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Athens Academy

1281 Spartan Lane
Watkinsville, GA 30606

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Tel: (706) 549-9225

www.athensacademy.org

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Athens Academy Photo #1 - Class of 2026 heading to UGA!

Athens Academy Photo #4 - Campus Science & Art Bldg

Athens Academy Photo #5 - Orchestra instruction in Grades 2-12

Athens Academy Photo #6 - Grade Level Plays in K3-Grade 4

Athens Academy Photo #7 - A Strong School Community

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school serving grades K312 in Athens/Watkinsville, Georgia.

Founded in 1967, the school sits on a 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia and is committed to "Excellence with Honor" for every student, from the youngest preschooler through twelfth grade.

Experiential learning, creativity, and exploration are emphasized alongside critical thinking and problem solving.

Recent graduating classes have gone on to a wide range of colleges and universities - including Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Stanford, UGA, and Georgia Tech - and the school has been recognized as one of the top private schools in Georgia.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked GA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 936 students
Yearly Tuition: $20,915
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

School News

Athens Academy Announces New Head of School - 11/05/2025
Jeff Miles has been announced as Athens Academy's next head of school, according to an Athens Academy press release. Miles has served as the head of school at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee ...moreSchool in Rabun Gap, Georgia since 2019. hide

Top Rankings

Athens Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS)
Southern Association of Independent Schools

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Dyslexia and other mild differences

Year Founded

1967

Colors

White, Green, Silver

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Last Day of School

Wed. May 26, 2027

Campus Size

152 acres

Student Body

Total Students

936 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

24%

State avg.: 28%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

125 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

12 students

Number of AP/Advanced Courses

19 courses

AP/Advanced Courses

2D ArtBiology

Calculus ABCalculus BC

ChemistryComputer Science A

Computer Science PrinciplesEnglish Language & Composition

English Literature & CompositionEnvironmental Science

European HistoryFrench Language & Culture

MicroeconomicsPhysics 1

Physics CSpanish Language & Culture

StatisticsU.S. Government & Politics

U.S. History

Show More (3)Hide

Average SAT score

1225

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Uniforms for Lower and Middle Schools

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 30 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$20,915

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Average tuition quoted

% on Financial Aid

25%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$8,100

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Mary Catherine Jernigan

Admissions Associate

Jon Terrell

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$17 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

15 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

CheeringCross Country

DivingE-sports

Flag FootballFootball

GolfSoccer

SwimmingTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

Winter Track

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

2 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Cheeleading Grades 1-6Football Grades 1-6

School Notes

School Motto: Excellence with Honor
School Mascot: Spartan

For 60 years, Athens Academy has provided a rigorous, college-preparatory education to students from Pre-K through 12th grade in Athens, Georgia. Founded on a commitment to academic excellence and character development, the school has grown into one of the region's premier independent schools, known for its challenging curriculum, dedicated faculty, and strong record of college placement.
Athens Academy's academic program is designed to prepare students for success at the nation's top colleges and universities. The Upper School offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement and honors courses across the humanities, sciences, and mathematics, allowing students to pursue rigorous coursework tailored to their interests and abilities. Small class sizes ensure that students receive individualized attention from teachers who know them well and are invested in their growth, both in and out of the classroom.
The school's college counseling program begins early and works closely with students and families throughout the college search and application process, helping graduates gain admission to a wide range of selective institutions. Athens Academy's Capstone program further distinguishes its academic offering, giving seniors the opportunity to pursue in-depth, self-directed projects centered on service, leadership, and civic engagement - experience that translates directly into compelling college applications and a head start on independent, self-motivated learning.
This year marks a significant milestone for the school, as Athens Academy celebrates its 60th anniversary. Six decades in, the school continues to build on its founding mission while evolving to meet the needs of each new generation of students. That evolution continued this summer with the arrival of ournew Head of School, Mr. Jeff Miles, who brings fresh energy and vision to the role while carrying forward the academic standards and community values that have defined Athens Academy since its founding.
From its earliest grades through graduation, Athens Academy emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the development of well-rounded, engaged young people ready to thrive in college and beyond. With a strong faculty, a demanding curriculum, and a renewed sense of momentum under new leadership, Athens Academy remains firmly focused on preparing students for what comes next - in college and in life.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Graham Blanks '20 - 2024 Olympian (5000m) and 2x NCAA Cross Country champion at Harvard
- Houston Gaines '13 - Georgia State Representative (2019–present)

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Athens Academy cost?

Athens Academy's tuition is approximately $20,915 for private students.

What schools are Athens Academy often compared to?

Athens Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Athens Christian School by visitors of our site.

Who are famous alumni from Athens Academy?

Athens Academy famous alumni include: Graham Blanks '20 and Houston Gaines '13.

What sports does Athens Academy offer?

Athens Academy offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, E-sports, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Athens Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for most sports offered.

What is Athens Academy's ranking?

Athens Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Athens Academy?

The application deadline for Athens Academy is Jan. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked GA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 936 students
Yearly Tuition: $20,915
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Georgia is $14,163 for elementary schools and $14,317 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Georgia is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).