study through a strong foundation in all major areas of knowledge, understanding the concepts taught, applying the skills, having positive attitudes and strength of character and acting on these elements. The IB PYP develops an international perspective - to become aware and sensitive to the points of view of people and other parts of the world. The philosophy of personal integrity and good behavior is woven into the fabric of the IB Primary Years Program.

E. Rivers Elementary is proud to be an authorized International Baccalaureate World School.  Every student at E. Rivers receives instruction via an internationally acclaimed model known as the Primary Years Programme.  Teachers at E. Rivers began learning about IB and preparing units of inquiry during 2004. These units of inquiry spring from six IB Themes: Who We Are, Where We Are in Time and Place, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves and Sharing the Planet. Georgia's Performance Standards are embedded within these six units.

Academic programs: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies are taught within the context of the IB PYP curriculum with the expertise of our experienced teachers. Other excellent courses offered at E. Rivers include French, health, music, band or orchestra, physical education and art. These special areas are integrated into the IB units of inquiry, as well. Daily French instruction and lessons are provided to grades K-5. A strong English as a Second Language Program (ESOL) is provided to our international students. Additionally, a state funded Pre-K program is housed at the E. Rivers campus. Enrollment is offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Grassroots initiatives:

Academic Performance: E. Rivers continues to exceed the targets set by the central office. In addition, E. Rivers made Adequate Yearly Progress as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Because E. Rivers is enriched with a diverse student body; a portion of the students do not speak English as a first language. When standardized test results are published, all of the students are reflected, including those who may have entered our country during the school year, and who speak English only as a second language. E. Rivers parents have high expectations and are quite satisfied with the individual test results of their children and the education they receive. Whether parents choose for their children to remain in the public school system or shift into private education, the 5th grade graduating students consistently excel in both environments. Additionally, E. Rivers students have an excellent acceptance rate into private institutions.

The children and their community: E. Rivers serves residents in several neighborhoods including Peachtree Battle, Peachtree Hills, Berkeley Park, Ardmore Park, Loring Heights, Collier Hills, Brookwood Hills, and Underwood Hills. Our student population has representation from over 35 countries. We find that this exposure in early childhood to children from other countries is a benefit and gift to all of our children. The average class size is 18 students, with kindergarten and special needs classes also supported by a paraprofessional.

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