The story of The Galloway School's birth is typical of Elliott Galloway's ability to turn a vision into a reality. Where there was a deserted, condemned building in Northwest Atlanta, Elliott saw a school. With the help of the new and growing community, Elliott, his wife Kitty, and good friend Ross Arnold, founded The Galloway School in 1969.

In Elliott's dream, The Galloway School would be a radically different place where, instead of memorizing facts and formulas, students would learn to learn—about academics and about themselves.

He insisted that learning be challenging and joyful so that his students would want to seek it for the rest of their lives. He believed that learning took place through relationships, so he emphasized cooperative partnerships between students and teachers. In 1990, Elliott stepped down as the headmaster, but until his death he retained a small office where he loved to sit and discuss ideas or lend books from his vast library.

The school's leadership, faculty, students, and parents all continue Elliott Galloway's work, together building a place where education is not a means to prepare for life, but life itself, and where growth and learning come from honoring oneself and others.