Lower School

List of 4 items.

• Grade 1

  First grade at Athens Academy is a community of learners who support and celebrate each another. Our longest-standing tradition is the Senior Buddy partnership, where twelfth and first graders form genuine friendships throughout the year. First graders gain confidence and joy, while older students experience the warmth of walking alongside our youngest learners. Together, buddies plant daffodils, decorate the holiday tree, explore the playground, and attend special events. For many children, having a "big buddy" transforms their experience, creating a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.
  
  

  Academically, first grade is a year of remarkable growth in reading, writing, and creative expression. Students participate in writing workshops and celebrate at our Publishing Party, where each child presents a nonfiction book they have researched, written, and illustrated. With their class play, students spend weeks rehearsing, memorizing lines, and practicing songs before their big performance for families and friends. Field trips extend learning, and local favorites like Rock Eagle Outdoor School or the UGA Rodeo help students explore their surroundings and understand their town.
  
  

  Our first graders benefit from specialized instruction for an increasingly connected world. In our makerspace, students engineer solutions and develop creativity and problem-solving skills. World language instruction introduces new cultures and global perspectives. Our dedicated Pre/Lower School counselor supports students throughout the year, providing proactive social-emotional guidance as an intentional, valued component of the program. Through this partnership, students develop the emotional awareness and interpersonal skills they need to thrive academically and socially. Our teachers collaborate closely, with classroom teachers, specialists, and support staff working as a unified team to ensure each child's academic, creative, and emotional growth. First grade at Athens Academy is where learning comes alive, friendships flourish, and every child discovers their unique place in our community.

  
  CLICK HERE FOR GRADE 1 CURRICULUM GUIDE

• Grade 2

  Second grade at Athens Academy is a year of deepening community bonds through sixth grade buddy partnerships. These meaningful connections culminate in a touching surprise: sixth graders present each second grader with a handmade keepsake—a tangible reminder of their friendship and place within our school community.
  
  

  Academically, second grade is a year of remarkable growth and creative expression. Students read engaging chapter books, master new mathematical strategies and concepts, and develop handwriting through an introduction to cursive. The Fairy Tale Presentation invites each student to share a personalized representation of a beloved story in their unique voice, showcasing their creativity. Writing and presenting How-To projects builds confidence and communication skills, while the class play continues to develop speaking confidence and performance abilities. Field trips extend learning: a journey to Tallulah Gorge allows hands-on exploration of local landforms and nature, while the Gwinnett Heritage Center brings science concepts to life in an engaging setting.
  
  

  String orchestra stands as a signature experience in second grade. Every student learns the basics of the violin or viola in addition to general music instruction, discovering the joy of ensemble music-making. In our makerspace, students tackle content-area challenges and master increasingly sophisticated engineering solutions. Art, physical education, world languages, and media center learning round out a rich, interconnected curriculum. Our counselor deepens social-emotional growth as students navigate increasingly complex peer relationships and self-awareness. Second graders at Athens Academy rise to new academic and creative challenges, stepping confidently into their own voices and capabilities.

  
  CLICK HERE FOR GRADE 2 CURRICULUM GUIDE

• Grade 3

  Third grade at Athens Academy is a year of meaningful leadership and expanded community. Third graders step into a cherished role as big buddies for our K3 students, meeting regularly to foster a love of reading and build confidence in our youngest learners. Being a K3 buddy transforms the third-grade experience—it's a role of genuine mentorship and care.
  
  

  Academically, third grade brings remarkable growth across disciplines. Students eagerly move their science instruction into the Science Center, where they engage in true lab-based learning: inquiry, observation, synthesis, and analysis. Tracking the growth of a butterfly from chrysalis to mature adult is just one vivid example of this hands-on scientific process. Students master computational fluency in multiplication and division, develop cursive writing skills, and deepen their literacy skills through multidisciplinary projects.
  The National Parks Presentation stands as a signature culminating project: each student becomes an expert on an assigned national park, conducting independent research and building a physical representation of their park's distinctive features. The class play continues to develop speaking confidence and performance abilities, while field trips enrich learning and deepen students' connection to their world.
  
  

  In the makerspace and across our curriculum, third graders translate social studies knowledge into creative solutions. Music, art, world languages, media center learning, and physical education round out a rich, connected program. Students who wish to deepen their musical growth may continue their study through the optional strings program. Our counselor supports students as they navigate increasingly complex social situations and develop greater self-awareness. Third graders at Athens Academy grow into confident learners and caring community members, stepping forward as guides and leaders for those around them.

  
  CLICK HERE FOR GRADE 3 CURRICULUM GUIDE

• Grade 4

  Fourth grade at Athens Academy marks a proud turning point: students become the "seniors" of our Lower School community. Fourth graders embrace meaningful leadership roles—raising and lowering the American flag, opening car doors during morning and afternoon drop-offs, and spearheading service projects. As big buddies to our K4 students, they forge special connections that welcome our youngest learners into the Athens Academy family. These responsibilities transform fourth grade into a year of genuine leadership and purposeful service.
  
  

  Academically, fourth grade brings exciting growth through departmentalized classes with experienced teachers preparing students for independent middle school learning. Signature experiences include Rainforest Day, exploring tropical ecosystems; Biography Breakfast, celebrating historical figures; and hands-on science lab work, where students dissect a sheep's eye to study anatomy. Students help write the original class play script, building confidence as performers and creative contributors. One of the highlights of the year is the Zoo Atlanta Night Crawlers overnight program, where students explore nocturnal wildlife in an unforgettable adventure.
  
  

  Fourth graders engage in a rich array of learning experiences across campus. In the makerspace, students translate social studies content into creative solutions, deepening their global perspective. Students select their musical path—General Music or String Orchestra—to pursue their passion. Our Pre/Lower School counselor leads intentional small group book studies with separate groups for boys and girls, helping students navigate increasingly complex social dynamics. Art, world languages, physical education, and media center learning complete an interconnected curriculum, positioning fourth graders as confident leaders ready for the challenges ahead.

  
  CLICK HERE FOR GRADE 4 CURRICULUM GUIDE