Cliff Valley School Expands Footprint

The is in the final stages of an expansion project that will add more classroom space and other facilities to its Clairmont Road campus. Work began last fall on a 25,000-square-foot two-story addition.

Founded in 1966 as an independent cooperative pre-school, the institution moved into its existing building in 2004. Designed by Atlanta architect Eric Brock, the initial modernist building cost $6 million and was the first phase in the school’s master plan.

Once the new addition is completed, the school will have a complete pre-K through eighth grade curriculum. This is the second expansion for the school. In 2000, Cliff Valley School began its elementary program. When the new wing opens later this year, the school will begin accepting middle school students.

The new wing will be green, according to the school’s website. It is being constructed to Southcraft EarthCraft Light standards to maximize energy and water efficiency. In addition to the new classrooms, the new building will house athletic facilities, a science lab, an art room, and a music room.

The Cliff Valley School currently has about 250 students enrolled. It uses what school leaders described in a 2004 Georgia Trend article as “inquiry based learning” where grades dialogue between educators and parents replace traditional grades and report cards.