After years at The Athenian School, the pattern is hard to miss and it's not a positive one. Academically, there are visible coverage gaps. Teachers are reassigned across subjects in ways that feel reactive, not intentional, and it shows in uneven rigor and depth. Oversight appears inconsistent, with little indication of sustained evaluation or development to ensure instructional quality. Staffing stability is also a concern, midstream departures and changes have impacted continuity in the classroom or elective, which matters from a student and parent perspective. The rubric/grading shift, framed as "equity," ends up compressing outcomes. In practice, it reduces differentiation between students and lowers the ceiling rather than raising the floor. Strong students aren't pushed; weaker outcomes are normalized. It can also reward students who closely match what a given teacher is looking for, rather than those demonstrating deeper or more independent mastery, narrowing, rather than expanding, meaningful academic rigor. Communication is another friction point. Parents receive a high volume of emails from multiple sources, with information spread across messages and platforms. Important details can be difficult to track, especially for those already managing full schedules and inboxes. School climate is also worth examining. In our experience, our teen encountered peer interactions that raised concerns around inclusivity and respect for differences. We did not see clear communication or follow-through addressing those situations or, at best, limited transparency or parent dialogue when problems arise. More broadly, the student body and staff do not reflect a high level of diversity, which may matter to families. Programs like AWE are positioned as unique and distinguishing. There are committed people involved, but the program carries additional cost and execution issues (recurring when talking with previous parents). At the institutional level, the school feels adrift. We've learned of the loss of the boarding program this year, ongoing turnover, and shifting priorities all which suggest a lack of clear direction and raise a straightforward question: what, exactly, are you paying for? College counseling reinforced that concern. Guidance leaned heavily toward "safe" schools, with little appetite for thoughtful risk. We chose to override it and our teen was admitted to a school labeled "unlikely." Bottom line: our teen succeeded, but not because of the school's systems. It was largely in spite of, with limited added value from the institution. For families considering this school, go in with eyes open. Ask direct questions about staffing stability, grading philosophy, program execution, and how information is communicated to families. The answers matter, look for clear, concrete answers, not just polished or well-rehearsed responses. read more

The Athenian school is a special place. My son plays sports and I have travelled to many Bay Area private schools for matches. No schools have campuses as beautiful as Athenian, not College Prep, Bentley, or even Nueva. Athenian's 75-acre campus is at the foothill of Mt. Diablo, it is a bit remote but the beautiful campus rivals some small colleges. Campus aside, I feel the teachers really try to make learning fun, and the kids are all happy going to school there. The academics are pretty rigorous, but the kids don't feel stress out. In a small class of 12-15 students, my son can't hide or cruise. I see improvement in his communication skill and work ethnics in just a few months. Sports are a big deal in Athenian and get a lot of supports from parents. My son made a lot of friends from joining different teams. I have run into many talented Athenian kids in arts, musics and sports. Some get recruited into top universities in their junior years. The school puts out a lot of events for parents to participate, mingle with the kids, and get to know each other. There are parents bookclub, coffee / hikes, Student plays, Jazz night, culture nights, and homecoming night. Some of the performances are opened to the public, I encourage you to come and see for yourself. One review talked about director of admission. Chris has left Athenian a couple years ago. All the staffs I interacted with are nice and receptive to new ideas. Another reviewer highlighted guest speakers and domestic/international trips. I couldn't agree more. There are so many learning opportunities that made me jealous (I went to UC). Every semester, alumni would come back to share their college experience. One common theme is how well Athenian has prepared them and they are thriving in top 20 universities. If Athenian kids can survive 3 weeks camping in the Death Valley and the Sierra, other adversities will seem easy to them. If you want your kid to be well-rounded, resilient and have a diverse group of lifelong friends, Athenian is the perfect school. https://www.athenian.org/athenian-blog-and-news read more

