The Eastminster School is preparing to welcome its first high school students next semester.

The independent, private school is accepting applications for a limited number of scholarships that reduce annual tuition by 50 percent, a savings of $5,250 for the 2010-2011 year. The application deadline is June 1.

The K-8 school, at 2450 Lennox Road in Conyers, began in 2004 with the motto, "Excellence in mind, body and soul." It has five matriculating eighth graders and hopes to enroll 20 freshmen.

Students are abuzz about the upper school. They have been actively involved in designing the uniform to ensure it is distinct from the other grades. Also, students can participate in an array of sports such as basketball.

A heavy emphasis will be placed on college preparatory and advanced placement courses, as well as semester seminars.

"It’s a neat opportunity for students who want to compete for scholarships at high caliber colleges," Headmaster Dr. Darren Pascavage said. "A young man I’ve met wants to go to Wake Forest and be a lawyer. So he wants to be ready, and we want to prepare students like him."

Applications can be downloaded from Eastminster’s website, www.eastminsterschool.org, or requested by calling (770) 785-6780.