Athenian Academy of Pasco County School District

My son has been going to Athenian Academy for two months and I must say what a difference in him already! My son was struggling with his first year of middle school and I had to do something. Even though Athenian Academy does not have "high class" classrooms or suppplies, that is not what it is about. The teachers are loving and the staff is caring and wonderful. The teachers here actually communicate with me in regards to how my son is doing and keep me posted all the time on his studies and behavior. My son actually enjoys going to school and has made many nice friends. His grades have turned around and I am so proud of him. I know this is because of the teachers at Athenian Academy. Mrs. Bell is wonderful as well. I really hope this school doesn't turn into the other public school and overfill their classroom. This is what worries me and I hope that at som epoint they do stop enrolling children and "cap" the amount of students that can attend. This is what leads to failure, over crowding.
--Submitted by a parent

I think its important for people to realize that Athenian has only been around for six years. It takes a lot to get a school off the ground, especially when they are not backed by someone with a lot of money. Sure we have had our ups and downs, but the heart has been there since day one. To put down the school and especially the teachers seems very counterproductive. Even though we have admittedly had a lot of change over in leadership we just haven't found the right fit, until now. Every person who has held this position, has had their heart in the right place. If you spend one day watching the teachers (and principal) interacting with the children you will see and feel the love. Dr. A knows what she is doing and is doing everything in her power to get us to where we need to be. There are no claims that we are perfect, but I challenge you to find a school that is. I love Athenian, the staff, the kids and the parents and that is why I have been there for four years and will continue to stay as long as they will let me!! :)
--Submitted by a teacher

As a parent who dilligently researched schools to place my child in, I selected Athenian Academy based on its outstanding merits. My son had went to several top paying private schools and was miserable and his grades suffered for it. I then found Athenian, and was hesitant because it was not a "private" school. My son has since grown by leaps and bounds at this school. I asked him why he liked this school so much and he said , " they are nice to me, they don't yell at me, or rush me." My son is now a straight A student and loves going to school.
--Submitted by a parent

i am actually a grandparent and this is my granddaughters 2nd year at athenian. ive read some of the negative comments and i am amazed. i have found this school and the new admistration has nothing but the childrens best interest at heart..the teachers are all instructed to be possitive and to use positive reinforcement to handle the children, which is so much better than the red yellow green that is used in other schools..the parents contract has a clause that parents are to donate 20 hours a year volunteering. so those that are complaining read the rules. grandparets are welcomed as volunteers, and i have found dr fern to be caring and kind to problem children and parents. join the pto and volunteer during the day and you will see a well organized school and feel the family feeling in the school. the A rating is an actual rating. and is well deserved...it seems that some of these comments to the negative are not deserved..if you are having problems its obvious you havent really tried to have a win win motive., or your concerns would have been resolved.

I am proud to say that this school has truely made an amazing turn around now that we have new administration. Dr. Fern is amazing! I'm more than happy about the changes and there will always be improvements to be made but this year is a dream come true compared to any other year I've taught at Athenian. Sometimes you just have to weed out the bad apples to see the fresh fruit blossom:) Thanks to all the volunteers and hard working staff that make it possible to have such a great school. I find it humorous that another teacher said there should be an alternative for PE when it rains - out coach does his best with what he has. I thought teachers were suppose to work together not tear each other down. This year will be the best so far and it will only get better! Great job staff - your hard work will pay off! never give up!
--Submitted by a teacher

As a guardian who has been involved with Athenian for five years, I am impressed with the changes made by the new administration, and for the first time am confident that there is indeed a bright future for this school. The teachers and staff who have left the school in the past year were part of the problem. Those who remain and the newly hired staff truly have the best interest of the children at heart. Unlike many of the recently departed (many of whom have recently posted here) those who remain hold no ill will, and wish those dearly departed would get on with their lives apart from Athenian. Sour grapes don't look good on anyone. I have to add that this is the first year, out of five, that there is a functioning Parent Teacher Organization. Kudos to the PTO board and all of the PTO participants - and many thanks to the parents who carried the weight all of these years - You know who you are :)
--Submitted by a parent

I have to add that this is the first year, out of five, that there is a functioning Parent Teacher Organization. Kudos to the board and all of the PTO participants - and many thanks to the parents who carried the weight all of these years - You know who you are :)
--Submitted by a parent

I had visited athenian a few times in the last few years. I did not enroll at that time. Recently I visited and met with the kindergarten staff and Dr. Aefsky at length. I quickly realized this was a whole new school. Professional and clean. Dr. A quickly turned things around here. I am so glad I revisited and that Dr. A was there and welcomed us. Ms. Byers is great and my child is so happy to be going. He is coming home counting in greek and told me today he learned his colors in sign language. Also, staff seems much more happier than in times I visited. Office is calm and organized. So far so good.
--Submitted by a parent

We left the school last year due to the issues everyone has complained about. We are now back and the new year already seems amazingly different, better attitudes, no more cliques, better administration, BETTER Principal. The new feel to the school is great, the school is clean and freshly repainted. The teachers seem positive and supported. I am happy to say this is a school again where parents want to volunteer and bring their children.
--Submitted by a parent

I am soooooo pleased with the change is staff and especially leadership. The new principal is wonderful and finally a true professional. I absolutly agree prior to now the atmosphere was not a good one. School is clean there is organization and everyone knows what is going on. Last principal was a nice lady but had no business being a leader. I have never seen so much parent involvment as now. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY........
--Submitted by a parent