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Re: a prior review, there is a new admissions director as of the 2023-2024 school year who is absolutely wonderful. My son is in high school at Athenian, and it really stands out as compared other private and public high schools in California. What has struck me so far are: (1) The travel/global opportunities. You get this a bit at other schools, but not to this level, and I had no idea that our kids would have so many amazing opportunities. My son is traveling abroad 2 times this year! (2) Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE). I didn't realize that it's 26 days long, and the students learn so much about self-reliance, our planet, working as a team, and themselves. None of them want to go and be away from the comforts of home, but then they go, have a wonderful time, and come back as confident young adults. (3) Because of 2 & 3, the kids at Athenian are learning the critical skills of resilience, problem solving at the individual and group levels, self-sufficiency, independence, and a deeper appreciation for both the natural environment and the global world. I think these skills/aspects are lacking at many/most other schools. (4) Well-balanced. The academics are rigorous, but the mental health of students is heavily factored in to the schedule, so students get time off after midterms, students can reschedule a test if they have too many on a day, etc. My son is so much less stressed and anxious at Athenian even though the work is more rigorous because expectations are clear, the classes are engaging, and the teachers are excellent. (5) College campus feel as it's also a boarding school and faculty, staff & their families live on campus, so it has a stronger community and a warmer environment than other schools. The physical campus is stunning -- 75 acres at the foot of Mt. Diablo. It's also wonderful that if kids stay late for a performance or whatever, they can get dinner on campus, etc. And because there is a lot of faculty housing, Athenian attracts amazing teachers! (6) The boarding program is excellent. The boarders are a tight knit group who do activities together after school and on the weekends, they explore what the Bay Area/California has to offer. (7) Wonderful clubs, activities (Robotics, Model UN, Maker's Lab), amazing arts programs (including theater and music), and competitive sports teams. (8) Walking the walk in terms of democratic values. I like how much the school considers student and parent perspectives in making decisions and is very responsive in this regard; this is quite unusual. (9) The kids are happy and forge friendships with a broad range of people. When we toured Athenian, my son noticed how happy everyone is as compared to what many consider "the top" college prep high schools nearby (that frankly, did not leave a great impression), and that definitely is true for us. I am beyond impressed with Athenian and only wish I could go back in time and go there. read more

The Director of Admissions , is a real jerk. His name is Chris. We called him to talk about the admission for my child who is a gifted child and has been on the honor roll from KG through 8th grade in a very challenging private school, but had a rough year last year because of covid related recent mental health issues, to which his response was "well how does our school know that she doesn't have any mental health issues now?". I was pretty shocked at this response and answered saying she is getting help. He basically implied that he doesn't give a shit about what happened last year to her medically or what her previous academic trajectory looks like and said that if her last year transcript doesn't have all A's and B's then we shouldn't even bother talking to him. Pretty rude and insensitive. read more

I love my alma mater! This place was the best high school experience I could ask for. Coming into Athenian my two brothers had already made theirs mark, one of them my twin the same age as me was entering the high school as well. The openness, diverse and inclusive community was everything I could ask for. I've made life long friends at this school. Excellent Memories: 1) Coming out at Athenian was one of the best experiences any teen could ask for. It was at Diversity Overnight, where select students participated in 'If you really knew me,' and that's where I let the entire student body, staff and faculty know who I was. The amount of kind words from teens and adults was magnificent and allowed me to really be free. 2) AWE is one of greatest and challenging things I have been through. Being separated from my brother in the desert with a group of friends was amazing and hard. Our group, Tiny Dino's was pretty special. We came up with cheers, The Great Poop Position Guide in the Desert and learned from one another. Solo was extremely hard for me; while others reflected or slept, I struggled with being alone, no one to talk to, really understanding my true limits. Every child who completes AWE will have stories to tell for the rest of their life. 3) faculty and administration at Athenian will always be in my heart. Lizette Dolan, April Smock, David Salcido, Amy Wintermeyer, Gabe Del Real, Kathleen Huntington, Phillip Hadley, Bruce Hamren, Steven Lee and many more. Every person who works there cares about their students, what they are learning and knowing that they are leaving prepared. I will always admire my high school and the staff who work there. They do a hell of a job! Don't miss out! Send your child to Athenian today! read more

I spent seven years of my life attending both the Athenian Middle and Upper schools, and can say with conviction that I am better off for it. Athenian is a community where students are encouraged to pursue their passions, both inside and outside the classroom. They definitely prepare students for college academically (and have a track record of students gaining admission to top universities) but also develop students into functioning members of society. While at Athenian, I had the privilege of traveling to both Vancouver and Massachusetts for school conferences through Round Square, an organization that Athenian is a member of. My time trekking through Death Valley on AWE taught me how to be a compassionate person and to lead by example, not to mention keep a sense of humor through all times, good and bad. I played soccer and basketball all four years at Athenian's upper school and had a great time doing it. Athenian's athletic program is becoming increasingly competitive (several athletes have received Division 1 scholarships in recent years), yet the great thing about Athenian is that no one can ever be cut from a sports team. If you want to play a sport, you will have the opportunity to. There are so many great things about The Athenian School, that one review is simply insufficient to encompass it all; I highly recommend The Athenian School to any prospective student. read more

