Amana Academy West is proud to be represented at next week’s EL Education National Conference by two members of our Crew: teacher Ms. DeBay and sixth-grade student Jude B.

Ms. DeBay will lead a session titled “Be the Change: Passages that Transform Students,” exploring how learning expedition-connected Passages help fifth graders reflect on their growth, elevate their voices, and confidently transition to middle school. Through authentic student work and guided reflection, participants will explore how to create meaningful Passage experiences that empower students to recognize their ability to make a difference in their communities.

Jude will participate in two panel discussions focused on student voice. As one of just six students serving on EL Education’s National Student Advisory Council, Jude helps bring student perspectives to a national conversation about learning, leadership, and the student experience. His participation reflects the importance of giving young people meaningful opportunities to share their ideas and help shape the educational experiences of others.

These opportunities reflect what makes learning at Amana special: students are not simply learning about the world; they are developing the confidence, skills, and sense of agency to help shape it.

Amana Academy West Atlanta marked a major milestone on Friday, August 7, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of renovations at its permanent home at 2200 Lake Park Drive in Smyrna.

The celebration also kicked off a yearlong observance of the 5th anniversary of Amana Academy’s second location, which first opened its doors to families in West Atlanta five years ago. The newly renovated facility represents an important next chapter for the school, providing a permanent home designed to support Amana’s STEM-inspired, expeditionary learning model and growing West Atlanta community.

Amana Academy is deeply grateful to the organizations and partners whose collaboration and expertise helped make the project possible. Representatives from the Equitable Facilities Fund (EFF), which partnered with Amana on the construction loan; Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), which provided the original loan for the building’s purchase; Moeller Purcell Construction; Goode Van Slyke Architecture; and VanderMeer Management joined the celebration. Each played an instrumental role in bringing the vision for Amana West’s permanent home to reality.

The event also welcomed representatives from the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, RedefinEd Atlanta, the City of Smyrna, and the Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, along with members of the Amana community and other supporters.

This event represents five years of growth, perseverance, partnership, and belief in what is possible for students in West Atlanta. Amana’s leaders are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped the organization reach this moment and excited for what this permanent home will make possible for Amana students and families for years to come. The completion of the Lake Park Drive facility marks both a new beginning for Amana West Atlanta and the start of a yearlong celebration of five years of educating for a better world in the West Atlanta community.

Amana Academy West Atlanta hosted the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new playground on Friday, August 9, at the school’s campus on Lake Park Drive in Smyrna. The new Nature-Scape playground is more than just a space for play—it’s a vibrant extension of the school’s founding vision and its deep commitment to learning through nature and exploration.

Nestled among mature trees on the school grounds, the playground gives the impression of a school in the woods, evoking a sense of peace, curiosity, and connection to the natural world. The design includes climbing structures, nature-inspired play elements, and shaded areas that encourage imaginative and active outdoor play.

The natural setting and design elements are a direct echo of Amana West Atlanta’s original roots at the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Camp Timber Ridge, where the school was first launched in 2021. That campus, set in a wooded environment, helped shape Amana’s approach to education—one that values outdoor learning, environmental stewardship, and child-centered discovery. The new playground honors that legacy while providing a permanent and thoughtfully designed space for students to grow, explore, and thrive.

Amana Academy West Atlanta is part of the EL Education network, a national model for deeper learning that grew out of a collaboration between Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Outward Bound USA. EL Education emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and high-quality work through real-world, expeditionary learning. Inspired by Outward Bound’s belief in challenge, teamwork, and connection to the natural world, Amana integrates these principles into every aspect of its curriculum—making the addition of a Nature-Scape playground a natural fit for the school’s mission.

“Being able to offer our students a playground that blends so seamlessly with the environment and reflects our values is a major milestone,” said Principal Helené Brown.. “This natural playground is not just about play—it’s about reinforcing our identity as a school that believes in whole-child development, outdoor learning, and fostering a love for nature.”

The ribbon cutting included remarks from school leaders, students, and community partners, as well as opportunities for families to explore the new space. The event kicked off a new school year filled with excitement and continued growth at Amana West Atlanta.

Amana West 25-26 School Calendar