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{{Short description|Private, co-educational, college preparatory school in Athens, Georgia, United States}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{about|the secondary school in the United States|the ancient academy in Athens, Greece|Platonic Academy|the modern national academy of Greece|Academy of Athens (modern)}}
{{about|the secondary school in the United States|the ancient academy in Athens, Greece|Platonic Academy|the modern national academy of Greece|Academy of Athens (modern)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox school
{{Infobox school
| name = Athens Academy
| name = Athens Academy
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| campus = {{convert|152|acres|hectare|1}}
| campus = {{convert|152|acres|hectare|1}}
| type = [[Private school|Private]]
| type = [[Private school|Private]]
| gender = Coeducational
| gender = [[Coeducational]]
| affiliation = Independent
| affiliation = Independent
| affiliations =
| affiliations =
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| accreditation =
| accreditation =
| mascot = Spartan
| mascot = Spartan
| colors = Green, white and silver
| colors = Green, white and silver {{color box|green}}{{color box|white}}{{color box|silver}}
| colours =
| colours =
| newspaper = Spartan Review
| newspaper = Spartan Review
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| free_label_3 =
| free_label_3 =
| free_3 =
| free_3 =
| website = {{url|http://www.athensacademy.org}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.athensacademy.org}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| picture =
| picture =
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== History ==
== History ==
Athens Academy was founded on September 6, 1967 in Athens, Georgia.<ref>{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Kate|title=Athens Academy Celebrates 35 Years|url=http://onlineathens.com/stories/030802/ath_0308020021.shtml|date=March 8, 2002|publisher=Athens Banner-Herald|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/lifestyles/article_3898ae84-9113-11e7-8526-e3da54431053.html|title=Athens Academy dedicates Chambers Center|last=Prochaska|first=Michael|date=September 6, 2017|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> At the time, the school's students were all white.<ref>{{Cite thesis|title=Seeking Education for Liberation: The Development of Black Schools in Athens, Georgia From Emancipation Through Desegregation|last=Monica|first=Knight|publisher=University Of Georgia|year=2007|isbn=|location=|pages=|url=https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/knight_monica_d_200708_phd.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite publication|title=The South and her Children:School Desegregation 1970-1971|last=Barker|first=Horace|publisher=Department of Health, Education and Welfare |year=1971|isbn=|location=|page=58|url=https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED049327.pdf}}</ref> According to the school's website, however, the vision of Athens Academy's founders, as articulated in their original charter, was to establish a school for students from "diverse social, economic, religious, and racial backgrounds who can benefit from a rigorous academic program led by a highly qualified and enthusiastic faculty."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.athensacademy.org/about-us/50-years-of-excellence|title=50 Years of Excellence|website=Athens Academy|access-date=April 12, 2019}}</ref> Athens Academy opened as a private college-preparatory school on a property that formerly belonged to Harvey W. Cabaniss Sr. It consisted of a [[Colonial Revival architecture|Colonial Revival]] home and a red barn located on Prince and Hawthorne Avenues. The school then moved to a property donated by J. Swanton Ivy.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o-8jFTZDrIwC&pg=PA206|title=A Portrait of Historic Athens & Clarke County|last=Thomas|first=Frances Taliaferro|date=2009|publisher=University of Georgia Press|isbn=9780820330440|pages=206|language=en}}</ref>
Athens Academy was founded on September 6, 1967 in Athens, Georgia.<ref>{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Kate|title=Athens Academy Celebrates 35 Years|url=http://onlineathens.com/stories/030802/ath_0308020021.shtml|date=March 8, 2002|publisher=Athens Banner-Herald|access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/lifestyles/article_3898ae84-9113-11e7-8526-e3da54431053.html|title=Athens Academy dedicates Chambers Center|last=Prochaska|first=Michael|date=September 6, 2017|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> According to the school's website, the vision of Athens Academy's founders, as articulated in their original charter, was to establish a school for students from "diverse social, economic, religious, and racial backgrounds who can benefit from a rigorous academic program led by a highly qualified and enthusiastic faculty."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.athensacademy.org/about-us/50-years-of-excellence|title=50 Years of Excellence|website=Athens Academy|access-date=April 12, 2019}}</ref> At the time, however, the school's students were all white.<ref>{{Cite thesis|title=Seeking Education for Liberation: The Development of Black Schools in Athens, Georgia From Emancipation Through Desegregation|last=Monica|first=Knight|publisher=University Of Georgia|year=2007|url=https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/knight_monica_d_200708_phd.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The South and her Children:School Desegregation 1970-1971|last=Barker|first=Horace|publisher=Department of Health, Education and Welfare |year=1971|page=58|url=https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED049327.pdf}}</ref>
