Why Cobb Schools was the right choice for my family
By A Cobb Mom
I do not know who had more butterflies on my daughter’s first day of kindergarten, her or me. As she walked confidently into the school doors with her “big girl” bookbag, I could see a smiling teacher greet her and show her the way — a teacher who would become her beloved music teacher. I didn’t know all the memories she would make or the skills she would develop beyond those school doors, but I knew she was where she needed to be.
My husband and I had planned for that day before our daughter was ever born. That is why we moved to Cobb. We knew from our friends and family what Cobb Schools offered, and we wanted our daughter to have access to the gold-standard education that sets Cobb apart.
We didn’t want to look to a private school to deliver academic excellence, like so many families in other counties must do. Cobb has private school caliber at the public school price. That’s why we picked Cobb, and two decades later, I’m so glad we did.
A part of our family
The butterflies are really starting to flutter this spring as we make plans for my daughter’s graduation in May. Looking through old photos, I realize just how much Cobb Schools has been a part of our family over the past 12+ years. Between performances, PTA meetings, festivals, and competitions, school has often felt like a second home.
Cobb provides families so many opportunities to get involved. Parents can volunteer in classrooms, assist with carpool, stand in at career days, or chaperone field trips to places near and far. There are workshops geared specifically to help parents, like me, better support their students. The school community comes together through events like International Festivals or Veterans Day recognitions where my daughter proudly got to thank her dad for his service. There’s a place for everyone in the Cobb’s school family, and that’s something I love.
Teachers who truly care
It’s not just the large events and activities that have made Cobb feel like a part of our family. It’s the little notes from teachers that surprise you in the mail. It’s the warm feeling I get when I see one of my daughter’s teachers at the grocery store, like seeing an old friend.
I ran into my daughter’s elementary teacher, who still remembered her and was eager to hear how she was succeeding. Like me, she couldn’t believe my daughter is in the last months of her high school journey. She has taught hundreds of students since my daughter scooted up on the carpet to hear her read, but she still remembered my child. She still remembered and still cared. That warmed my heart. She is an example of the Cobb teachers who have poured themselves into helping my daughter (and others) succeed and are excited to see their investment pay off.
I remember when my daughter was extremely sick at home, but all she could talk about was what she was missing at school. She didn’t want to miss even one day of her favorite teacher’s class. That’s the kind of teachers Cobb schools are filled with and another reason I’m glad I chose to send my daughter to Cobb Schools.
A safe ride to school
From my daughter’s first ride on the bus, I felt comfortable sending her off to school aboard one of Cobb’s 1,000+ buses. My comfort level increased as I learned more about Cobb’s bus drivers. They not only ensure the bus is the safest way to get to and from school, but some are real-life heroes — like the driver who saved the life of a choking child (https://bit.ly/41gAb4Q). Another driver stopped his bus to save the life of a grandma being attacked by dogs. The drivers care about their students, passing out little gifts to them, like mittens to keep their passengers’ little hands warm when it’s cold. I know some of the drivers build such strong relationships with the kids that they are invited to student birthday parties (https://bit.ly/42RDlNk). Those are the kinds of moms, dads, grandparents, and safety professionals I want driving my child to school every day.
Endless opportunities for every student
After a safe journey to school, Cobb teachers welcome students into a world of discovery, shaping their futures through inspiring lessons and endless opportunities — just as they have done for my daughter.
My daughter’s love of music was clear from before she could read or write, but Cobb turned her passion into a skill she’ll carry with her for a lifetime. As one of the Nation’s Best Communities for Music Education (https://bit.ly/412M5Oq), Cobb provides student musicians the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on a national and even global scale. For example, Pebblebrook High School musicians won a national championship in New York City (https://bit.ly/3Qefj7E)! Meanwhile, the Walton High School marching band is making plans to travel overseas for the 2026 London New Year’s Day Parade.
Performing arts is the focus of one Cobb’s seven magnet schools (https://bit.ly/4gFrm99), which allow students the opportunity to dive deeper into their interested fields of study. Whether they want to explore medical sciences and scientific research, the arts, global studies, or the world of STEM, there are so many choices to support high-achieving students. The magnet programs’ specialized education nurtures student interests, talents, and growth beyond traditional high school.
Cobb students can also get a jumpstart on their career certifications or even on-the-job training as a student at the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (https://bit.ly/4hT9LeP). Students at every Cobb high school have access to rigorous Advanced Placement classes. My daughter had access to far more AP classes than I did. It wasn’t just her high school; all 16 of Cobb’s traditional high schools are AP Honors schools (https://bit.ly/4gD4S8K)!
As early as 10th grade, Cobb students can start earning college credit for free through Cobb’s Dual Enrollment program (https://bit.ly/4hTadtx). It gives your child a jumpstart on college and saves parents money in the process. That’s an amazing opportunity!
