About Us
Welcome
Thank you for visiting our website! Whether you're learning about us for the first time or you’re back to take a closer look, we’re glad you’re here. This is a great starting point to discover what makes Athens Academy such a vibrant and inspiring place. As we look ahead to another exciting school year, we encourage you to visit our campus—walk our sidewalks, meet our people, and experience the energy and warmth of our community firsthand.
Athens Academy is a place where tradition meets innovation. We hold fast to timeless values—respect, integrity, and a deep sense of community—while embracing the best of modern education. From strong foundations in reading and writing to dynamic programs in science, technology, engineering, and math, our students engage in learning that is both meaningful and forward-looking. Across every grade level, hands-on experiences help students connect knowledge with purpose.
Our school is more than just classrooms and curriculum—it’s a community. Here, you’ll find dedicated teachers, curious learners, supportive families, inspiring mentors, proud alumni, passionate coaches, and loyal friends—all united in a shared mission: Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student.
That mission drives everything we do. We believe in preparing students not just for college, but for life—with character, confidence, and curiosity. The achievements of our graduates, many of whom return to campus to reconnect and share their stories, speak volumes about the lasting impact of an Athens Academy education.
A few of the great things going on at Athens Academy:
That mission drives everything we do. We believe in preparing students not just for college, but for life—with character, confidence, and curiosity. The achievements of our graduates, many of whom return to campus to reconnect and share their stories, speak volumes about the lasting impact of an Athens Academy education.
A few of the great things going on at Athens Academy:
- The Class of 2025 sent 84 students off to 39 different colleges and universities across 20 states and Washington, D.C., including Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Stanford, UGA, Georgia Tech, and many more.
- Recognition by Niche.com as one of the top ten private schools in the state of Georgia, and the #1 private school in Northeast Georgia.
- Our athletics teams have been performing at a very high level, and we finished last year with a total of 54 state championships for Athens Academy!
- Our fine arts program had an excellent year, with students winning awards in the one act play competition as well as several national visual arts contests including the prestigious Scholastic Gold Key Awards!
To really get a feel for our people and programs, I encourage you to come visit us! In our Admission Office, Geoffrey Walton and Mary Catherine Jernigan would love to schedule an individual tour for you and your family, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
If you have questions, please let us know! Our division directors are happy to answer grade-specific concerns, and you can contact me directly as well at any time. We hope to welcome you soon!
Go Spartans!
John Thorsen
Head of School
jthorsen@athensacademy.org
Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student.
To realize this mission, Athens Academy is guided by the following operating principles:
List of 3 items.
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The School and Academic Programs
Athens Academy:- Nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity to prepare students for college and life-long learning.
- Recognizes individual differences in learning styles and academic needs within the stated purpose of the school.
- Is sensitive to the students’ emotional and physical wellness in and out of the classroom.
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The School and the Individual
Athens Academy:- Is guided by the Judeo-Christian ethic and fosters respect for the heritage and beliefs of others.
- Believes that personal integrity is essential to any achievement.
- Expects students to assume increasing responsibility for their own educational development.
- Encourages individuals to recognize the effects of choices and their consequences in the larger community.
- Expects individuals to respect the dignity, property, and person of others.
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The School and the Community
Athens Academy:- Uses the founding principles of the United States of America to prepare students to become responsible citizens in our democratic society and to become responsible global citizens.
- Engages with the community by sharing school resources and facilities and by participating in community, cultural, and service opportunities.
Athens Academy
Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. For over 50 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.