My step daughter graduated from the Upper School. I thought that her 4 years here was an excellent experience (and education) for her all the way through. And it will make her college experience even better. read more

Like many others that have posted here, my kids love the Athenian school and we, as parents, feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to send our kids to such a great institution. I can honestly say that my children understand how good their school is because they are challenged but also feel that they learn in the environment that is Athenian. From the focus days, to charity and civic events to the sports participation, music programs and gentle introduction to the environment, diversity and tolerance, I cant think of a better school to help us prepare our children to be better citizens. We love what the school means for our kids and we love the passion that the faculty shows for them. Simply put, we love Athenian. Go Owls! read more

I am shocked by the dearth of reviews on Yelp for this amazing school; you need to know about my experience. My daughter attended The Athenian School for the full available seven years, from sixth through twelfth grade. We commuted about thirty minutes each day, carpooling with another family from our area. Prior to that she attended public school. To say that Athenian was a great experience for my daughter is an understatement. This school not only profoundly changed her life's direction, but changed and enriched our lives as a family. Our daughter thrived in the environment created at this school under the direction of a compassionate and wise leader, Eleanor Dase. Right away as a sixth grader, our daughter was asked to take accountability for her education, and challenged to take on subjects and issues that interested and concerned her. School staff, both administrative and teaching, encouraged her leadership qualities and offered feedback and support at every turn. These are never easy years to navigate for our children; Athenian found a way to create as safe a haven as I know of in today's disturbing culture. When my daughter proved to be deficient in her Mathematics education given the jump from public to private school, her sixth grade math teacher tutored her until she was caught up, on her own time, without escalating the issue in any way. I only learned of this years later when my daughter told me--no drama, no worries--just got her up to speed. When my daughter's interest was ignited in seventh grade Social Studies class on a subject seemingly beyond her years in understanding, her teacher gave her all the tools and support to run with it and worked after school with her. Ethics, critical thinking, democracy and civic duty were integrated into the fabric of the school. The relationships she developed with her teachers and administration through twelfth grade were invaluable and enriched her self-esteem. As a family, we also developed many friendships and connections; when Athenian refers to itself as a community, they are giving an accurate portrayal of inclusion and kindness. We feel deeply grateful for having been a part of it. I still have staff to thank for making our daughter the person she is today. One of the difficulties of a school this small in student population is that there is a limited pool of prospective friends. My daughter is an extremely social being, and without question, the lure of a large public school can be strong. Following middle school, we asked her to decide if she would like to continue on to Athenian's high school in lieu of attending our local (massive) public high school. She knew she was compromising varied social interactions for academics, but the academic grounding she received in middle school made the decision fairly easy for her, and she opted to stay for the remaining years. (We were pleased; we weren't going to let her leave anyway, but we wanted her to feel like it was her decision!) This is an issue that many parents will worry about, and you will have to decide for yourself what the deal makers and breakers are for you. Our focus was always academics. Another area of concern for parents is sports. For me, I loved the inclusive, noncompetitive, "sports as a lifelong endeavor" program at Athenian, but I was not training a child to become a professional athlete, as many of you are, so again, you have to decide for yourself if this is a priority. A word of importance regarding tuition costs: do not underestimate Athenian's commitment to bringing in a cross-section of students from low to middle income families; they work very hard to seek out scholarship candidates who will thrive in their environment. If you think your income is too high, I would recommend that you apply to both the school and for financial aid before ruling this school out as too expensive. You might be surprised at the help available. You've nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain. As a sophomore at her Ivy League school, my daughter told me she felt wonderfully competent and always at the top of her class, citing Athenian as having prepared her well. The critical thinking and interactive dialog skills developed at Athenian made her a favorite of many professors in her college courses; in a few cases, she was allowed to enroll in graduate-level courses because her professors felt she brought so much to class discussion. Without doubt, these were tools honed at Athenian. There was an old joke Athenian kids used to make: save your "C" graded papers; they'll be "A"s in college. A double-major graduating magna cum laude, we are beyond proud of her, academically and ethically, and are thankful everyday that Athenian was in our lives for those critical years. Making a decision about private school is one of the hardest things we've ever done as parents, but Athenian School is one of the best decisions our family has ever made. read more

