Friday, April 5, 2002
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Friday, April 5, 2002 |
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New Christian school opens
The Georgia State Senate celebrated the opening of the new International Learning Academy in Union City by proclaiming April 1 as International Learning Academy Day. Fulton County and Union City also presented the Academy with proclamations. Senator Donzella James, Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards, Fayette County Commission Chairman Greg Dunn and Union City Mayor Pro-tem Shirley Jackson all joined in celebrating the opening of the school. Owners Aston and Monica Peart purchased the property in 2000. Two years and 19 days later the couple proudly opened the first phase of their dream which currently includes a 6,000 sq. ft. school and a large playground. The new private Christian school has gained the support of many in the surrounding community. The building that now houses the cheery school was formerly a community club. It had been vacant for a number of years and was in serious disrepair. Neighbors have expressed their pleasure with the renovations and improvements to the former eyesore. Aston and fellow volunteer renovator Keith Sellers were honored at the grand opening by Senator Donzella James for their many hours of hard work in renovating the property. March 26 was proclaimed Aston O'Brien Peart Day and March 27 Keith Sellers Day by the Georgia State Senate at the behest of James. Peart spent over "8 million minutes" renovating the structure, according to the proclamation. Future plans for the Academy include completion of a new 1,600 sq ft. daycare center with 2 play areas and a 2-story 4800 sq. ft. building that will house over 142 students from infants to 2nd grade. The second phase of the reconstruction should be completed by mid-summer. Albert Jones, a retired elementary principal with over 40 years of experience, will serve as Director. Monica Peart will also be employed full-time at the facility. The Pearts' daughter, Christa, was the first student to be officially enrolled in the school. Christa's mother noted, "She has worked diligently for the past 2 years, sacrificing playtime to help dad and mom hammer and paint the new school she will share with forth-coming students. She is really excited about meeting new friends." The Academy is now enrolling children 6 weeks to 4 years of age. The A Beka curriculum will be utilized beginning at age 2. A Beka, one of the top Christian based curriculum's in the country, weaves the Bible into the course of study. Children learn to write cursive, learn phonics and to read by age four and the spelling and math is considered more advanced than what is typically taught in public schools. The goals of the school are to educate the entire family, provide guidance to new parents and foster two-way learning, provide a stimulating environment for the students to excel and "raise up little Disciples of Christ." The school will offer parenting classes and extended hours of operation. Students will wear uniforms. The school will have secured access, parents can enter and depart with a personal key code at front entrance. Also, classrooms will be videotaped. Students will be able to utilize computers in the classrooms and will learn a foreign language. The Academy will host an open house tomorrow from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The International Learning Academy is located at 3620 Jonesboro Road, Fairburn. For information, 770-306-1234. The school will be open Monday - Friday 7-6:30 p.m.
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