The Mount Vernon School

Students who attend The Mount Vernon School are empowered to discover, explore, learn, design, create, and effect change. The School provides a platform for possibilities with limitless paths for impact where learning is amplified through real-world problem-solving. Students have big ideas and when their teachers really know each individual`s curiosities and passions, incredible things can happen. Mount Vernon is a school of inquiry, innovation, and impact. Grounded in Christian values, we prepare all students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. As a co-educational day school for more than 1250 students in Preschool through Grade 12, Mount Vernon is a destination for students who want to design a better world. As the conditions are set for learners to excel in college, career, and citizenship, Mount Vernon understands the formula required for success: a clear and compelling mission, cultural norms inviting people to step outside of their comfort zone, design principles, and practices that guide teaching and learning, and six significant mindsets resulting in a powerful experience. Celebrating over 50 years, Mount Vernon is expanding its footprint with graduates being accepted to schools such as Harvard University, Stanford University, United States Military Academy West Point, Barnard College, American University, University of California - Santa Barbara, Georgetown College, Swarthmore College, University of Colorado, Auburn University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia. Mount Vernon students don`t have to wait for their ideas to matter. The work they do today can change the world and impact tomorrow. We don`t have to wait and see what the future holds. We can design a better world together, today.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

• Grades: Prekindergarten-12
• Yearly Tuition: $29,350
• Average class size: 21 students
• Application Deadline: Jan. 25 / rolling
• Source: Verified school update

School News

Video interview with Collin Maher, Mount Vernon Upper School Student and creator of the Cocoa Classic Charitable 5K.

Two Mount Vernon Upper School students were honored for giving back and making an impact in the 20 Under 20 list of 2024.

Meet the Class of 2023's Valedictorian and Salutatorian and learn how they made an impact both on and off campus.

Top Rankings

School Overview

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Georgia Accrediting Commission
Atlanta Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS)
Cognia
National Association of College Admissions Counselors

Student Body

Academics and Faculty

AP Biology, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics 1 and C, AP Statistics, AP US History, AP World History

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Sports

Ballet, Baseball , Basketball, Cheering , Cross Country, Dance , Diving, E-sports , Flag Football, Football , Golf, Gymnastics , Lacrosse, Soccer , Softball, Swimming , Tennis, Track and Field , Volleyball, Weightlifting , Wrestling

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:
Business and Entrepreneurship Club, Chess Club, Community Service Clubs, FIRST Robotics, Foreign Language Clubs, Interact Club, Math/Science Club, Student Council

Arts and Music Programs:
Literary Magazine, Thespian Society

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Mustangs in Training

School Notes

• In the last 10 years, Mount Vernon has experienced exponential growth in enrollment, partnered with major corporations, transformed teaching and learning, received exceptional accreditation status, expanded athletic and arts programs, and served as a consulting agency for hundreds of schools and educators throughout the world. The School has become a nationally recognized innovative independent school and brand in Atlanta and throughout the country.
• After GraduationRecent graduates include National Merit Commended Scholars, Morehead-Cain Finalists, QuestBridge Finalists, STAMPS Scholars, and signed collegiate athletes. Alumni go on to attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States including Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, UPenn, US Naval Academy, Brown, Yale, USC, Dartmouth, Virginia, Tulane, UNC Chapel Hill, Morehouse, Davidson, SCAD, Richmond, Wake Forest, Michigan, Pepperdine, and many more. After college, Mount Vernon Alumni can be found working in the fast-paced world of social media for NBA teams, living and working internationally in Paris for global tech companies, pioneering new technologies in Silicon Valley for companies like Meta, and serving our country as medical, nuclear, and technological specialists in the military.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application deadline for The Mount Vernon School is Jan. 25 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 25 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Related Schools

People that viewed The Mount Vernon School also viewed these schools: Pace Academy, The Westminster Schools, The Galloway School, The Lovett School and Springmont School.

School Reviews

The Mount Vernon School has been a wonderful fit for our son and family. We have witnessed many times over the way remarkable teachers and faculty thoughtfully guide and support students through challenges and successes. The school truly encourages students to explore personal interests, makes that exploration accessible and upholds kindness as a core value. It's small enough be creative but large enough to provide opportunities of all kinds. Academically, Mount Vernon challenges without overwhelming and is intentional in teaching children how to think, learn and analyze instead of teaching them what to think or focusing on memorization. We are confident Mount Vernon is preparing our son for his future. We are thankful to be part of a school community entirely focused on helping children of all ages, backgrounds and talents thrive.

