Athens Academy Long Range Plan 2006

To sustain the quality of the educational program, strengthen the foundation,and secure the future of the school.

Introduction | Vision | Education | Building & Grounds | Finance | Development |

Click here to download a printable version of Long Range Plan 2006

From the Board of Trustees & the Headmaster

In 2006, Athens Academy celebrates 40 years of “Excellence with Honor.” The Athens Academy community has been involved since April 2005 in a long range planning process that included a review of its progress over the last five years, a forecast for the future of the school, and the identification of immediate needs. It has truly been a comprehensive effort, involving more than 250 parents, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and community members. The long range planning process was led by four committees—Education, Buildings and Grounds, Finance, and Development—which correspond to the primary committees of the Board of Trustees. The committees were guided by the school’s mission of seeking excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student. The report of the Education Committee informed the work of the other three committees. After careful review of the four committee reports, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees developed a series of recommendations to address both current and future needs of Athens Academy students. To sustain the quality of the educational program, strengthen the foundation, and secure the future of the school, the Board of Trustees adopted the plan outlined in this publication. We appreciate the efforts of the entire Athens Academy community as they came together in this large undertaking. As we identify and pursue our strategic initiatives over the next five years, we will continue to strive for excellence.

John J. Wilkins III J. Robert Chambers, Jr.
Chairman, Board of Trustees Headmaster

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Vision

It has been the long-standing vision of the Board of Trustees that Athens Academy embody excellence in the educational and personal experience of each student. We continue this pursuit of "excellence with honor" through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service. A challenging curriculum prepares students for college and life-long learning. The faculty and administration encourage creativity and critical thinking as well as integrity and responsibility. Service and leadership opportunities abound and are embraced by students in all grades. Comprehensive programs in the fine arts and athletics complement Athens Academy's goal of educating the whole child. The commitment to this vision is apparent in the careful, steady progress the school has experienced throughout its history. As Athens Academy's programs and facilities have grown, the heart of the school remains the same. Today, as it has been for 40 years, the goal is to prepare students to become successful, responsible, and involved citizens of the community, the country, and the world.

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Education

Guided by the vision of the Board of Trustees, long range planning for the college preparatory programs and the facilities that support them has been carefully tailored to meet the needs of current student bodies, while assuring that decisions made today will provide flexibility for meeting future needs.

Goal

Enhance Athens Academy's four pillars—academics, athletics, fine arts, and service—in each of the three divisions of the school.

Action Steps

  • Add one section at each level in K3 through sixth grade.
  • Decrease class sizes at each level in K3 through sixth grade.
  • Continue to strengthen the following throughout the school: reading comprehension, wellness, the learning resource program, faculty professional development opportunities, and participation in the arts, athletics, and service.

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Buildings & Grounds

Since the 2001 Long Range Plan, much has changed on the Athens Academy campus. Improvements and additions include the Upper School Science & Art Building, extensive Middle and Upper School renovations, a track facility, expansion of the football stadium, a baseball facility, and crosscountry greenway improvements. These developments and others help to create an atmosphere that encourages creativity, curiosity, and exploration for our students while keeping them safe.

Goal

To continue to prioritize planning, projects, and resources according to:

  1. safety and compliance,
  2. preservation of existing facilities and infrastructure,
  3. renovation/enhancement of existing facilities, and
  4. new projects.

Action Steps
Priority I (Immediate Needs):

  • Construct a new Preschool center to include a playground, roads/parking, and a Pre/Lower School performance hall.
    Renovate and expand the existing Lower School facilities to include expanded square footage for current classrooms, spaces for small group and individual instruction, a science center, a foreign language classroom, and space for the learning resource program for grades 1-4.
  • Renovate and expand the Daughtry Building to include a foreign language classroom and science classrooms/labs for grades 7 and 8.
  • Renovate the Parents Building (currently the administration building) to serve instrumental music, visual art, and the learning resource program.
  • Construct an administration building to house offices for admissions, business, development, headmaster, and parent service organization.

Priority II:

  • Construct a performing arts center to continue providing an excellent fine arts experience for students at Athens Academy.
  • Construct a wellness center to serve as the cornerstone facility of Athens Academy's wellness initiative.

Priority III:

  • Complete the track facility.
  • Construct an athletic field house for additional space and safety for students involved in athletics.
  • Renovate existing and construct new tennis courts and tennis field house.
  • Renovate and expand the Upper School Lampkin Building to provide additional student and
    teacher spaces.
  • Construct a new Upper School classroom building to provide additional classroom spaces.

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Finance

Athens Academy continues its commitment to fiscal responsibility and thorough financial planning. As always, the school strives to provide an environment in which excellence and affordability can co-exist.

Goal

Continue to explore opportunities and develop policies that allow for the flexibility of evolving educational and financial environments.

Action Steps

  • Continue to serve the school’s mission in the prudent and efficient administration of available financial resources as identified in the finance report.
  • Investigate long range finance opportunities in consideration of existing obligations.
  • Continue to develop human resource initiatives that focus on attracting and retaining exceptionally qualified and enthusiastic faculty and staff.

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Development

The work of the trustees and administration, combined with the generosity of the community, has positioned the school for a healthy future. A strong financial position is necessary to further the philosophy and objectives of Athens Academy. This will ensure continued excellence in programs, personnel, facilities, and infrastructure for current and future generations.

Goal

Continue to build a strong financial position to further the philosophy and objectives of the school.

Action Steps

  • To secure the future of the school by building upon the 21st Century Classroom initiative:
    1. Sustain the quality of educational programs through an increase in the Annual Fund.
    2. Strengthen the foundation of the school by conducting a capital campaign for facilities and endowment.
  • Continue to educate and involve parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends about the long range plan objectives and pressing school needs.

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Last updated 09/24/2007 11:19 AM