About Us

Welcome

Thank you for visiting Athens Academy’s site!  This is a good first step toward learning what we’re all about. We are looking forward to another great year for our community. We invite you to join us on our campus, to walk our sidewalks and see us in action. 
 
In some ways, Athens Academy is a throwback to the past, as we believe in family values and treating each of our students with dignity and respect—yet at the same time, we strive to stay ahead of the curve with robust math and science programs and a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities for all ages.  
 
Athens Academy is a wonderful community of teachers, students, parents, mentors, alumni, coaches, and friends all dedicated to educating young people.  We are guided by our mission, "Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student." These fifteen words make it clear where we focus our energy. Our primary objective is to engage our students in meaningful work so that they are better prepared for college and life.  Our graduates often come back and validate this claim.  They are successful thanks to their excellent teachers and strong foundation from their time with us.  
 
A few of the great things going on at Athens Academy:
  • The Class of 2023 sent 90 students off to 42 different colleges and universities across 18 states and Washington, D.C., including Harvard, Cornell, Penn, Vanderbilt, UGA, Georgia Tech, and many more.
  • Recognition by Niche.com as one of the top ten college prep high schools in Georgia, and the #1 private school in Northeast Georgia.
  • Our Media Production program is starting its 22nd year, marking over two decades of invaluable hands-on growth and learning for hundreds of students across all grades.
  • Our athletics program has started the year strong, with the girls' cross country team picking up a state championships for a school total of 53!
  • Our fine arts program is having a great first semester, with the a fantastic Artscape 2023 show in the Myers Gallery, the one-act performance of The Anatomy of Gray, and beautiful orchestra and band concerts from our student musicians!
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.  I hope to see you soon.  Thank you again for taking the time to learn a little bit more about Athens Academy.
 
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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

1281 Spartan Lane
Athens, Georgia 30606
Phone: 706.549.9225
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.