Cobb’s multiple CTAE pathways provide students with hands-on experience for 17 industries (https://bit.ly/4hwhaB5). Students can also earn certifications to launch their careers right after graduation or give them a head start when continuing their education. For instance, students at Osborne High School even train during the school day to be Cobb firefighters (https://bit.ly/4beCUz7)! Amazing! Cobb is preparing the community’s future first responders.
These endless opportunities make it clear that Cobb understands that each student has a path to success. My daughter found hers, and 8,000+ graduates will soon celebrate their own stories of success with their friends and family during the 2025 Cobb Schools Commencement Ceremonies (bit.ly/41bcGKk).
Overcoming challenges together
Through all the opportunities and experiences, all the memories made, and successes celebrated, there have been challenges. For example, being separated from her friends and teachers — due to COVID school closings — is not an experience my daughter ever wants to relive. I’m grateful Superintendent Ragsdale prioritized in-person learning, giving families the choice that was best for them. I think that’s why Cobb students continue to succeed at higher rates than their peers.
The Cobb Teaching and Learning System launched during the pandemic, but has become an invaluable tool, continuing to enhance learning and support teachers in meeting student needs today. Ensuring student safety is an ongoing challenge, but Cobb’s proactive approach has given me peace of mind. Their investment in security measures and veteran school police officers reassures me that my daughter is as safe as possible.
Through every challenge — especially in middle and high school — I’m also grateful for the teachers, counselors, and other support staff who guided my daughter, helping her become not just confident and resilient, but also compassionate, and capable of supporting others facing their own struggles.
Academic excellence achieved
Thanks to the support of Cobb’s dedicated educators and staff and the host of opportunities and pathways available, Cobb students continue to succeed. Last year’s graduates earned a record-setting $154 million in scholarships! Plus, the Cobb graduates tested above other students in Georgia and the nation on both the SAT and ACT. The scores, like the graduation rate (87.9 percent compared to Georgia’s average of 85.4 percent) was higher than the year prior, which shows how Cobb continues to increase the success of students year after year.
Graduation rate information (https://bit.ly/432env3) shows that the longer students attend Cobb schools, the more likely they are to succeed. I couldn’t agree more. I cannot wait to learn about all the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.
Celebrating the senior walk tradition
Before my daughter walks across the graduation stage to receive her diploma — I may be crying in the stands — she will return to where it all started. She will return to her elementary school for the annual senior walk. As she parades down the halls in her cap and gown, she will wave and smile at her adoring fans, teachers who impacted the woman my daughter has become and paved the way for the success that awaits her.
The younger fans will look up to my daughter and her fellow graduates — walking success stories of what can be achieved. I imagine seeing their former students walk the halls again will surely warm the hearts of the elementary teachers.
I’m grateful Cobb elementary schools invite seniors back for a walk down memory lane. It is another way Cobb teachers show how they care about the success of their students long after they leave their classroom.
A bright future awaits
As my daughter takes her final steps through her elementary school, she is also taking her first steps toward an exciting future — one made possible by her journey in Cobb Schools. Whether she moves across the country, around the world, or returns to Cobb County, she’s ready, thanks to the world-class education she received in Cobb schools.
That diploma she’ll hold in her hands in a few short months is her ticket to a bright future. And for that, I am forever grateful.
SCBA Honors Local Educators
In February, the South Cobb Business Association (SCBA) honored local education leaders at its monthly luncheon. Guest speakers included Mableton Mayor Michael Owens and Cobb County School District Board Member Post 3 Leroy Tré Hutchins. The SCBA recognized the following:
SCBA Principal of the Year
Regina Montgomery of McEachern High School
Growth Mindset Schools (Literacy Leaders)
Michael Perkins (Retired), Tangela Hendrix of Hendricks ES
Kristy Brown of Garrett Middle School
Community Choice Award
Dr. Dana Giles of Pebblebrook High School
Innovation Awards were given to the newest STEM Certified Schools:
Dr. Alvin Thomas Jr. at Tapp Middle School PTSA
Regina Montgomery and Krystal Askew Wattley of McEachern HS PTSA
Tammy Watson of Russell ES
Dr. Magee at Betty Gray Middle School PTSA
SCBA also recognized the newest certified Art Integration Schools:
Beth Wilson Lair of Compton Elementary School
Dr. Marilyn Thomas of the South Cobb Early Learning Center
Changing the Narrative Award
Kahliah Rachel of Austell ES who is a 21st Century Grant Recipient Austell PTA
We See You! Socials Awards
Dr. Ben Needle of Osborne High School
Nichole Stennis of South Cobb High School
Michelle Curry of Bryant Elementary PTA
Dr. Barbara Swinney of City View Elementary School
