New Location: Coming Soon
A thoughtfully designed learning community located near Arthur M. Blank Hospital at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory’s Executive Park.
The Clifton School
Cultivating Wonder, Dreams, and Possibilities
State of the art childcare and education for employees (parents, grandparents and guardians) of Emory (University, Healthcare and full-time students), Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Centers for Disease Control.
Licensed by the State of Georgia and nationally accredited by NAEYC, The Clifton School is a nonprofit governed by a Board representing our sponsoring institutions
NAEYC Accredited Programs
Low Child-to-Staff Ratios
Nature-Based Outdoor Playscapes
OUR LOCATIONS
Select Your Campus
For the convenience of the families we serve, choose the location that best fits your daily rhythm.
The Clairmont Campus: A Nurturing Space for Discovery
A vibrant learning community located on Emory University’s Clairmont campus
The Clifton Road Campus: A Community Built for Wonder
A state-of-the-art learning community located at the entrance to the main campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Meals
Find this month’s standard and vegetarian menus, see our allergy policy, and more.
Calendar
2025-2026 school calendar, upcoming special events, and inclement weather.
Tours
We’d love to meet you! Come see the environment of The Clifton School first hand.
Enroll
Start the process of enrolling your child in The Clifton School today!
OUR APPROACH:
Cultivating Wonder and Discovery
At The Clifton School, we believe that education is far more than just daycare; it is a collaborative journey where we view the environment as the “third teacher”. Our Constructivist approach recognizes and respects every child as a strong, powerful, and capable researcher, inventor, and explorer. By fostering a culture of wonder, we provide an enriching space where children build knowledge through meaningful relationships and daily experiences.
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Emergent Curriculum
Rather than following a scripted program, learning grows organically from the interactions between children and teachers. Our educators thoughtfully observe, listen, and respond to children’s interests, questions, and ideas, while also bringing their own knowledge, experience, and professional expertise into the classroom. In this way, curriculum is both responsive and intentional.
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The Environment as the Third Teacher
At The Clifton School, we believe the environment serves as a “third teacher,” thoughtfully designed to support curiosity, independence, and connection. Natural light, open-ended materials, intentional classroom layouts, and inviting shared spaces encourage children to explore, collaborate, and make discoveries on their own terms. Every detail—from the arrangement of materials to the flow between classrooms and community spaces—is purposeful, creating an atmosphere that inspires inquiry while fostering a sense of belonging and calm.
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Documentation of Learning
At The Clifton School, documentation is an essential part of the learning process. Teachers carefully observe and capture children’s conversations, questions, creations, and discoveries through photographs, written reflections, and displayed work. This visible record of learning allows children to revisit and deepen their thinking, helps teachers thoughtfully extend investigations, and keeps families meaningfully connected to their child’s experiences. Documentation honors children’s ideas, makes learning transparent, and reflects our commitment to intentional, reflective practice.
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