Admission

Tuition & Affordability

As part of our mission of "excellence with honor," Athens Academy seeks to admit talented and motivated students, regardless of family resources.  Our students benefit from a diverse learning environment as we prepare them for success in a global community.  Families who are concerned that the cost of our tuition is out of reach should not hesitate to visit or apply.  We are committed to helping you determine your best options as you explore this important educational investment.

Tuition & Fees 2020-21

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  • Tuition

    K3-K4: $9,350
    Pre-First: $13,950
    Grade 1: $17,300
    Grades 2-4: $17,850
    Grades 5-6: $19,400
    Grades 7-8: $19,800
    Grades 9-10: $20,100
    Grades 11-12: $20,450

    Please note that class trip, field trips, and technology fees are already included in tuition. 

  • Uniforms

    Grades 1-8: $250-$350 (estimated cost per child)
    Vendor: Lands’ End
     

  • Textbooks

    Grades K3-6: Included
    Grades 7-12: $450 (estimated cost per child)

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is available on a need basis to assist qualified applicants. The current outstanding student body comes from a variety of geographic, ethnic, cultural, and financial backgrounds. Diversity at Athens Academy has a positive influence on all aspects of the school’s programs.

All financial aid matters are strictly confidential. To ensure full consideration, applications for financial aid must be made by the admissions application deadline. Financial aid is considered and extended after the applicant is invited to attend Athens Academy. The award may be renewed annually upon satisfactory progress in all areas of school life and after the annual application and evaluation of the family’s financial need.

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  • Financial Aid Programs

    Athens Academy offers several programs that provide support for families that could not otherwise fund educational opportunities at the school. Although some include additional considerations, each of the following programs is primarily based on demonstrated financial need.
    • The Academy Support Fund awards financial support to invited students of any grade who have demonstrated financial need.
    • The Hampton L. Daughtry Fund awards financial support to entering ninth graders who have not previously attended Athens Academy. The aid is based on financial need with special consideration given to academic promise.
    • The Michael Houser Music Fund awards financial support based on financial need with special consideration given to musical talent and interest. The student shall be entering the sixth grade or higher and has not previously attended Athens Academy.
    • The Hispanic Scholars Program offers need-based financial support for families of Hispanic heritage.
    Note: All applicants to the Hampton L. Daughtry Program, the Michael Houser Music Fund, and the Hispanic Scholars Program are automatically considered for the Academy Support Fund.

  • Applying for Financial Aid

    1. Log on to Smart Aid and complete the online application form. Click here for Smart Aid Parent Instructions.
    2. After completing the application, please upload your 2019 tax information to Smart Aid. You can also deliver your tax information to Athens Academy, Attn: Joseph Whitaker.
    3. For the Hampton L. Daughtry, Michael Houser, or Hispanic Scholars Programs, submit the Smart Aid online application and tax returns as above. Then complete the nomination application and send directly to the school at Attn: Financial Aid, Athens Academy, 1281 Spartan Lane, Athens, GA 30606.
    4. Questions? Call Joseph Whitaker at 706-433-2528.

  • When to Apply

    For returning families: To ensure full consideration, application for financial aid must be made by January 16.

    For new families: Financial aid application may be submitted at the same time you submit the application for admission.

    Since resources are limited timely submission is essential. Admission is not based on financial need. Your financial aid application will be considered when your child is invited.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How is financial aid funded?
    As an independent school, Athens Academy is solely supported by tuition and deductible charitable gifts. The majority of financial aid at Athens Academy comes from tuition dollars.

    What will be considered?
    Smart Aid Financial Aid provides information to the school regarding the family’s ability to pay based on available assets, income and family expenses. As all families provide the same type of information to the service, Athens Academy can use Smart Aid’s recommendations for making financial aid awards based on relative need.

    Athens Academy also considers the total financial aid budget available and the amount of financial aid at each grade level. Resources are limited and the school cannot always provide the amount of aid that a family needs.

    If our family receives aid this year, will it automatically receive it next year?
    Financial aid recipients are evaluated and updated each year, so that aid is truly offered on a need basis. Awards may be renewed annually upon satisfactory progress in all areas of school life and after the annual application and evaluation of the family’s financial need.

    Should my family apply for financial aid?
    Financial aid can bridge the gap for a family with limited income. We encourage families with financial questions to pursue the process rather than make an assumption that might prevent a qualified student from receiving an Athens Academy education.

    Will my child's admission be affected by whether or not we apply for financial aid?
    No! In fact, the admissions process is completed before the Financial Aid Committee evaluates the ISM recommendations. It is also important to note that the names of financial aid applicants and recipients are held in the strictest confidence.

    How does divorce or separation affect the financial aid process?
    Each situation is determined on its own merits. Both parents may be asked to provide financial information, and ISM provides a special form to assist Athens Academy’s evaluation of each situation on an individual basis.
    Read More

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  • Payment Plans

    • Pre-payment Plan:  due June 1; 1.5% discount on tuition
    • Three-payment Plan:  45% due June 1, 35% due November 1 and 20% due January 1
    • Eight-Payment Plan:  Eight payments due on the 1st of each month, beginning April 1 through November 1.  New students enrolling after April 1 may pay monthly for eight months in their first year.

  • International Students

    Please note that International Students will pay a $5,000 non-refundable annual fee in addition to the normal tuition. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

Athens Academy admits qualified students of any race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. 

Athens Academy

Excellence with Honor

An independent school for grades K3-12