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Vanderlyn Elementary

Dekalb County Schools

About Us

Overview

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Vanderlyn Elementary School is a neighborhood school located in the heart of Dunwoody. Established in 1973, Vanderlyn has always maintained a reputation of academic excellence that is still evident today. In 2011, our school was awarded the Platinum Award for academic achievement from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and the Georgia School of Excellence Award from the Georgia Department of Education. These distinguished awards are only the beginning. Vanderlyn is a high-performing learning culture that focuses on 21st century skills that students need to compete in a digital world. Thus, we place a strong emphasis on STEM Education. STEM includes the integration of the curricular areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Through an innovative approach to include the Arts, Vanderlyn students are exposed to visual arts, dance, physical education, music and band which promote the STEAM concept. The inclusion of Arts inspires creativity and innovation that are important in the STEM field. Students have access to an excellent media center and technology resources. We encourage a healthy school environment and always strive for a happy and challenging academic setting. Learning at Vanderlyn is exciting, innovative and fun!


 

The Vanderlyn Vision and Mission Statement

Vision

Vanderlyn is a school focused on building a solid foundation for our students. Vanderlyn teachers teach in a heterogeneous classroom differentiating for the needs of all students. Vanderlyn delivers our students a well-rounded curriculum that includes the arts, music and physical education. We teach with project based and experiential learning, literacy education, and task based math instruction. We incorporate technology throughout the school. The arts focus on art history, style, creativity and expression. Physical education focuses on skill development, creative movement, and health education. We celebrate our accomplishments. We embrace our diversity. Our culture is one of transparency. We value the partnership between teachers, parents and the administration. We have a commitment to community-based service. We create an environment that fosters a love of learning, character development, and citizenship.

Mission

The Vanderlyn community is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in academics and behavior; united we contribute to a positive and challenging educational environment which inspires life-long learning, international thinking, and productive citizenship.

Core Beliefs

It is a belief at Vanderlyn that all children can learn and have the right to a safe and secure learning environment. We also believe that students should demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the environment. The school community must model and hold the highest expectations for all. Integral to the education process is the participation of parents and community.

Values

  • Hold high expectations for ALL
  • Value and promote parent involvemen
  • Regard quality public education as essential
  • Honor universal human rights
  • Contribute to the common good of our community

Teacher Excellence at Vanderlyn

An excellent teacher diligently takes ownership of his/her professional development by reflecting on their own practice and the needs of students; is proficient with content and its delivery; is willing to seek resources, assess and differentiate with compassion and kindness to inspire lifelong learning and higher student achievement; is committed to collaborating with teachers, parents and community.