Our children began their educational career at Mount Vernon (MV) six years ago. Our oldest started in Kindergarten; our youngest in the "Young 3`" Preschool program. From the moment we visited MV and heard Dr. Brett Jacobsen share his vision for our children's educational journey, the school's philosophies, and their commitment to preparing students to be college-ready and well-positioned for the jobs of the future (many of which don`t even exist yet), we knew we were destined to become Mount Vernon Mustangs! The "MV mindset" encourages children to be children— allowing them to individually learn through inquiry. Unlike traditional learning environments, MV encourages their students to always lead with questions. This culture of curiosity can be seen throughout every classroom and in every hallway. MV makes learning relevant for their students, whether it be through innovation, collaborative learning, or individual-based, more introspective projects. The teachers and staff challenge the students by teaching them not only what to learn but how to learn. Beyond the classroom, there are many extracurricular sports and interests to explore as well. The after-school programs are diverse and range from dance, robotics, chess, yoga, jewelry making, golf, and beyond. If you`re a parent who likes to volunteer, there are plenty of ways to get involved-inside and outside of the classroom. We have really enjoyed the sense of community we've experienced and have witnessed our kids thriving as a result of smaller classroom sizes, teacher and staff accessibility, and MV's very hands-on approach to children's individual learning styles and skillsets! What we love the most about MV is that they are unwavering in their commitment to prepare college-ready students, but they are equally committed to ensuring their students become good, community-minded citizens.

We've been at MV for 3 yrs, but when my daughters were new, they were warmly welcomed & made many new friends immediately! Mount Vernon's exceptional teachers, small classes, expeditionary learning, project-based curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, & the innovative & family culture are why we chose this school. Relationships are foundational. Staff are passionate, dedicated & loving. As of 2/20, students have been accepted to Penn, NYU, Tufts, Vassar, Furman, Davidson, UGA, GA Tech, Emory, W/ over 30% enrolling in their 1st choice, & $5.3M in scholarships (excluding HOPE). MV, rated in the US top 10 for most innovative schools, has a robust integrated humanity & STEAM curriculum. Teachers relate content to the real world with experts, design thinking, field trips, etc. "Innovation Diploma" students work on projects with organizations such as, Delta, Porsche, AT&T, CDC & designed a Virtual Reality program to help patients at CHOA W/ physical therapy with games. We highly recommend Mount Vernon!

We moved to Mount Vernon in 6th grade this year and every expectation we had has been exceeded. Every teacher and administrator consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our son's success (both in and out of the classroom). As a new student, our son has especially appreciated how warm and welcoming everyone has been and the immediate opportunities to get involved in multiple activities. In addition to the large number of opportunities, the administration and teachers have encouraged his desire to create a new community service project. Mount Vernon is constantly refining its curriculum in an unrivaled dedication to preparing its students for the future. Creative, multi-disciplinary real-world problem solving is but one aspect of this.

As a new MV family we could not be happier! When searching for a school, our priority was to find a place where our daughter would be happy and successful. The faculty set a wonderful example for the kids of what it means to serve. I often see Dr Jacobsen, Head of School, opening doors for students at Lower School carpool in the mornings. I love that there are so many ways to get involved as a parent. Prayer group, book club, Parent University presentations, weekly Chapel, arts/athletic events, volunteer opportunities. There are ample ways to get involved and feel connected. MV truly values every member of the community. MV is at the forefront of best teaching practices and innovative ways to engage every kind of learner. Teachers collaborate together to ensure the best possible learning environment for every student. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and my daughter's transition has been smooth and seamless. We are so grateful to be a part of the MV family!

This is a great, inclusive, growing community that supports a fantastic academic institution that continually strives to innovate and expand its offerings to its students. There are great academic programs with a full, college prep ciriculum complimented by outstanding athletics, arts, technology and unique learning experience programs. Top notch faculty, administration and facilities. This is a virbrant school with lofty goals and a relentless pursuit of excellence. And it is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive place to learn.

