Marist School Celebrates 125 Years in Atlanta

The institution is marking its milestone anniversary with a series of historical exhibits and special commemorative events.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education

Marist School Celebrates 125 Years in Atlanta

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Marist School is celebrating its 125th anniversary throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. The school, which was founded in 1901, is hosting various exhibits and events to honor its long-standing heritage.

Why it matters

The celebration serves to recognize the Society of Mary's legacy of educational excellence in Atlanta. The yearlong commemorations highlight the school's historical evolution and impact on the local community.

Marist School began with an enrollment of 32 boys in 1901 and has grown over 125 years. Recent commemorative efforts included a day of prayer featuring 125 participants.

The players

Marist School

This private, Catholic college-preparatory school serves students in the Atlanta area and is rooted in the Society of Mary.

J. D. Childs

He serves as the president of the Marist School and holds the distinction of being the institution's first lay leader.

Brian Kemp

He is the current Governor of Georgia who issued an official proclamation and commendation regarding the school's anniversary.

Georgia General Assembly

This is the legislative body of the state of Georgia that passed resolutions formally recognizing the school's anniversary.

The details

Commemorations include two new history exhibits installed on the Ashford Dunwoody Road campus, focusing on a timeline and historical impacts. The school also received legislative recognition through a proclamation from Governor Brian Kemp and resolutions from the Georgia General Assembly.

1901: Marist School is founded in Downtown Atlanta.
1962: The school relocates to its current site on Ashford Dunwoody Road.
2023: J. D. Childs is appointed as the school's first lay president.
October 2, 2026: The school holds its Founders Day celebration and mass.
March 2027: The school plans to recognize its historic shift to coeducation.

Culture Shift

The school's recognition by state authorities like the Georgia General Assembly signals a formal bridge between private educational institutions and public civil record. This underscores the school's role as a legacy institution that maintains significance within the state's broader cultural and historical fabric.

Residents and alumni in the Atlanta area can visit the new history exhibits on the Ashford Dunwoody Road campus throughout the academic year. These events provide a chance for the community to engage with the school's century-long history and observe its ongoing development.

The takeaway

Institutional anniversaries offer a unique window into how private schools adapt to the changing needs of the local community over generations. Families can gain insight into a school's long-term values by examining how it honors its history alongside its commitment to current students.