The Athenian School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd
Danville, CA 94506

The Athenian School Photo #2 - Walking to class

Athenian believes the best way to master academic subjects is to experience their application first hand.

Athenian empowers its graduates to become world citizens with lives of purpose and personal fulfillment.

istinguishingD features include: exciting and challenging academic offerings, focus fridays (middle school), and a required wilderness course.

Other signature programs include: town meeting, an award-winning robotics team, and many international opportunities (exchange, service projects, annual conferences, and faculty-led educational and service trips).

Located on 75 beautiful acres at the base of Mt. Diablo, Athenian is the San Francisco Bay Area's only nonsectarian school with a high school boarding program.

Virtually 100% attend 4-yr. universities, from all the Univ. of CA campuses, and a wide range of others.

Athenian encourages students to find the colleges or universities that best fit them, and many students gain admission to their first-choice college.

Most importantly, Athenian students develop a deep understanding of themselves, extraordinary skills for achievement, and the compassion to make a positive difference in the world.

We encourage graduates to purse lives of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 539 students
Yearly Tuition: $51,210
Acceptance rate: 45%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Athenian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Year Founded

1965

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

75 acres

Student Body

Total Students

539 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

45%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

69 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

15 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

Honors Advanced BiologyHonors Advanced Chemistry

Honors Advanced ChoirHonors Advanced Dance and Performance

Honors Advanced FilmmakingHonors Advanced Photography

Honors Advanced PhysicsHonors Algebra II

Honors Algorithms (computer science)Honors Applied Science

Honors Applied Science and EngineeringHonors Biology

Honors Calculus ABHonors Calculus BC

Honors Chinese IIIHonors Chinese IV

Honors Chinese VHonors Computer Science

Honors Data StructuresHonors French III

Honors French IVHonors French V

Honors History Seminars (many)Honors Humanitas

Honors Literature Seminars (many)Honors Macroeconomics

Honors Multivariable CalculusHonors Pre-Calculus

Honors Social PsychologyHonors Spanish III

Honors Spanish IVHonors Spanish V

Honors Statistics

Show More (17)Hide

Average SAT score

1379

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Neat, clean, and in good taste

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$51,210

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

40030 Middle School53600 Boarding Student (Upper School)

Summer Program Cost Notes

Depends on the program and number of classes

% on Financial Aid

26%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$34,000

Acceptance Rate

45%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Christopher Beeson

Admissions Associate

Michael Heyward

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$10 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

12 sports

Sports

BadmintonBaseball

BasketballCross Country

DanceGolf

SoccerSwimming

TennisTrack and Field

VolleyballWrestling

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

23 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Affinity Groups--cultural/ethnicand international

Debate--Interscholastic competitionsInterim trips--local

International Community ServiceInternational Conferences

International Exchange--study abroadInterweave--Gay/Straight Alliance

Investment ClubRobotics

Town Meeting--democratic community forum

Arts and Music Programs:

Advanced Band--instrumental ensemblesAdvanced Chorus

BandChorus

DanceRound Square International Club

TheaterTheater Tech

Recreational Athletic Programs:

HikingUltimate Frisbee

WeightliftingYoga

School Notes

School Motto: Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.
School Mascot: Hawks

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 literature and history courses in grades 9 and 10, followed by diverse seminars in history and literature; hands-on and applied science options, applied science, engineering design, and computer science courses, and an award-winning robotics team; extensive mathematics offerings beyond our two years of calculus courses to statistics and more; extensive offerings in the arts, including drawing, painting, pottery, photography, graphic design, architecture, theatre, dance, and chorus, Advanced Honors courses across the curriculum; superb college counseling with an individual plan for each student and counselors dedicated only to college advising. Students develop cross cultural communication, problem solving and empathy through meaningful required community service, extraordinary international opportunities through the Round Square Consortium of 60 schools on six continents. International programs include study abroad exchanges, international community service projects, and annual international student conferences Participation in school-governance through town meeting allows all to get involved. All students benefit from 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 is required of all 11th grade students (a meaningful program developing independence, leadership, and teamwork). Athenian`s amazing an advantageous location offers a beautiful 75-acre campus at the base of Mt. Diablo as well as easy access to the San Francisco Bay Area. Faculty 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 March Term trip leaders. 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 Prizer; Jackie Thomas real estate entrepreneur, former Nike Executive and Athenian School Trustee; Andrew Wistrich - United States District Magistrate Judge; Keenan Wyrobek Zipline co founder, autonomous drone aircraft medical delivery company.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- 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

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Athenian School cost?

The Athenian School's tuition is approximately $51,210 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of The Athenian School?

The acceptance rate of The Athenian School is 45%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. The Athenian School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from The Athenian School?

The Athenian School famous alumni include: Phillip Bennett, Benjamin Brandzel, Greg Sherwood Cohalen, Craig Debro, Joan Haratani, Carol Moldaw, Douglas Perednia, Korshied Samad, Jackie Thomas and Andrew Wistrich.

Does The Athenian School offer a summer program?

Yes, The Athenian School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does The Athenian School offer?

The Athenian School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. The Athenian School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

What is The Athenian School's ranking?

The Athenian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.

When is the application deadline for The Athenian School?

The application deadline for The Athenian School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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