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Our History

The Founding Vision of Elliott Galloway

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.

Building a Different Kind of School

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.

A Legacy That Continues Today

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.

"Our goal is to help each of you to achieve a superior education, a reasoned understanding and acceptance of yourself, and the willingness, maturity and self-discipline to manage your own learning, now and throughout your life. We know that children will learn only if they want to learn, so what we do is pay attention and find that thing that gives them the desire to know."

Elliott Galloway

Discover how Elliott Galloway's vision continues to shape the educational experience today.

 

See firsthand how joyful learning and self-discovery come to life every day.

 

Learn more about the educators and leaders carrying Galloway's mission forward. 

 

Galloway Through the Years

→1969

The Galloway School was founded. 

 

→1971

The first graduating class completes its journey.
 

→1990

Elliott Galloway steps down as Headmaster.
 

→Today

Galloway serves approximately 750 students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12 and continues its tradition of joyful, student-centered learning.