Upper School

List of 4 items.

• Grade 9

  Ninth graders are respected members of the Upper School community from the moment they enter high school. Interacting with students across grade levels fosters a community of cooperative learning and complements the entire high school experience. Through participation in athletics, fine arts, service, or a combination of all three, students graduate as well-rounded, multi-faceted, educated individuals capable of excelling in a multitude of disciplines and within a variety of higher educational settings.

   

  The structure of the Upper School schedule allows ninth graders to involve and differentiate themselves, providing the opportunity to develop and hone their skills in the classroom, on the stage, and on the field. It is this differentiation that allows Athens Academy students to continually receive local, state, and national recognition.

   

  We take great pride in the support system we provide to all freshmen and their families from the moment they enter Upper School. Through the commitment of the grade level coordinator, freshmen advisors, faculty, coaches, club sponsors, deans, staff, and administrators, students and families quickly learn that we are all dedicated to facilitating student success and happiness.

• Grade 10

  The sophomore year is an academically focused one, as students are beginning to prepare for the college admission process as they work on building their academic and extracurricular records. Students in tenth grade also have a greater number of choices in terms of course selection, both in academics as well as in fine arts. 
  
  During Interim Week in the fall, sophomores and their advisors focus on building interpersonal relationships by traveling to Atlanta for early college visits. They also spend three days in the wilderness enjoying various excursions and service learning.
  

• Grade 11

  Academics are of paramount importance during the junior year. As the second oldest class in the school, juniors at Athens Academy also continue to take steps into leadership roles. While juniors work to maximize their high school experience, they begin looking to find the appropriate fit for a college education. In September the entire class embarks on a five-day Interim Week trip to explore a variety of colleges and universities. Shortly after that trip the class takes the PSAT, both to practice for the upcoming SAT and to potentially qualify for National Merit Scholarships.
  
  In the spring is Junior Seminar, a class taught by the school’s college counselors focusing on demystifying the college application process. Students and their families also meet with college counselors to ensure that they are fully prepared to take advantage of the final year of high school and able to choose a college or university that will provide the best possible experience.

• Grade 12

  Seniors at Athens Academy enjoy many options and opportunities in academics, athletics, fine arts, and service. As student leaders of the Upper School, seniors not only work hard in the classroom in preparation for college, but they also have a lot of fun in their final year of high school.
  
  Seniors select the annual Homecoming theme and sponsor the Homecoming Dance, lead the Judiciary Board, and participate in a senior seminar and other activities in preparation for the transition to college. They take part in "Kairos," a special retreat for seniors. The year concludes with traditions like the Alumni-Senior Breakfast, their official introduction to the Alumni Association; the Senior Brunch, hosted by the head of school; Vespers; and graduation.