Welcome from the President

Welcome from J.D. Childs

Since founding Marist School in 1901, the Society of Mary has shared its educational mission with thousands of students and their families in the Atlanta area. Our school’s mission is to form the whole person in the image of Christ through instruction grounded in religious values, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and the spirit of the Society of Mary. This mission is advanced through communal pursuit of excellence in academic, religious, extracurricular, leadership, and service programs.

Each day, our faculty and staff strive to embody this mission in educational service to the students entrusted to us. It is at the heart of everything we do, whether in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the art studios, or on service projects both in the community and abroad.

Through its association with the Society of Mary, Marist School is part of a unique global network. Marist schools can be found throughout North America as well as in Ireland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Peru, Senegal, Fiji, and Australia. As we dialogue with our sister schools overseas, these connections give Marist an international perspective in a society that is increasingly culturally diverse.

The Society of Mary's global educational tradition is one of rich historical significance dating back to the 1800s. It was then that Society of Mary Founder Father Jean-Claude Colin pledged to “work for God’s greater glory and the honor of Mary” in Lyons, France. This timeless oath is still vital to our school today. We welcome everyone to become a part of our Marist family.
 
J.D. Childs
President 
 

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  • Learn More About J. D. Childs

    J. D. Childs became Marist School’s first lay president on July 1, 2023. He came to Marist from Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California where he provided charism-charged and mission-inspired leadership to complete a $40 million capital campaign for campus expansion as well as a $4 million capital initiative for enhancements to the athletic facilities.
     
    Previously Mr. Childs served as president and principal of Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School in San Luis Obispo, California and as a religion teacher and director of spiritual life in two Catholic high schools located in Indiana and North Carolina. A native of South Bend, Indiana, Mr. Childs earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, Philosophy, and Theology and a Master of Theological Studies from the University of Notre Dame. He also holds a Master of Education in Catholic School Leadership from Marymount University.
     
    Mr. Childs and his wife, Kate, have four children. In his free time, he enjoys poetry and art, chess, hiking, concerts, and spending time with his family.
     
    Mr. Childs’ appointment at Marist School signifies a significant transition for the school that has been led by Marist priests since its founding in 1901. In partnership with the Marist School Board of Trustees, he will ensure that the school’s rich tradition of excellence in Catholic education and its distinctive Marist spirit and values will endure for years to come. 

Marist School

3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-1899
(770) 457-7201
An Independent Catholic School of the Marist Fathers and Brothers