Academics

The Academic Difference
K–5th grades

Welcome to Morris Brandon an IB school of excellence! There are currently 1,200 students enrolled in K–5th grades with 50 certified classroom teachers on both campuses. In addition, there are certified teachers specializing in art, music, writing, French, physical education, orchestra, band, speech and language pathology, Challenge (gifted program), Programs for Exceptional Children, and the Early Intervention Program. Over 70% of the Morris Brandon certified staff has earned advanced degrees. There are 10 classroom paraprofessionals who work with the kindergarten classes. Our average student teacher ratio is 20:1.

We think you will find that two campuses operating as one school make Morris Brandon the “Place to Bee”.

International Baccalaureate Program

Challenge

The Morris Brandon Challenge Program (Gifted & Talented Program) is designed to meet the needs of gifted learners through an advanced curriculum. Our Challenge students meet one full day a week with their challenge teacher on projects and activities that promote critical thinking through shared inquiry.

We have 5 excellent Challenge Teachers Ms. Connelly, Ms. Hopkins, Ms. Kendall, Ms. McDonald & Dr. Porter. Dr. Porter is our Challenge Team Leader.

Challenge is offered to Grades 2-5 with testing beginning near the end of 1^st Grade

Challenge participation is based on the Georgia Eligibility Criteria for Gifted Programs.

Criteria tests include the CogAT (Mental Ability), ITBS or Terra Nova (Achievement), SSQ or Torrance Test (Creativity, this only given to ages 8 and up) & the Renzulli or Motivator (Motivation).

For questions regarding the Challenge Program please contact:

Dr. Tusha Porter (Challenge Team Leader) tporter@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Jennifer Srouji (PTA Challenge Coordinator) jenn.srouji@gmail.com

Please CLICK HERE for an important update from Gyimah Whitaker, APS Gifted Education Coordinator, regarding fall referral achievement testing and Gifted eligibility (dated January 9, 2012).

Please CLICK HERE for information from APS regarding Gift Program Testing & Eligibility informational meetings. There is a meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Sarah Smith Elementary Intermediate Campus.

Band/Chorus

French

Art Program

The objective of the elementary school art program at Morris Brandon is for the students to be able to produce their own artworks using some of the Elements (Line, Color, Shape, Texture, Form, Space, Value) and Principles ( Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Movement, Pattern, Rhythm, Unity) of Design. Students will develop studio skills in drawing, painting and sculpture as well as developing their aesthetic perceptions and knowledge of some art history.

Instruction in art provides special opportunities for students to develop cognitive and perceptual skills: finding the meaning of visual symbols, analyzing a work of art to find its many components, making judgments based on formal criteria and personal impressions. Art provides access to cultural heritage. Art provides opportunities for students to make original contributions and experience pride of workmanship.