The college-preparatory school opened on a property that formerly belonged to Harvey W. Cabaniss Sr. It consisted of a [[Colonial Revival architecture|Colonial Revival]] home and a red barn located on Prince and Hawthorne Avenues. The school then moved to a property donated by J. Swanton Ivy.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o-8jFTZDrIwC&pg=PA206|title=A Portrait of Historic Athens & Clarke County|last=Thomas|first=Frances Taliaferro|date=2009|publisher=University of Georgia Press|isbn=9780820330440|pages=206|language=en}}</ref>


Athens Academy was headed by Ronald Griffeth and D. Alvin Cash before J. Robert Chambers became headmaster in 1983, followed by John Thorsen in 2014.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/article/20131101/NEWS/311019942|title=Athens Academy names new headmaster|date=2013-11-01|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2017.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/oconee/features/2017-09-17/chambers-center-dedicated-50th-anniversary-athens-academy|title=Chambers Center dedicated on 50th anniversary for Athens Academy|last=Ford|first=Wayne|date=2017-09-17|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref>
Athens Academy was headed by Ronald Griffeth and D. Alvin Cash before J. Robert Chambers became headmaster in 1983, followed by John Thorsen in 2014.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/article/20131101/NEWS/311019942|title=Athens Academy names new headmaster|date=2013-11-01|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2017.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/oconee/features/2017-09-17/chambers-center-dedicated-50th-anniversary-athens-academy|title=Chambers Center dedicated on 50th anniversary for Athens Academy|last=Ford|first=Wayne|date=2017-09-17|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref>


==Academics and administration==
==Academics and administration==
The Athens Academy curriculum provides general college-preparatory and honors programs. The [[College Board]]'s [[Advanced Placement]] program is offered as an outgrowth of the Academy's honors program. Art, music, physical education, and drama classes are offered in addition to traditional academic disciplines.{{fact|date=November 2018}} The school also offers several studio art classes along with digital art and animation, drawing and painting courses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/lifestyles/article_e9d8c508-9b21-11e8-8877-f328c0b8c47a.html|title=Athens Academy offers digital animation course|last=Tiller|first=Katie|date=August 8, 2018|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> As of 2008, 21% of graduating seniors were [[National Merit Scholarship Program|National Merit Scholarship]] winners.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fA8AAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA63|title=Private School Guide 08|last=DiLonardo|first=Mary|date=January 2008|work=Atlanta Magazine|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref>
The Athens Academy curriculum provides general college-preparatory and honors programs. The [[College Board]]'s [[Advanced Placement]] program is offered as an outgrowth of the Academy's honors program. Art, music, physical education, and drama classes are offered in addition to traditional academic disciplines.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} The school also offers several studio art classes along with digital art and animation, drawing and painting courses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/lifestyles/article_e9d8c508-9b21-11e8-8877-f328c0b8c47a.html|title=Athens Academy offers digital animation course|last=Tiller|first=Katie|date=August 8, 2018|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> As of 2008, 21% of graduating seniors were [[National Merit Scholarship Program|National Merit Scholarship]] winners.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fA8AAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA63|title=Private School Guide 08|last=DiLonardo|first=Mary|date=January 2008|work=Atlanta Magazine|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref>


