The Athenian School

The Athenian School, where we believe that life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution. Every day, Athenian students from the East Bay and around the world practice leadership, teamwork, empathy, and global citizenship while mastering academic subjects by experiencing their application firsthand. The 162 students in the Middle School and 316 in the Upper School are from 30 Bay Area cities and 12 countries. You will be joining a student body that values inclusion, intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, individuality, and humor.

A true community of lifelong learners involves the whole family and Athenian is committed to creating opportunities for parents to get involved. We welcome your participation, whether through volunteering your time, attending sports events, donating items to the auction, or becoming active in the Athenian Parent Association (APA). Our parent population overflows with talent and energy and we value your contribution.

Athenian faculty and staff are more than just employees; they are pillars of the community. Athenian faculty and staff have many roles: teacher, mentor, coach, counselor, collaborator and supporter. Athenian's faculty live the values of the School by bringing their diverse perspectives and advanced educational backgrounds to the classroom along with a commitment to cultivating their students' own unique passions.

The Athenian School realizes that true multiculturalism and diversity need the spirit of equity and inclusion in order to foster a strong community of learners. Athenian emphasizes skill building around empathy, perspective recognition, analysis and inquiry, self awareness, and the acknowledgment of environmental privileges. Learning and life are enhanced when we are able to step into the intellectual space of others with respect and understanding. Our goal is that our students, faculty and staff build their capacity to increase their cultural wisdom and create community.

Unlike many schools that focus on short-term outcomes, The Athenian School takes a lifelong view. Athenian's approach results in students who are not only academically successful in college but who are inspired to make meaningful contributions throughout their lives.

At Athenian, our rigorous academic program is delivered in a way that resonates and sticks with students throughout their lives—because you learn by doing. By applying what is learned in the class to real world situations, Athenian students construct meaning out of research opportunities, realistic lab activities, critical thinking exercises and fact-based analysis. Whether in or out of the classroom, this approach allows you to incorporate your learning with your living, laying a strong foundation for a life of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.

The Athenian School prepares students for the rigorous expectations of college and for a life of purpose and personal fulfillment. We offer a challenging academic program with a difference: intellectual inquiry is active, learning is interactive, the disciplines are interrelated, and analysis and creativity thrive simultaneously. The acquisition of knowledge becomes authentic and joyous.

We cultivate the personal qualities of each student to become an integrated human being with integrity, strong moral character, aesthetic sensitivity, and physical well being. The Athenian community requires students to face life directly through open communication, while developing their inner strength to exceed their perceived potential and emerge compassionate, responsible adults.

We instill an appreciation of the reciprocal relationship between the individual and cultures, society and the natural world. We value the power and beauty of multiculturalism within our diverse community. We embrace the principles of democratic governance, stewardship of the environment, respect for human dignity, and service as a way of life. By providing an atmosphere of intellectual, artistic, and physical challenge within the warmth of a nurturing community, we develop in our students the confidence and skills required to meet the complexities of their future.