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School for LGBT youth called first of its kind in Georgia

School for LGBT youth called first of its kind in Georgia

ATLANTA — A first-of-its-kind private school in Georgia aimed at attracting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and teachers is being established in Atlanta for students who feel bullied or not accepted in traditional schools.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Pride School Atlanta is a k-12 institution designed to be an alternative for LGBT students.

Pride School founder Christian Zsilavetz says the school is open to any student who believes they’re not getting the support they need for “being different.

“Kids have full permission to be themselves — as well as educators. Where there’s no wondering, ‘Is this teacher going to be a person for me to be myself with?'” said Zsilavetz, who is transgender and a veteran teacher with nearly 25 years of experience. “This is a place where they (students) can just open up and be the best person they can be.”

Pride School will initially operate out of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta church and is expected to open by September 2016. Tuition will be around $13,000, though Zsilavetz says financial assistance is available for students who need it.

The school is part of a small but growing group of schools popping up nationally geared toward educating LGBT youth, who feel disenfranchised from public education.

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