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The Athenian School

School Overview:

School Notes:

• Athenian's superb curriculum extends far beyond academic subjects with distinctive programs which develop students as world citizens for successful, meaningful, and purposeful lives. The academic curriculum offers: Interdisciplinary humanities courses in grades 9 and 10, followed by diverse seminars in history and literature Hands-on and applied science options, including: an airplane construction project, an applied science course, and an award-winning robotics team Extensive mathematics offerings beyond our two years of AP calculus courses to statistics and AP statistics Extensive offerings in the arts, including drawing, painting, pottery, stained glass, and photography, theatre, dance, and chorus Honors and/or AP courses accross the curriculum Superb college counseling with an individual plan for each student and counselors dedicated only to college advising Beyond the classroom, Athenian prepares students for the future as world citizens through: Meaningful required community service Extraordinary international opportunities through the Round Square Consortium of 60 schools on six continents: study abroad exchanges, international community service projects, and annual international student conferences Participation in school-governance through town meeting Guidance from a residential community of faculty who live on campus with their families. Faculty know students well, offering advice and support as mentors for each student. The Athenian Wilderness Experience, required of all 11th grade students (a meaningful program developing independence, leadership, and teamwork--NOT a survival course) An amazing an advantageous location which offers a beautiful 75-acre campus at the base of Mt. Diablo as well as easy access to the San Francisco Bay Area Faculty who not only teach academic subjects but mentor students individually as academic advisors, residential program advisors, dormitory parents, coaches, club sponsors, community service trip leaders, and interim trip leaders. Service Learning in which academic courses include hands-on experiential learning with a community service focus. Such programs happen on campus, in the San Francisco Bay Area, and on international trips to such places as Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. ALUMNI & PARENTS SAY: "With the perfect balance of challenge and nurturing, Athenian teachers encourage you to experience and connect with your studies. I enjoyed academics, athletics, and the arts. I pursued my passions, graduating more certain of myself. I felt intellectually confident in my first college class. Athenian changes lives, and it's graduates affect change in the world." --Sarah Ames, Athenian Class of 2005, Vassar College "Athenian's inclusive environment enables every student to make a mark--whether in academics, performance and art, or clubs and sports. Athenian consistently produces bright, engaging, and confident young adults who are keenly aware that they are citizens of the world." --Deepak and Sherry Kamlani, current parents "Athenian encourages maturation as a full person and student. Athenian created a passion for learning in my son. He attended a Round Square conference in South Africa that profoundly affected him. He wants to help better the world. Jason now attends Stanford. The excitement about ideas ignited at Athenian shone through in his Stanford application. --Tina Levy, alumni parent (Jason, Athenian Class of 2004) "Athenian contributed to my growth as an intellectual and individual. The Athenian community helped me understand my role as a citizen of the world. I will be able to contribute to the greater society thanks to Athenian's rich ideals and supportive atmosphere. I will always cherish and stay connected to this amazing place." --Carmen Jimenez-Robbins, Athenian Class of 2005, Brown Univ. "Athenian teachers respect students, saying, "I not only see your children as they are now, but as what they can become." In my daughter, I now see a strong student, a self-motivated learner, and a well-rounded young lady with the desire to serve and take full responsibility for her life." --Margaret Bam, boarding student parent, South Africa "At Athenian you can do so many things--like start a club or propose a change. The avenues are open for you to explore. Personally, Athenian teachers are open to conversation outside of the classroom, and you get to know people really well. I have learned so much, both inside and outside the classroom. Many students leave Athenian and find college writing easy; Athenian prepared them well." --Kevin Burke, Athenian Class of 2005, University of Pennsylvania School accreditations: WASC, NAIS, CAIS, TABS, SSAT, ERB Sample of notable school alumni: Phillip Bennett - Geology Professor, Univ. of Texas, Austin Benjamin Brandzel - MoveOn.org Student Action Founder Greg Sherwood Cohalen - Emmy Award-Winning Public Broadcasting Anchor Craig Debro - KTVU 2, Oakland, Television News Reporter Joan Haratani - Attorney, San Francisco Bar Association President Carol Moldaw - Noted Poet, Winner of the Field Prize Douglas Perednia - Physician, Business Executive, Entrepreneur Korshied Samad - Journalist, Bureau Chief, Afghan Nonprofit Org. Founder Jackie Thomas - Nike Executive, Athenian School Trustee Andrew Wistrich - United States District Magistrate Judge
• Profile last updated: 04/02/2007

In the News:

• Private Athenian School in Danville meets major fundraising goal (Tri-Valley Herald)
  posted on July 18, 2009 at 01:28:37 pm
  The goal for a multimillion dollar fundraising campaign for The Athenian School has been met, according to the private school. The Pillar Campaign was to pay for, among other things, a new music rehearsal center, an all-weather sports field and an endowment that will support future school operations.
• Private Athenian School in Danville meets major fundraising goal (Contra Costa Times)
  posted on July 17, 2009 at 11:06:57 pm
  The goal for a multimillion dollar fundraising campaign for The Athenian School has been met, according to the private school. The Pillar Campaign was to pay for, among other things, a new music rehearsal center, an all-weather sports field and an endowment that will support future school operations.
• From AIDS orphan to Danville high school graduate (Contra Costa Times)
  posted on June 14, 2009 at 07:15:08 am
  Zahara McCoy, adopted from Uganda, will attend George Washington University in the fall.
• Ugandan AIDS orphan's long road to success (San Francisco Chronicle)
  posted on June 7, 2009 at 01:12:11 pm
  The night 12-year-old Zahara Nakibuule arrived in San Francisco from Uganda, she looked out the car window headed toward her new home in Danville and wondered: How did they get lightbulbs into the roads? It took a few days to learn the truth about reflectors....
• Bay Area talent helps bring 'Porgy' to stage (Contra Costa Times)
  posted on June 3, 2009 at 01:22:57 am
  Chorister, 'super' relish their small roles on stage

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