Athens Academy

Pretentious school. The tuition to go here costs more than college. Definitely not worth the investment. You can get the same quality of education in neighboring schools. The staff is unwilling to hear criticisms, especially the headmaster.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best college prep school in the area. My two children graduated from Athens Academy, and did very very well in college. One is a cardiologist and one is an IT Manager. Teachers are excellent and genuinely care about each student. Campus looks like a college, safe and beautiful. Well worth the investment!

Not worth the money. Same quality education as neighboring Public Schools. Some teachers are good (as with any school) but I found that a lot of the teachers (and headmasters) tended to be extremely arrogant and unwilling to hear criticisms. I also feel that many of the teachers don't always have the student's best interest at heart.

Overrated institution. Teaching quality in some of the grades is very poor. Arrogant and not receptive to constructive criticism.
—Submitted by a parent

I have attended Athens Academy since 8th grade and absolutely love it. Coming from public school, I loved the tough academic atmosphere. The teachers are great because they actively want to help you, and have a relationship with you. I would recommend this school over and over. The friends I have made will last a lifetime! The only people that really don't like it are the students who aren't willing to try in their schoolwork. So,if you're a dedicated student, this is the perfect school for you. I love the fact that we have an Honor Code, and the fact that all my teachers trust me enough to take tests alone and have free periods. I feel like I go to a small college with great academic programs, great theater programs, and fabulos athletics.

Athens academy is a great school and you don't have to be above average to go there. The teachers, athletics, and fine arts are fantastic. The one downer especially if you have gone there since pre-k is you won't meet as many interesting people as you will in public schools. This is mainly a problem when you get to high school. I have been friends with the same people since fifth grade and I know hen you go to a public school that can change easily. Another thing that bothers me is that i feel like I can't move now because my parents have paid so much for me to get a great education.
—Submitted by a student

Its fabulous! My child was in the Oconee County School system and hated it. She has made wonderful friends, and the academics and sports are great. The teachers are above average and out of all of the private schools she's been enrolled in, this one exceeded the others. It also is great for parents who want to be involved, I know everything that goes on and am very happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised by the other comments that there was nothing negative said. I had a child at Athens Academy for three years who came from one of the top four private schools in Atlanta. Athens Academy was a big disappointment. The academics were average. The social climate was horrible. Sports were average. The quality of teachers for the price is below standard. If you are considering sending your child to AA, consider the Oconee County school systems ranking. Look at North Oconee area since they have been ranked in the state in the top ten in 2007. Education is too important today to waste your money or time in an unhealthy environment. Compare and remember AA has little to no competition in the private school arena in Athens.
—Submitted by a parent

Athens Academy is the best school in Athens for above average children-- unlike most surrounding schools, they are not geared for the lowest students, but for students who are willing to try they're hardest as well as students are exceptionally bright. They not only reward excellence, but also effort. Athens Academy is truly a community, and they have something for everyone; whether that be sports, fine arts, technology, etc. They are also very up to date on technology, and thus the students are more cultured and able to extend themselves beyond their community as well as even their country. Summer trips abroad, as well as spring break trips, allow the students to see the rest of the world. It is an exceptional school.

I think that this is a good school for the most part. Transportation is provided for most surrounding areas. Definately not for families on a budget, it is close to $14,000 or more. The quality is good, but the school is a very liberal atmosphere with my family being conservative this was quite a challenge. The school is also very hard to adjust or move into because alot of the kids have been there since pre-k. The whole school is very supportive of fine arts and sports and has a lot to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

Athens Academy is a great school and my son loves it: quality teachers, Spanish in first grade, great PE program, lunches are special ordered. Staff is very supportive/accomodating to a fast variety of extracurriculum activities offered after school.
—Submitted by mother, a parent

This is a really nice, well rounded school that's student body excells in academics, fine arts , and sports. They also have an awesome P.E. program that has won the state presidential fitness championship for three years! Everyone from 7th grade and up are issued laptops which are especially useful in today's world of teaching. The teachers and directors are human, and all families are really involved in activities. But, what makes this school different is the honor system that is based upon the honor code (I will not lie, cheat, steal, or plagarize), the honor pledge is signed after every test. This helps everyone feel really safe and secure. You know that no one will EVER take anything from you. The school cracks down on drugs, alcohol, and violence. We also take great field trips!Since they are small, the student body is close and supportive! Go Spartans!
—Submitted by Emma, a student