Metro Atlanta private school finds evidence of sexual misconduct dating back decades

NORCROSS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Three former employees at a metro Atlanta private school have been accused of lewd crimes, some dating back decades.

The accusations came to light after the school retained an investigation firm to look into the allegations.

Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) School in Norcross found that those former employees engaged in several acts of sexual misconduct with former students.

An investigation found one of them had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student and that same employee was also accused of sending sexual messages to another girl at the school.

The incidents happened between 1970 and the early 2000s, according to the school.

Greater Atlanta Christian School alumni student Allie McFadden was one of more than 6,000 alumni contacted by school officials about the investigation.

According to the notice sent to alumni, current families, faculty, and staff, the school hired a firm to investigate the claims and encouraged alumni to come forward.

“They interviewed different people that may or may not have been impacted teachers, various things so it seems like it was pretty thorough,” McFadden said.

Now the community is getting it’s first look at the findings.

“It’s really sad to hear that some students may have been violated in ways that are not appropriate so it’s disappointing,” McFadden said.

The school said that the investigation revealed that when former students reported this, school officials at the time failed to contact law enforcement or child services, but the school said today it’s a different school.

In a statement, President Dr. Scott Harsh said “a nationally recognized investigation firm” looked into the allegations made.

Harsh said the school will provide financial support for therapy for the students harmed.

“Our school has continued to advance and improve from what it was decades ago and is much stronger now on how student safety matters are handled, with much greater training and awareness of student safety and appropriate adult-student interactions and boundaries,” Harsh said. “We have a more proactive and comprehensive approach now and will never be complacent when it comes to student safety.”

School leaders also apologized to the GAC community and promised to change protection policies and require more thorough background checks.

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