A private school that targets the needs of LGBTIQ students is set to open in Georgia as an alternative to mainstream education.

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Atlanta Pride School will cater for students from kindergarten to year 12, under the guidance of founder Christian Zsilavetz.

Zsilavetz, who is both a seasoned educator and transgender, told the AAP kids and staff will have full permission to be themselves.

“There’s no wondering, ‘Is this teacher going to be a person for me to be myself with?” Zsilavetz said.

“This is a place where they can just open up and be the best person they can be.”

The proposed school will not be the first of its kind, with New York’s The Harvey Milk School running under the same principles since the 1980s, receiving full accreditation in 2002. Unlike Atlanta Pride School, Harvey Milk School only hosts students from years nine to twelve.

Gay rights organisation Georgia Equality say that almost 9 in 10 LGBT students have been harassed during their last school year, while 3 in 10 missed classes because they feared for their personal safety. 16-year-old Emma Grace says the concept of a queer school is exciting.

“I think it’s greatly needed for a school to have LGBT-affirming surroundings and environment,” she said. “It’s still a very much hidden issue. Not a lot of people talk about it because they’re afraid.”

Atlanta Pride is due to open in September this year, located within the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta church.

OIP Staff