Stone Mountain School ‘Dream Team’ Facilitates Academic Growth in a Therapeutic Environment

What makes a good education? The books children read? The school they attend? While a number of factors contribute to a quality high school education, teachers are the ones who impart critical knowledge and skills to the next generation. A “dream team” of teachers leads the academic program at Stone Mountain School, a therapeutic boarding school for boys with ADHD and other emotional, behavioral and learning issues. Here is just a sampling of the talent between the four walls of the classroom at Stone Mountain:

• John Steele, Certified English and Social Studies Teacher – A successful author of over 40 books who is published in more than 10 languages
• Eric Morlino, Career Technical Education Teacher – An avid outdoorsman who brings more than 10 years of teaching experience to his students
• Frank “Paco” Marmolejos, English and Spanish Teacher – A New York City native, Mr. Marmolejos has taught at Stone Mountain School for over 10 years
• Karen O’Rourke, Language Therapist – A master’s level Orton-Gillingham instructor who provides one-on-one language support to students
• Michael Reardon, Fine Arts Teacher – An internationally recognized artist and National Board Certified Teacher, Mr. Reardon works with students on murals, painting, drawing, ceramics and other forms of artistic expression
• Carlos Barnes, Teacher & Interpreter – A retired CEO of a multi-national corporation who provides instructional support across the curriculum

These are just a few of the people that represent the face of education at Stone Mountain School. Education plays an integral role in developing an adolescent’s self-esteem and helping to establish an internal expectation of success. In support of this goal, Stone Mountain School has endeavored to assemble, retain, train and support one of the finest collections of educators working in college-prep education today. With 11 full-time teachers and learning-support specialists, Stone Mountain School is able to maintain an enviable teacher-to-student ratio, with most classes having only six or seven students, while also providing access to one-on-one support for every student who needs additional help. At Stone Mountain School, each student receives a full academic assessment and a detailed Individualized Academic Plan upon enrollment. Instruction is designed to provide both remediation and compensatory strategies for students with learning differences. Academic goals are reviewed quarterly and revised as necessary. Teachers have a profound impact on their students. Even as adults most of us can remember a teacher who lent their support at just the right time to leave an impression decades later. When choosing a school for your child, get to know the teachers who will spend each day educating your child. As our children’s keepers, teachers can set the groundwork for a lifetime love for learning.