A new tuition-free, public, charter school that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), will be coming to Camp Timber Ridge in Mableton. Camp Timber Ridge is a parcel of land that spans 270 acres and is owned by the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.
The unique location of Amana Academy West will enable students to get away from the city and enable them to explore, using the natural environment as their classroom. Amana Academy uses the EL Education model from Harvard University, which emphasizes active engagement and critical thinking from students. Ehab Jaleel, Executive Director of Amana Academy, said that the natural landscape of the camp complements the schools’ teaching style.
There will be four cabin-style buildings in which classes will be held. The school will start this fall with classes for those in kindergarten through grade three with about 220 students to be in the first set of classes. Each year the school will add the next oldest grade until the school houses all grades up to grade eight. There will be fieldwork as part of the curriculum. Such new schools and their benefits can be promoted throughout a community with flyer printing.
This partnership is ideal for the Girl Scouts as the camp is filled with Girl Scouts during the summer and some weekends but is vacant throughout the rest of the year.
