Atherton High School

My daughter loves it at Atherton. She is currently a senior and will graduate well prepared for college. She left the traditional program to attend Atherton. While it was the scariest decision we had ever made for her academically, it turned out to be the very best decision we could have made. She has wonderful teachers and a great principal and staff. Plans are for the next child to attend as well.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a wonderful school that really cares about it's students. Children and students who are "unique" really excel here. At this school there are really no cliques or real high school drama. Our principal Dr. Aberli really cares about our school, and is actually loved by students. Its a fun place to go to school, and even though our football team is lacking every high school event is filled with students. I would recommend anyone who wants to go to a school that will care about you and your academics should come visit Atherton and see why we're great.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a senior at atherton, and having spent almost four years there, I can safely say this is the best school I have ever been to. Atherton is the most unique school in JCPS. We offer a wide variety of courses and academic levels. Atherton has both AP and IB programs. IB (International Baccalaueate) is an academic program taught in over 140 countries. It is cosidered the world standard in education. The teachers at Atherton are excellent. They are highly skilled, and really care about the students. They are devoted to providing the best education possible. I have become very close to a lot of the teachers. There are also 5 foreign languages at Atherton, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese. Atherton also has a diverse student body. We have a large number of exchange students and ESl students. Our school comunity is very close, and there is no descrimination of any kind. There are all types of people at Atherton, we have large percentage of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. Students love Atherton so much, they often come to visit after they have graduated. I really love Atherton, and will miss this school when I graduate. I hope you can enjoy Atherton too.
—Submitted by a student

Atherton high school provides a great experience in any area of learning. they teachers and staff are friendly and the students are above average.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a student at Atherton and I have to say that it is amazing. Atherton is one big diverse family. No matter what your background is you will be accepted into the Atherton Family. Race, religion, political views, sexual orientation, and etc does not matter to anyone at this school. In middle school i was a straight A student and my parents told me that I have 3 choices, Manual, Male or Atherton. I said it looks like I'm going to Atherton. Has I look back I do not regret my decision and I'm proud to call myself a proud rebel. I am proud to be at a school that is accepting to anyone, and I'm proud to be at a school with high academic standards. I could go on about that forever but theres a word limit on this site. Just remeber GO REBELS!
—Submitted by a student

I love Atherton. My daughter is thriving there. She is not only on the Soccer team but alos the dance team. Unlike other JCPS HS here at Atherton you can have the oppurtunities to do more than one sport at the same time. Acedemics are amazing and just as good if not better than Manuel. Our choice for Atherton was does she want to be a little fish in a big pond or a big fish in a little pond. We wanted her to not just be a number. We, an she are very happy .
—Submitted by a parent

I love atherton simply because we're such a diverse school, and you get to know each and everyone's story one day at a time, and what they've been through. It's just all around a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is getting the help she needs!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here and love it.There are so many different types of people, which makes the school diverse. I guess I like the 'weirdness' of it though. It isn't a clique-filled school. Everyone pretty much talks to and gets along everyone. The atmosphere is really laid back and fun. When it comes to academics though, I have always felt challenged. The honors classes here are comparable to the comprehensive level (which isn't offered at Atherton) courses at other highschools. I have never felt bored or like I wasn't being challenged in the advanced, ap, and ib classes. The ap and ib program gives students the chance to earn college credit which was a plus for me in choosing this school. Although our football team is nothing to brag about, there are tons of other sports and academic clubs offered. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a student

I'm a student at AHS and I love it. My teacher's are great, I am challenged in my AP classes, and the programs are great. There is a ton diversity and the people are amazing. Anyone would be lucky to go to school here. Everyone is ver excepting, and I feel extreamly comfortable here. GO REBELS!
—Submitted by a student

My child has attended Atherton for 3 years. It is tough to get extra help from the teachers and to get an IEP in place. Communication is not good at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in the IB program at Atherton. The curriculum is as taxing as any college course I have ever taken, at least at the graduate school level. The teachers are engaged and enlightning, even entertaining. I am thrilled to have the level of public education this school can offer, especially competing with 2000+ schools worldwide. Brava Atherton, Brava!
—Submitted by a parent

Atherton is an 'ok.' The diversty and people at Atherton are great, but it doesn't have a strong academic program. In the sciences, Atherton lacks great teachers who seem interested in students. Although it has the International Bacalaurette program, it fails to truly stimulate the minds of students. I believe the real problem exists with in the lackadasical behavior of teachers in not really caring about teaching (Of course there are exceptions such as an excellent Freshman english and ToK teacher, as well as a very remarkable english teacher).If you want a school to go to to have fun, come here. But if you wish to find a school in which you will be challenged academically, this is not it for you.
—Submitted by a student

Atherton High School is a like a big family. It is a relatively small high school and almost everyone participates in an extracurricular activity and is involved. Being an International Studies, an International Baccalaureate and a great ESL program, Atherton is extremely diverse. There is a large population of hispanic students, mainly Cuban, a large population of Bosnian students, as well as students from Iraq, Iran, China, Korea, and just about anywhere else you can think of. THis diversity really gives the students a real awareness of the world around them and acceptance of other cultures and traditions. The International Baccalaureateprogram is a vary inteanse and rigorous academic program with and international curriculum. It really challenges students to go above and beyond regular high school curriculum. Comparable to Advanced Placement the students must take a test to pass the class and if they do, the class is counted toward college.
—Submitted by Emily Harris, a student