We have had our kids at Mount Vernon since our oldest was in 2nd grade and our youngest was in Young Fives. Every year just seems to get better and better. My oldest is now a Freshman and is in the Innovation Diploma program. It is an absolutely amazing program that my oldest loves. They are currently helping a major airline find ways to better detect human trafficking victims. How fantastic is it that a high school student gets to do something like that! I keep up with my Alma Mater, and so much of what Mount Vernon is doing is with curriculum and innovation is exactly what Mount Vernon is doing. Impressive! I highly recommend the school.

I love Mount Vernon Presbyterian School! Probably my favorite thing about the school is the small community feel. Smaller class sizes are extremely beneficial for my children. Additionally, when you do have an issue, there is someone there to meet with you or help you over the phone with your issue. Being small however, does not mean that they can`t offer both literature and grammar classes, a wide variety of sports, and many products of the arts (my personal fav). I knew I was at the right place when my child`s teacher sent a personally hand written note thanking us for a great year!

Our son has been attending Mount Vernon for the past 3 years. He started when he was 18 month in the Toddler class. Our time at Mount Vernon has been invaluable and we are so excited that we chose to send our son there.; The small class sizes along with the attentive staff and faculty have done nothing but exceed our expectations. Our son has been able to flourish in the classroom environments where teachers encourage students to truly be kids by playing and discovering. This past year, my son's teachers discovered how interested the students were in learning about bridges. Not only did they teach the class about different types of bridges and where you might find them, they took them on a field trip to see bridges up close and personal! The extra step by taking these young students to visit the bridges not only shows the dedication that the teachers and administration have to the students, but that they truly care about creating relevant experiences that are worth remembering. Our experience has been nothing short of stellar and we know that sending our son here is absolutely worth the investment. We look forward to each upcoming year and how he will grown academically and socially.

Everyone at MVPS shares the vision described by the school`s administrators. It`s impressive how everyone has a solid grasp of what it means to be an innovative school of learning and how consistently everyone is on the same page. Everyone is caring and engaging .The teachers and administrators challenge themselves as well as the students which creates a great learning environment. Our kids learn and enjoy school.We had some apprehension about our kids adjusting to a new school where they knew few students. It couldn`t have gone better for them. The students (and the teachers and parents) were exceptionally welcoming. Our kids like their teachers, made new friends, got involved in extracurricular activities (theater and sports) and are successfully challenged academically. There`s high parent engagement and we have benefited from the "Parent University" events which provide opportunities to connect and learn about topics around our children`s development in and out of school.

Love MVPS! Their way of teaching has truly benefited our son - I love how they provide real life challenges in their every day learnings. innovation, teamwork and collaboration. They always go above and beyond. Very family friendly and the 'smallness' creates a close knit atmosphere where everyone knows everybody and it's all for one/one for all. I love the fact that the children my son is in school with now will be with him all through school since Kindergarten.

Our family is so glad we found Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. We were encouraged to consider MVPS while going through the outplacement process at my daughter`s previous school. Once we toured, we decided to go ahead a transfer my son in the first grade we loved it so much. We really wanted a family school that both our children with unique learning styles could attend. MVPS has allowed my gregarious daughter to be excited about learning and share her excitement through outside of the box, multi-sensory learning. My son, who was more introverted at the time, was encourage to step outside of his box and learn important presentation and speaking skills. They both are thriving through amazing teachers and administrators who genuinely care about their learning and success. Both of our kids have the opportunity to explore subjects and interests near and dear to their hearts. They are continually stretched and encouraged to accomplish amazing learning goals they never would have set for themselves. The MVPS community is caring and loving. One of our main reasons for choosing MVPS was the feeling we got while touring the school and developing relationships with teachers and families. We felt like the teachers really love their careers and wanted to be at the school teaching. After four years being a part of the MVPS community those feelings are still validated. MVPS is just as concerned about developing good citizens and people as they are about developing college ready students.

After four years at MVPS, we remain impressed with the school's overall commitment to our daughter's educational experience. The Lower School teachers have been nurturing, enthusiastic, challenging, and driven to ensure the children embrace each of the School's mindsets. The staff is super -- always happy to help with a smile! Faculty and administration dive deeply to engage students' curiosity and desire to seek solutions. We love our school!