Athens Academy is made up of four divisions: Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. It is led by a headmaster who reports to the Athens Academy Board of Trustees. Until his retirement following the 2012–2013 school year, Chambers served as headmaster of the school for more than 30 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2012-07-18/athens-academy-headmaster-announces-retirement|title=Athens Academy headmaster announces retirement|last=France|first=Erin|work=Online Athens|publisher=Athens-Banner Herald|accessdate=September 14, 2013}}</ref> He was succeeded by John Thorsen who became Athens Academy's fifth headmaster on July 1, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/archives/article_f95f4109-6d76-579d-8458-cf1e3ccc245b.html|title=New Athens Academy head hopes to put down roots|last=Giles|first=Blake|date=November 13, 2013|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Beth Sanders is chair of the board of trustees;<ref name=":2" /> Susan Zalac is director of the Upper School;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/oconee/2017-03-14/athens-academy-hires-susan-zalac-upper-school-director|title=Athens Academy hires Susan Zalac as Upper School director|date=March 14, 2017|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Jeff Stachura serves as director of the Middle School;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/news/20190202/gov-kemp-attends-state-robotics-competition-at-athens-academy|title=Gov. Kemp attends state robotics competition at Athens Academy|last=Ford|first=Wayne|date=February 2, 2019|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Mark Cunningham is the director of the Lower School;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/lifestyles/article_708d6378-0d09-11e6-a1ab-db6fcb2fa7b9.html|title=Athens Academy hires new lower school director|last=Prochaska|first=Michael|date=May 4, 2016|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Colleen Burwell is the director of the Preschool.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.athensacademy.org/about-us/faculty--staff|title=Faculty & Staff|website=Athens Academy|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref>
Athens Academy is made up of four divisions: Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. It is led by a headmaster who reports to the Athens Academy Board of Trustees. Until his retirement following the 2012–2013 school year, Chambers served as headmaster of the school for more than 30 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2012-07-18/athens-academy-headmaster-announces-retirement|title=Athens Academy headmaster announces retirement|last=France|first=Erin|work=Online Athens|publisher=Athens-Banner Herald|access-date=September 14, 2013}}</ref> He was succeeded by John Thorsen who became Athens Academy's fifth headmaster on July 1, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/archives/article_f95f4109-6d76-579d-8458-cf1e3ccc245b.html|title=New Athens Academy head hopes to put down roots|last=Giles|first=Blake|date=November 13, 2013|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Beth Sanders is chair of the board of trustees;<ref name=":2" /> Susan Zalac is director of the Upper School;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/oconee/2017-03-14/athens-academy-hires-susan-zalac-upper-school-director|title=Athens Academy hires Susan Zalac as Upper School director|date=March 14, 2017|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Jeff Stachura serves as director of the Middle School;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/news/20190202/gov-kemp-attends-state-robotics-competition-at-athens-academy|title=Gov. Kemp attends state robotics competition at Athens Academy|last=Ford|first=Wayne|date=February 2, 2019|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Mark Cunningham is the director of the Lower School;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oconeeenterprise.com/lifestyles/article_708d6378-0d09-11e6-a1ab-db6fcb2fa7b9.html|title=Athens Academy hires new lower school director|last=Prochaska|first=Michael|date=May 4, 2016|website=Oconee Enterprise|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Colleen Burwell is the director of the Preschool.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.athensacademy.org/about-us/faculty--staff|title=Faculty & Staff|website=Athens Academy|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref>


== Campus ==
== Campus ==
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== Athletics ==
== Athletics ==
Athens Academy competes in region 8-A of the [[Georgia High School Association]] (GHSA).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/sports/prep/oconee/2017-11-28/ghsa-releases-updated-region-assignments-2018-2019-and-2019-2020|title=GHSA releases updated region assignments for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons|last=Saavedra|first=Nicole|date=November 28, 2017|website=Athens Banner-Herald|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> They field teams in [[cross-country running|cross country]], [[American football|football]], [[Swimming (sport)|competitive swimming]] and [[Diving (sport)|diving]], [[golf]], [[track and field]], [[basketball]], [[volleyball]], [[soccer]], [[tennis]], [[cheerleading]], [[wrestling]], and [[baseball]]. The team name is the Spartans. In grades 7–12, 78% of students participate in athletics.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Spartan Athletics!|url=http://www.athensacademy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=141794|publisher=Athens Academy|accessdate=January 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030005811/http://www.athensacademy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=141794|archive-date=October 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>The current football coach is Jeremy Green.
