Marist School Marks 125 Years in Atlanta
The institution is celebrating its heritage with a series of commemorative events throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Atlanta's Marist School is marking its 125th anniversary throughout the 2026-2027 academic year with a series of commemorative events and historical exhibits on campus. The institution, which relocated to Ashford Dunwoody Road in 1962, is honoring its long-standing heritage and legacy of academic excellence.
Why it matters
This milestone highlights the evolution of a local educational institution that has played a significant role in the community since 1901. Celebrating the anniversary serves to honor the legacy of the Society of Mary while reflecting on the school's historical growth and impact in Atlanta.
Founded in 1901, the school grew from its initial 32 students to its current presence on Ashford Dunwoody Road. The celebration includes 125 participants in recent prayer initiatives alongside ongoing history exhibits.
The players
Marist School
A long-standing Atlanta educational institution that traces its history back to 1901.
J. D. Childs
The current leader of the school and its first lay president since 2023.
Brian Kemp
The Governor of Georgia who issued a formal proclamation and commendation for the anniversary.
Georgia General Assembly
The state legislative body that passed resolutions recognizing the school's anniversary.
The details
The yearlong commemoration features two dedicated history exhibits on the current campus that highlight the school's transition through the decades. These installations, combined with alumni-led prayer initiatives, showcase the institutional shift from its downtown origins to its modern identity. The school continues to manage this heritage under the leadership of J. D. Childs, who became the school's first lay president in 2023.
Timeline
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 first lay president.
October 2, 2026: Founders Day celebration and mass take place.
March 2027: Planned recognition of the school's transition to coeducation.
The Home Front
This milestone reflects a broader trend of historic Atlanta institutions balancing long-standing traditions with modern operational changes like the shift to coeducation. Legislative commendations often signal an institution's enduring value to local academic and community infrastructure.
Families associated with the school should check the official institutional calendar for upcoming commemorative events held throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. Keep an eye on school communications for specific details regarding the scheduled coeducation recognition events slated for the spring.
The takeaway
The Marist School milestone marks a significant moment for alumni and local families reflecting on over a century of local history. Interested community members should keep an eye on the official school website for updates regarding the upcoming March 2027 events.
What happens next
The school will hold a special recognition of its shift to coeducation in March 2027.
Further reading
For more on how local institutions evolve, see the latest Secondary Education updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rough Draft Atlanta.
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