It takes a village to raise our children and we are so fortunate to have the MVPS family as an integral part of our village. MVPS cultivates a community of academic success but also empowers students to be engaged leaders who will leave an indelible mark on the world. Students are not molded to the culture of the school; rather, the school reflects the beautiful tapestry of talents and passions of its students. MVPS is cultivating a generation of young people who can lead with compassion and serve with humility. We are so proud to be a part of this extraordinary extended family.

MVPS is a fantastic school with top notch teachers and administrators that not only care for the students but also challenge them to be innovators. We have been at the school for 3 years now and we have been very impressed. In addition, MVPS staff does a great job of creating events for parents to get together and you feel a real sense of a community - very family oriented.

This is our 5th year at MVPS and we have been so pleased with our experience. We currently have 1st and 5th graders enrolled. Mount Vernon is a school like no other around. It is a warm, family friendly atmosphere with personable faculty and staff who LOVE our kids and daily empower and engage with students. Our children are taught to think creatively, critically and collaboratively. They are given real life challenges for solution seeking. Students are constantly moving within the classroom, around campus, and work with different grade levels for collaboration. They are challenged, valued, and taught to be solution seekers. I feel like one of the biggest things that sets Mount Vernon apart from other schools is the empathy and compassion that is encouraged and taught and practiced. I feel like my children are learning the right skills to be good and productive citizens in society. Our family also appreciates the Christian Education piece taught through a class and weekly chapel. Mount Vernon also values the arts and exposes children to art class, spanish, and drama. Children have both Physical Education and outdoor play time daily. MVPS believes in a strong core education but also in letting kids be kids. We love our school! I encourage you to check it out!

This is our second year (began in 9th grade) at MVPS and we couldn't be happier. Our daughter was afraid that it would be difficult to meet people and make new friends because many of the students have been there since lower school. That could not have been further from the truth. She was able to try out for volleyball prior to the school year beginning and met many people that way. She also made plenty of friends once the school year began. As far as academics are concerned, we are so pleased. The school gives emphasis on LEARNING and not just assessing. Our daughter has made the "Head of School" list (4.0 or higher) both years. The school is also becoming more competitive, which is a good thing! On a side note, we are from a different religious background and have always felt that the school is very open and inclusive.

We've been associated with MVPS for more than 12 years and made the choice twice to send our sons there (the second time after we had moved out of state for five years). The strides the school is making are evident every day and it is already an outstanding institution. The school has the resources and commitment to create engaging educational opportunities every day for children in all grades and areas of interest. The administration's commitment to innovation and new methods of learning is an outstanding example of where this school expects itself and its students to be headed - toward world class learning experiences and success. This is a school that will help any child with any interest.

I cannot say enough good things about Mount Vernon. My older daughter attended another private school and found school boring and did not like it, and as such, I started looking at other schools. When I went to Mount Vernon's open house, I was so impressed with the school and literally felt blessed to have discovered it. My daughter started in 2nd grade, and it was as though her light switch flipped on. She became another kid and started absolutely loving school. She is now in 7th grade and actually still cries when school is over in the summer, because she loves it that much., and cannot wait for the new year to start. What strikes me about Mount Vernon is that it is all about the students and how they can be engaged in their learning and pushed to achieve. In our old school, it seemed to be all about the teachers and administration. And, the teachers at Mount Vernon are absolutely unbelievable. When I attended 7th grade curriculum night this year, I could not get over how impressive the teachers are. And it is like that every year! I also love how Mount Vernon is really leading the way in how to educate our children in the 21st century. I see correlations between what they are doing and what the universities I attended are doing, and that really excites me. Last but not least the school community itself is wonderful between the school leadership, teacher, parents and students. We love our school!! I should mention that my younger daughter started school there, so she has not known any other place and she loves it as well.

This is our second year with 2 young kids at Mount Vernon, and we are more impressed each day. The teachers and administration are caring, friendly and loving towards our children. The sense of community attracted us first, but we also love the modern teaching strategies and creative classroom environments. With small classes, our son in first grade receives one-on-one attention daily. His reading skills and comprehension are very strong, and he talks excitedly about taking math tests in an effort to beat his previous "personal best" scores. He also begs to go to school early each day for play time with friends before class begins! Our daughter in the preschool program is thriving and making friends as well. We love this school and recommend it to everyone we meet with school-age children or little ones not yet in school (the ELC - early learning center - is a wonderful place for babies aka "MV Littles"!)

