The Value of an Altamont Education: A Parent's Perspective

We are delighted that you are interested in becoming a part of the best college preparatory environment serving Birmingham since 1922.

Altamont is a school where it is cool to be smart; where a top runner might star in a play or a science whiz might tutor a younger peer in English or a once-shy student might become the class president; where passionate teachers go the extra mile for every student every day; where the arts are as important as athletics; where students of different backgrounds and cultures share in the process of discovery; where reading is revered; where multiple language offerings include Latin, Greek, and Mandarin Chinese; where upholding the Honor Code is a source of pride.

The goal of the admissions process at Altamont is to attract students who excel in their present school but who want greater breadth and challenge in all areas of school life.

Families are attracted to Altamont for several reasons: Altamont is a small family with socio-economic, ethnic (10% African-American, 1% Hispanic, and 19% Asian-American), and religious diversity. Altamont has an intensive, college preparatory academic program with a personalized college search program, including the annual college tour; Altamont offers many opportunities for children to develop multiple talents by participating in arts, foreign language, community service, clubs, class projects, science competitions and sports - all at the same time. We are busy!

Families who decide to apply to Altamont submit an application, a transcript, recommendations, and a score on the Independent School Entrance Examination; finally the applicant, with at least one parent, interviews with an Admissions Officer. Testing begins in November. Interviews begin in January. By early February, the Admissions Committee begins meeting to make admission decisions for the following fall. Click around our website, then come up the hill and pay us a visit.

Yours truly,

Thomas Goldsmith
Director of Admissions

The Altamont School admits students of any race, color, creed, gender, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions practices, or other school-administered programs.