I attended both the Athenian middle and upper school - seven years - and I loved every minute of it. In college I remember hearing the high school horror stories of my peers, and thinking that I had nothing to contribute. I had Morning Meeting instead of Home Room. Many classes were held outside in full view of the rolling hills of Mt. Diablo instead of dark, concrete classrooms. On my daily march to drama, I walked past a Peace Pole rather than a metal detector. Athenian's rigorous academics prepared me well for the small liberal arts college I attended after high school. I was not afraid of the looming ten-page paper. One of the most important skills that Athenian taught me was how to self-manage and self-motivate. I had confidence in my skills as a scholar, and I knew how to manage my time. I ran cross-country all through high school and then added winter and spring track to the docket in college. A year-round athlete with three-hour daily practices, and I still managed to graduate summa cum laude AND have a social life. Athenian taught me to be dedicated to my team, efficient in my studies, and deeply invested in my relationships. Athenian is not just a school; it is a community of passionate and caring individuals - of all ages. In the seventh grade my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the entire middle school organized for meals to be brought to our house for months and months. In suburbia where we knew little about the neighbors who shared our streets and stop signs, the Athenian community became my family's safety net. The bonds of that community have never been broken. I am still close with friends and teachers I met while at Athenian. I make at least one annual pilgrimage to California's Bay Area to scamper through the hills with old friends. I struggled with the Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE) as did all students. It is not meant to coddle you - but rather, empower you. I sprained both my ankles the first week, and yes, it hurt. There were long, cold nights in the desert, when the sun sank below the canyons leaving us in sub-zero temperatures, huddling together for warmth. Yes, I still laugh when I think about the food that the boys ate on the trail: sardines, mustard, squeezable butter, peanut butter and jelly sandwiched between two pieces of military-issue hardtack (think flour-frisbee). But the patrol leaders were well-trained wilderness guides, and they knew how to walk the line between discomfort and danger. They always intervened before things got out of hand. We were high schoolers after all! What's more, AWE only fostered in me a love for the wilderness. I am now an experienced "Fast and Light" backpacker. I have traveled all over the US and the world crossing freezing rivers, endless mountain passes, and climbing peaks to behold the vast wonders hidden in the remaining pristine corners of this earth. I am now a post-doctoral research scientist in the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Although, I spend most of my time living in Kenya and Tanzania studying how to simultaneously ensure environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. I love the challenge of my job, the dedication of my colleagues, and the relationships I know have with families on the other side of the world. I would not be here without Athenian - the skills, the curiosity, and the confidence that my seven years there instilled in my heart. read more

This is a very fine secondary school that we had looked into for one of our children. However the class sizes were small & he was coming from a small primary school, therefore we had to look at a few more schools to give him a wider experience of not just scholastic learning, but also some exposure and experience with a wider variety of a student body. However, I would highly recommend Athenian!!! It is a very fine school both academically & experientially. We kept in touch with a former classmate & her parents from his primary school, & they were completely satisfied with her experience at Athenian. Thank you for allowing my review. read more

