Around Alpharetta/Milton/Windward
“I don’t want to go to school today!” Countless numbers of parents have had to coax their children out of bed and to their classrooms hearing them exclaim this all too familiar phrase, often while wondering themselves, “Is there anywhere my child would want to go to school?” Chrysalis Experiential Academy was created to provide an environment where the students are excited about learning, eager to participate, and look forward to what each day will offer them — and it’s working!
You can often tell a lot about an organization by looking at their name. Chrysalis Experiential Academy took great care in creating their identity, making sure who they are and what they do is reflected in the first thing you hear about them. A butterfly goes through numerous stages to become the beauty it is. Young people are similar in that they learn, grow, and succeed through a process of transformation, the “Chrysalis”; and in this process, they develop wings. Learning does not happen through simply assimilating information and being able to repeat what you’ve heard — it’s “Experiential!” At Chrysalis Experiential Academy students learn through discovery: science takes place while hiking in the mountains or snorkeling in the coral reefs. Students write, read and publish their own poetry, build their own computers, and serve their community and their peers through various projects. And, as an “Academy,” the goal is excellence, fostered in an environment of encouragement and where students move at their own pace.
Chrysalis Experiential Academy is a fully accredited, non-profit organization whose mission is to “provide students with a rigorous experiential, multi-sensory learning environment that will not only prepare them for all their future endeavors, but will also enable them to become responsible, viable members of the school and greater community.” The accreditation came just a short two years after Chrysalis opened, a remarkable feat for the school. Richard Becker and Arlene Rotter are the directors of Chrysalis Experiential Academy. With these goals as their focus, they’ve created many learning environments that enable the students to get the most out of their education. One of the most popular amongst the students, parents and staff are the “Poetry at Starbucks” events. On these evenings students are welcomed to share poetry and sing songs they have written for local patrons and the community and sometimes parents get involved reading their own poetry. The students’ self-esteem and confidence amongst their peers is hugely impacted with these opportunities. As well as, many of the student’s poems and artwork have been published and sold on Amazon.com, all serving to make learning fun, personally fulfilling, and to build strong futures.
Recently, a local member of the community showed her support of Chrysalis Experiential Academy by making an historical donation to the school. Aware that Chrysalis’ students have been involved in historic research and philanthropic projects since the school’s inception, Dr. Floride Gardner of Milledgeville, GA., a supporter of the Academy and experiential education, donated hundreds of pages of both cut and uncut Georgia-printed Confederate money that was produced by a printing company once owned by her family. The students wasted no time in turning the invaluable gift into an authentic learning experience. The economics class was given the task of determining the value of the gift and what should be done with the historic artifacts in accord with the wishes of the donor, once again giving students a chance to have hands-on experience with their education. Another great community involvement effort was seen as the students helped the Roswell Senior Center, building raised beds for flowers and plants. “They built the beds just the right height for seniors who are wheel chair bound, so that they could plant and tend to the garden by just reaching over and planting,” said Richard Becker.
Chrysalis Experiential Academy students can also enjoy a great athletic program. “We had a student who joined us who wasn’t at all excited about school or joining an athletic program, but once she joined our basketball team she has come out of her shell. We are so proud of her,” Arlene said.
As you can see Chrysalis Experiential Academy has gone over and above the normal requirements of the educational system to provide their students with the most long-term success possible. There are no limits to what a child can achieve if given the opportunity to learn in a positive environment filled with possibilities. Over 98% of Chrysalis graduates matriculate to universities and colleges. Are you concerned your children’s education isn’t preparing them for life in the real world? Do you desire to see them excel not just academically but in every area of life? Chrysalis Experiential Academy is the place where your children’s academic success and active participation into community life can become realities. Chrysalis staff invites you to visit the campus at 10 Mansell Court East, Suite 500, in Roswell, give them a call at (770) 649-7077, or visit their website at www.chrysalisexp.org.