Agnes Scott College

Agnes Scott College, located in Decatur, Georgia, just outside the thriving downtown Atlanta metropolitan area, is a well-known private liberal arts college for women that focuses on developing women leaders and providing a rigorous intellectual experience in a small, residential setting.  The undergraduate education is characterized by the SUMMIT curriculum, a unique, award-winning model that integrates global learning, digital literacy, and leadership development throughout the four-year program, ensuring every student has a personalized Board of Advisors and a foundational focus on preparing them to be effective change agents in a complex, global society.

The foundation of this college dates back to 1889, when it was initially established as the Decatur Female Seminary by Presbyterian minister Frank Henry Gaines. It was quickly renamed in 1890 to honor Agnes Irvine Scott, the mother of its primary benefactor, Colonel George Washington Scott. Chartered as a college in 1906, this institution became the first in Georgia to receive regional accreditation, a significant early marker of its dedication to high academic standards. It maintains its affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has a long history of intellectual rigor, including being granted a Phi Beta Kappa chapter in 1926 and consistently producing alumnae who have gone on to achieve the highest academic degrees, a testament to its strong liberal arts foundation.

The experience offered at this institution is marked by the close, individual attention given to each student. The emphasis on individual attention is evident through a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, and an average class size of 15 students. Such small classes guarantee that every student receives extensive individualized mentorship and close collaboration with faculty members who have earned a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their subject matter. Additionally, this institution is committed to building a truly inclusive and global community. In fact, more than half of students come from underrepresented groups, and many international students come from all over the world, resulting in a diverse and rich intellectual environment.

In conclusion, this institution integrates a long-standing tradition of women's liberal arts education with an innovative vision for college learning. The combination of a close, supportive community governed by an honor code; a legacy of academic excellence; and the unique SUMMIT curriculum prepares graduates with the confidence, global awareness, and leadership that propel them forward in the 21st century. Ultimately, the school's ongoing commitment to educational opportunities enables women to "think deeply, live honorably, and engage the intellectual and social precepts of an educated woman."