My sister and I both went to Athenian for middle and high school, and we often talk about the way Athenian--slowly, gently, and unimposingly--shapes students. I feel a unique kinship with anyone who graduated from the School. Even if I wouldn't necessarily be friends with someone, there is an inexplicable understanding between us. My sense of it (despite its inexplicability, I shall endeavor to explain) is that Athenian makes students think about life in an atypically probing way. There is a depth to kids who come out of Athenian, and whether or not they're naturally the most profound, everyone winds up analyzing deeply, considering situations from multiple standpoints, and acquiring an awareness of the need for social justice (if each of the world's citizens possessed this, we would all be in a much better place). For me, Athenian's cultivation of my self was the result of the School's 1) seminars, 2) extracurricular programs, and 3) culture. 1: Put succinctly, my future was changed by taking one literature seminar. Prior to this class, I was a typical teenager and generally apathetic student. After just reading the syllabus of the course, though, I was hooked. "You mean I get to read things and talk about what love is, what happens when we die, and why we're all here in the first place?" (My 15-year-old self said to my 15-year-old self.) "Awesome." (The other self responded.) Under the tutelage of the best teacher I've ever had (Stanford professors included), I learned how to learn: what it is to really READ something, how to really listen and cultivate one's understanding of a subject through discussion, and how to employ my own voice in academic writing. He enabled me to see my own potential, and because of this, enabled the successes that will last the rest of my life. I have gained entrance into some of the top universities in the country--both for undergraduate and graduate programs--and to quote Dickens (no pretension intended, it's just irresistibly perfect), in the chain that has led me to this moment, that seminar was "the formation of the first link on one memorable day." 2: From focus days in the Middle School, I learned about the distribution of resources in the world, how to calculate the number of softballs that could fit inside the School gym, and the importance of kindness. I went on a School trip to Mexico in 8th grade, and another to Cuba in 9th. I traveled to Hawaii for a speech and debate competition in 10th grade, and had my first experience as a teacher in 12th grade, when seniors teach sophomore health classes. (I'm getting sick of my own listing format, but the list is actually a lot longer than this. I could rant about AWE and a whole bunch of other experiences, too...easily.) :) 3: Athenian's culture is created by great teachers and the School's commitment to six significant principles. I have made reference to the culture already in this review (for the culture inherently pervades the School's classes, extracurricular opportunities, and student/teacher dynamics), so I will be brief. The teachers make the school. At Athenian, teachers approach students with respect. They are simultaneously knowledgable and relatable. And perhaps most significant when comparing Athenian to other college prep schools, is that the teachers prepare each student for entry into elite institutions while also cultivating his or her individual interests. The skill and compassion of the teachers shape the School's culture, as students feel unequivocally accepted by their instructors, and then treat each other with this same acceptance. At Athenian, weirdness is whatever. Everyone plays a role. Basically, you're free to be you. I am currently five years out of college, working as a high school English teacher, and happier in my job than any of my friends are in theirs. This, too, is the direct result of my time at Athenian: my favorite teacher from high school insisted I go into education, and even helped me to get my first job. When I think about starting a school in the future, I find myself thinking about a place where diversity and multiculturalism are appreciated and academic excellence is the norm. And then I realize: ah, yes, that's Athenian. read more

The Athenian School offered me by far the best high school education I could ask for. I can say with certainty, Athenian instilled me with foundational values, motivation, and a thirst for learning that has carried me throughout my undergraduate and graduate educations. For me, Athenian was more life changing than college. The school's philosophy of educating the whole person is real and is actualized through the curriculum, classes, the school's democratic structure, and by each professors' style of teaching. The best part of my Athenian experience was being able to learn closely from my professors. I can give examples from all of my classes, from chemistry and biology to literature, the arts, and spanish language, Athenian professors expressed a tremendous amount of openness and willingness to work individually with students, to be open to answering questions, and teaching students in a way that is engaging and motivational. Athenian professors challenge students and encourage students to develop themselves, but they also provide students with a lot of support and resources so that they can grow. For example, during my first year, I had trouble with my physics course. I did not receive a grade higher than a C on any of my first semester exams. However, I spoke with the professor, and not only did he help me better understand the material, but he also recognized my effort and desire to learn. He encouraged me to continue asking questions, and to engage in the discussion in class. By the end of the course, he saw that I was such an active participant, and that I was really learning, regardless of my lesser performance on the exams, that he felt I deserved an A. Athenian professors really take class participation seriously, and it seemed that one of their biggest goals was to spark students' thirst for learning. My most influential experiences at Athenian occurred within my literature and philosophy courses. My professors, without any prior arrangements, in way became my mentors. Learning closely from them allowed me to grow academically, and building mentoring relationships with them added to my personal grow. Being able to take eastern and western philosophy classes as a high school student was a huge huge part of my personal development during those years. Taking philosophy courses at that time allowed me to better understand and ask questions about the world and my experience in it--which for any high school student at that age is an important experience. Another huge part of Athenian's education is the Athenian Wilderness Experience. For me, this was truly life changing, and it makes sense that the Athenian school makes this a requirement, because I was able to receive an education (about life and about myself) that I could not have learned in a classroom or academic setting. Spending the full 26 days in the wilderness with my classmates, I experienced challenges I never thought I would face, and I learned to overcome them; I discovered a sense of strength and willpower I never knew I had, and I was able to do so with the support of my group, and our guides. I was also a boarding student for my freshman and sophomore years. Although those years were challenging, I learned a lot about being independent, about establishing healthy studying habits, and functioning without the constant support of my parents. The 'dorm parents' were very supporting and helped whenever I reached out to them. As always, high school is a challenging time, and each student's experience is different. Because Athenian is a small school, the social environment can be challenging. I experienced my own ups and downs with friends, but I doubt my experiences would have been any better or worse at another school. Knowing myself, I was better suited for small social environments. However, I do believe that my academic experience, my education, and the wealth of personal growth I was offered at Athenian cannot be matched by any other school. I think parents and students who are looking for a real education, the type that propels students into a life-time of learning, that creates a foundation for their life's goals and careers, that allows students to find themselves and encourages them to grow, Athenian has a lot to offer, and Athenian can make a big difference. read more

