Angela Naples is the founder and head of school for Atlanta Academy, a preK - 8th grade private school. Mrs. Naples has a rich background within the Atlanta private school landscape. After several years at Christ the King, she was appointed head of school for the Donnellan School. When it changed ownership, several families asked for her help to start a school for their children. Angela says, "I was on board as long as the parents could find me a space." In less than two weeks, they raised a quarter of a million dollars as seed money and Atlanta Academy became a reality in 2000.
The faculty and students rented space from Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, where the school continued to grow for seven years. With over 200 students, Atlanta Academy was overflowing. The search for expansion space started, but with the high property prices in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, they knew they would have to go slightly north. They visited an empty strip mall, but it was still out of their price range.
A chance encounter at Starbucks between Angela and the property manager led to him inquiring about her interest in the property. She told him the property was "out of their league" financially, but he strongly encouraged her to make an offer. Angela and the board created a five-year business plan, returned with the offer, and Atlanta Academy had a permanent space to call home.
The landlord for Atlanta Academy's new space, Roswell-based Malon D Mimms Company, invited Angela to breakfast soon after the lease paperwork was signed. Angela and a board member went to breakfast, thinking that perhaps the landlord was going to change his mind. What they learned was quite the opposite. After researching her and the school's background, Mr. Mimms informed them that he was donating the entire nine-acre property to Atlanta Academy.
Fast forward to 2024, and Atlanta Academy is a remarkable school community serving over 395 students from preschool to 8th grade.
What does Angela love so much about Atlanta Academy? "I love the teachers," she says. "Ours are incredibly invested in their profession and passionate about engaging their students. They continually hone their skills to make their teaching methods relevant."
What are some of your favorite spots for dinner with friends in Roswell? "My husband Andy and I love the charm of Roswell and the wonderful restaurants. Our favorites are The Mill Kitchen and Bar and Osteria Mattone."
