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 Stats (2025)
- 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:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1965
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Campus Size
75
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
Advanced Courses
Honors Advanced Biology, Honors Advanced Chemistry, Honors Advanced Choir, Honors Advanced Dance and Performance, Honors Advanced Filmmaking, Honors Advanced Photography, Honors Advanced Physics, Honors Algebra II, Honors Algorithms (computer science), Honors Applied Science, Honors Applied Science and Engineering, Honors Biology, Honors Calculus AB, Honors Calculus BC, Honors Chinese III, Honors Chinese IV, Honors Chinese V, Honors Computer Science, Honors Data Structures, Honors French III, Honors French IV, Honors French V, Honors History Seminars (many), Honors Humanitas, Honors Literature Seminars (many), Honors Macroeconomics, Honors Multivariable Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Social Psychology, Honors Spanish III, Honors Spanish IV, Honors Spanish V, Honors Statistics
Average SAT score
1379
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. 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
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
Endowment Size
$10 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
23 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Affinity Groups--cultural/ethnic, and international, Debate--Interscholastic competitions, Interim trips--local, International Community Service, International Conferences, International Exchange--study abroad, Interweave--Gay/Straight Alliance, Investment Club, Robotics, Town Meeting--democratic community forum
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Band--instrumental ensembles, Advanced Chorus, Band, Chorus, Dance, Round Square International Club, Theater, Theater Tech
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, Weightlifting, Yoga
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
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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The nearest high school to The Athenian School is Berean Christian High School (7.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is San Ramon Valley Christian Academy (2.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Acorn Learning Center (2.1 miles away)
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