History and Philosophy

Foundations History and Philosophy

Foundations began during the 2003-2004 school year, thanks to the vision and leadership of 7th and 8th grade teachers and the Marist School administration. 

The Foundations Program is a Marist community within a community that supports 7th and 8th graders in developing their sense of self and meeting their adolescent needs. 

The climate created through the Foundations Program aims to merge social, emotional, and intellectual learning for students at a critical time in their development. The overall design of the program and the everyday participatory leadership by teachers and students addresses two very basic needs: the need to feel a sense of significance and belonging, and the need to have fun. 

Five houses were originally created, based on Marist missionary sites: Cerdon, LaValla, Lyon, Suva, and Wellington. In the fall of 2009, a sixth house, Hunters Hill, was created in order the make each of the houses smaller and allow for more individual interaction between House Leaders and students. 

Each house is guided by four House Leaders (two male and two female). The House Leaders are Marist faculty who teach 7th and 8th graders. The House Leaders represent Marist's academic departments as well as a range of extracurricular experience. Each house is comprised of two homerooms, which are organized by grade.

Houses are in friendly competition throughout the year doing service projects and participating in games. 

Foundations continues to develop in order to help achieve the mission of the school through its specific purpose, which is to supports 7th and 8th graders in developing their sense of self and meeting their adolescent needs.

Structure of Administration of Foundations

Mrs. Molly Carlin, Foundations Director, reports to the Principal. She works closely with the Academic Dean and the Dean of Students to monitor the progress of Foundations students.
 
The Foundations Director also meets weekly with the Foundations Prefects, who are the faculty leaders of each House.  The Prefects work with the other House Leaders to plan programs and activities for Foundations students consistent with the mission of Marist School.

Marist School

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