Athenian is an excellent school; they are who they say they are. My son is in eleventh grade and has been commuting from Berkeley to Danville for the last three years. He doesn't regret it. Athenian provides an innovative, creative and challenging curriculum. The teachers know the students and make them feel valued and supported. The school emphasizes outdoor education and international experiences and supports these opportunities by incorporating them into the academic calendar. (Such that almost half of the 10th grade class went on international exchange last year!) It is truly an amazing school. read more

As high schools go, this is one of the best around. Athenian is not for everyone. You have to be intrepid, curious, and willing to open your mind to all possibilities. You have to be committed to both outdoor education and to communal involvement in democratic processes on a small-scale. Athenian is not for the faint of heart. Yes, this school does require a four week backpacking trip through either the Sierra Nevada mountains, or through Death Valley. No, no student has ever died or been seriously injured en route, as far as I know. Yes, this trip was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done. I would not trade that experience for the world. Athenian taught me who I am. It opened academic doors for me that I have come to appreciate more and more in my life: I applied to 10 undergraduate schools, and I got into 9 of them, including some of the best schools in the country. When I arrived at college, I found that my writing and reading comprehension skills vastly exceeded those of my classmates. I had experience with literary analysis, and they did not; I knew how to speak in a polished, professional, intellectual manner that communicated my intelligence, and they did not. I learned these skills at Athenian. Not all of my classmates were as happy here as I was. Not all of them found a close-knit group of friends within their first year at Athenian, as I did. I cannot promise you that your child will have as fantastic of an experience as I did. Yet I can promise that they will gain wisdom, insight, courage and inner strength. Whether they value these things or not, I cannot say. Yes, Athenian is expensive. On the other hand, when I attended public elementary school, I found every excuse available not to attend classes and I often felt so depressed I could barely get out of bed in the morning. At Athenian, I sometimes went to my friends' advanced history courses. I took electives that challenged me intellectually and grew the spirituality that has sustained me through significant life challenges. I would not be the person I am today without Athenian, and I like the person I am today. I am grateful to have lived to become her. read more

When I first toured Athenian as a prospective high school student, I was expecting to receive the same introduction as the other schools I visited. We pride ourselves in being a college preparatory school...etc. However, I soon realized that Athenian is unlike any other school--I mean that in a good way. I was struck by the multitude of opportunities Athenian offers its students both inside and outside of the classroom. The quality of community life and the importance of student voice are two of these opportunities that I took advantage of during my Athenian career. It may sound cliché, but believe me when I say that the Athenian student body is a community. First of all, students are diverse in every way possible. Two of my best friends were from Romania and Columbia. Now how many high school students can say that? Additionally, not only is student voice valued in the classroom, but also in the community. There are many opportunities for students to express their views, such as weekly town meetings, during which students create proposals for change and discuss them in front of the community. When I was a student at Athenian, I truly felt like my opinion was valued and that the faculty listened to students. Also, Athenian provides an amazing, unique curriculum. It is indeed a college preparatory school and provides many challenging courses. However, the learning environment is NOT the typical setting where students are listening to iPods while the teacher drones on and on. Athenian classrooms present a variety of activities and assignments that are engaging and relevant. In my physics class, rather than creating a lecture about air pressure, my teacher told us to build a bottle rocket that would stay in the air for as long as possible. At the end of our Ancient Greece unit in my world history class, our final "exam" was an interactive Greek forum. If it isn't clear by now, I love Athenian. When I was accepted to a highly competitive university, many people asked, What was the biggest contributing factor to your acceptance? I honestly replied, "Going to Athenian." I believe that the experiences I had such as a two-week service trip to El Salvador, the Athenian Wilderness Experience, and the academic opportunities Athenian provided, all helped me to become a unique college applicant. read more