My daughter has been going to MVPS since she was in Kindergarten. I love the small class size the teachers take the time to know each student and help gear the classroom experience toward them. Great trips ever year when you are in High School. Just a great school to attend.

We picked the RIGHT SCHOOL! The intellectual energy on the entire campus is amazing. The way the entire staff energizes you is so uplifting. I love what my son is learning, but more importantly how he is learning to think! In addition, there is a real family feel. children are known and celebrated! A great combination of nurturing environment and challenging opportunities. Supportive teachers and faculty work hard to help every student become confident and capable. My son has come out of his shell and found his place! I hear everyday about "What I have learned" and "Mommy do you know that. I am astounded by the teachers and entire faculty that support my son daily. This is the best kept secret of Atlanta!

We have been at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School for 8 years. We started in the 3 day 3's program and currently have a 3rd and 5th grader. We were very happy with our choice of school 8 years ago, but over the last 3 years, we have become truly ecstatic about the direction that Brett Jacobsen and the leadership of MVPS has taken the school. The school focuses on creating the "Mount Vernon Mind", teaching our boys to be innovators, creative thinkers, ethical decision makers, and truly, my boys are not only learning about these terms, they are truly embracing the behaviors. and we couldn't be happier.

I am a grandparent and very proud of three at MVPS. I just read Dr. Jacobsen's address--WOW! The world needs to know about Mt. Vernon. How fortunate for my grandkids and their parents to be a part of this exceptional school. Rosalie J. Link (The Hale family)

We have been at MVPS for 7 years and have seen many changes, all for the best! The school offers an excellent academic program and is improving every year. The teachers are amazing and they engage students in innovative and inventive curriculum to extend the learning process. Many extracurricular opportunities are available including sports, service and arts. Sports teams are increasingly competitive, yet accessible, after the switch to GHSA. Highly recommend MVPS for it's balanced approach to develop a well rounded, college ready child.

I love this school! It has been great for me. I am currently enrolled in the class of 2018 at the Upper School. Most teachers are amazing and really work hard to help you. I am part of The Innovation Diploma Program which is a start up where so far groups have done things like design a recycling bin that saves space and persuades students to recycle recyclables instead of throw them away. Other groups have work on designing a public space for Atlanta that will be implemented in the community soon. Other groups have learned to use tools like laser cutters, Carvey and many other tools like saws, drills, and soldering irons. With Innovation Diploma I was also given the chance to participate in Council on Innovation where we worked with entrepreneurs from across Atlanta. I would recommend this school for anyone who wants to have amazing opportunities and learn a lot at the same time.

Everything about MVPS is OUTSTANDING -- Dr. Jacobsen is a phenomenal leader, the administrative team and teachers are creative and truly care about our children, the innovative activities they do with our children are so engaging and fun, the extra activities they have for our children are so diverse and unique (they have lacrosse now too starting with middle school), I could go on and on! My family has been part of the MVPS family for six years (we have a first grader and a third grader), and I am just in awe of how the School is so open to change and new methods of thinking and teaching. There is no "textbook curriculum" at MVPS that you can get at any other school. The administrative team and teachers collaborate together with national and international educational leaders and design their own lesson plans and a truly unique program for our children that I think really encourages learning and global responsibility. I am amazed at what my children know and how much they have learned! High school is a few years off for us, but I look at how the MVPS high school students speak, conduct themselves and interact with my young children and adults and each other, and I am highly impressed.

Terrific acedemic environment- the teachers are creative and engageing. Athletic programs develop the athlete and the leaders!

The teachers at MVPS are superb! They are dedicated to student learning and always go above and beyond. Wonderful opportunities for students to participate in a wide variety of "extras." A very family oriented school with lots of opportunities for parent involvement. Interim week for Upper School students is fantastic---travel experiences have been outstanding.

Great school. 2 of our kids graduated from there and got early decision offers to their top choice colleges. Last child is still in the high school. All 3 have loved the school. Academics are good to excellent and have improved each year. Availability to just about any sport is excellent. Only major sport not offered is Lacrosse. Great system of academic and athletic awards, and the student leadership system is also outstanding. Very personalized atmosphere and open to new ideas. I''d also say there is an innovative and global emphasis to the school which is pleasantly surprising.

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