I am a 2007 graduate of The Athenian School, having attended both the middle and upper schools. I strongly recommend Athenian to prospective students whether they are entering 6th grade or their freshman year of high school. Athenian gave me every opportunity to succeed and I owe the school a debt of gratitude for the good experiences I have had in high school, college, and beyond. My college experience at the University of Notre Dame was very successful overall in large part because Athenian prepared me to take full advantage of the opportunity. In fact, Athenian laid the foundation for my most rewarding academic endeavor. As an upperclassman at Athenian, I took a seminar on Dante's Divine Comedy, and I went on to spend a year of my college life researching and writing a 15,000-word senior thesis on Dante. The completion of this project marked a defining moment of not just my four years at Notre Dame, but my academic life. Athenian also sparked my interest in politics, which I have carried with me into my professional life. At Athenian, political conversation and debate was welcomed and encouraged by the faculty, which made apathy not an option for me. Through Athenian's institution of the "Town Meeting", students literally have a say in how the school operates. As in high school, I continued to be politically active in college by volunteering for a congressional campaign and interning for a political action committee. Shortly after graduation, I joined the Romney for President campaign as an intern and eventually earned a paid position. My time as a staffer for the Romney campaign was as thrilling of a work experience as I could have imagined and I believe opened the door for more political work in my future. More than 5 years since I have graduated from Athenian, I still believe that my time at the school prepared me for all the great challenges I have met. read more

I attended Athenian for high school only, and graduated in 2007. After Athenian I went to Yale, and graduated in 2011. To be sure, it was a non-traditional experience, but I can't imagine having gone anywhere else. I was a tightly wound 9th grader who likely would have imploded under the stress of a more traditional prep school. For motivated students, Athenian offers an amazing opportunity set one's own curriculum and drive personal research agendas. The seminars are outstanding and advanced, and in many ways harder and more interesting than those encountered at college. Athenian teaches students how to think - largely by immersing them in many modes of epistemology: both historical and current. Students don't read ABOUT a tradition, they read their texts first hand. To name a few, I read: the Ramayana, Plato's Republic, Nagarjuna's emptiness texts, the Bible, Joseph Campbell, Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, and Levi-Strauss's Mythologiques. Thank goodness for an early seminar on Europe's modern literature, or I might have been seduced by semiotics in college... To be fair, all of this thinking has a drawback - Athenian is weak on "facts." While the math department is great, and students excel on the calc APs / SAT2s, they're otherwise ill-prepared for subject tests. I graduated with almost no US history, given Athenian's non-traditional approach, and had to tutor independently for subject tests in science. I wouldn't have had it any other way though - facts are easy to learn later, thinking is not. Athenian truly fosters the individual, and helps students develop all aspects of themselves. Classes are small and student-teacher relationships close; student needs are met before the student knows to ask. read more

I attended the Athenian School from 7th grade through my high school graduation and had a fantastic experience. My teachers, classmates, and social and academic experiences shaped me into a worldly and compassionate person with strong moral values. The challenging coursework well-prepared me for college (I attended an Ivy and graduated from there with a strong GPA and a double-major). I am employed at a tech company in the silicon valley and would say, without doubt, that beginning my true academic career at Athenian is what gave me the foundation for the success I am fortunate enough to hold today. I would also assert that experiences such as mine are the norm after seeing my classmates progress through their college years and young-professional lives. read more

Both of my daughters attend Athenian Upper school, both of whom have loved their experience there so far. My oldest daughter, who will be graduating later this week, has made amazing connections with some of the most kind and caring teachers who are enthusiastic to teach and make sure that the classroom is a place where every students voice can be heard. One of the things Athenian is very known for is its being extremely environmental consciences, which I urge you to read more about on the internet, as they have had many published pieces about how they have helped the community. If you are thinking about sending your child there I recommend looking into the different options they offer, and realize, as my daughters did, that even if you're not interested in the options they give now, this may change as long as you're open minded. read more