Athens Academy competes in region 8-AA of the [[Georgia High School Association]] (GHSA).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The GHSA has realigned Classes A through 3A. Here's what it means for Athens-area schools |url=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2021/12/08/athens-area-schools-affected-class-ghsa-realignment/6436376001/ |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=Online Athens |language=en-US| first = Ryne | last = Dennis | date = December 8, 2021}}</ref> They field teams in [[cross-country running|cross country]], [[American football|football]], [[Swimming (sport)|competitive swimming]] and [[Diving (sport)|diving]], [[golf]], [[track and field]], [[basketball]], [[volleyball]], [[soccer]], [[tennis]], [[cheerleading]], [[wrestling]], and [[baseball]]. The team name is the Spartans. In grades 7–12, 78% of students participate in athletics.<ref>{{cite web| title=Welcome to Spartan Athletics!
|url=http://www.athensacademy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=141794| publisher=Athens Academy |access-date=January 30, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030005811/http://www.athensacademy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=141794 |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Notable alumni ==
== Notable alumni ==
* [[Graham Blanks]], 2024 Olympian (5000m) and 2x NCAA Cross Country champion at Harvard<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Tidwell |first=Sara |title=Athens-area alum, Ivy League standout defends NCAA men's cross-country individual title |url=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/cross-country/2024/11/23/athens-academy-alumni-graham-blanks-is-a-two-time-mens-ncaa-xc-champ-harvard/76525830007/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Online Athens |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Amy Bruckner]], an actress<ref>{{cite web|title=Athens Academy Press Releases|url=http://www.athensacademy.net/announcements/press/2009/03/|publisher=Athens Academy|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Elizabeth Guess]], a soccer player<ref>[http://www.athensacademy.net/sports/soccer/girls/history.htm Soccer History] Athens Academy Girls Soccer webpage, Retrieved March 13, 2008</ref>
* [[Amy Bruckner]], actress<ref>{{cite web|title=Athens Academy Press Releases|url=http://www.athensacademy.net/announcements/press/2009/03/|publisher=Athens Academy|access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref>
*[[Deion Colzie]], football player at Notre Dame<ref>{{cite web |title=Deion Colzie - Notre Dame roster |url=https://fightingirish.com/roster/deion-colzie/ |website=FightingIrish.com |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref>
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* [[Lauren Schacher]], an actress
*[[Houston Gaines]], Georgia State Representative (2019–present)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-04-06|title=Houston Gaines '13 Elected President of UGA Student Government Association|url=https://www.athensacademy.org/news-detail?pk=844262|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Athens Academy|language=en}}</ref>
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*[[Keith Wiggans]], a soccer player<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/stories/041500/spo_0415000052.shtml|title=Wiggans headed for nets at Charleston|last=Hannon|first=Shane|date=April 15, 2000|work=Athens Banner-Herald|access-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929001639/https://www.onlineathens.com/stories/041500/spo_0415000052.shtml|archive-date=September 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Jake Garcia]], (Class of 2023), [[NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series]] driver
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*[[Joe Tereshinski III]], an American football [[quarterback]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2006/aug/31/Even-his-dad-says-Georgia-QB-must-perform/?print|title=Even his dad says Georgia QB must 'perform'|last=Paschall|first=David|date=August 31, 2006|work=Chattanooga Time Free Press|access-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130204141655/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2006/aug/31/Even-his-dad-says-Georgia-QB-must-perform/?print|archive-date=February 4, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Vicki Goetze-Ackerman]], a golfer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Hall of Fame biography|publisher=Georgia State Golf Association|url=https://www.gsga.org/hall-of-fame/members/vicki_goetze_ackerman|accessdate=October 3, 2019}}</ref>
*[[Vicki Goetze-Ackerman]], [[LPGA Tour]] golfer<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Hall of Fame biography|publisher=Georgia State Golf Association|url=https://www.gsga.org/hall-of-fame/members/vicki_goetze_ackerman|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Elizabeth Guess]], soccer player<ref>[http://www.athensacademy.net/sports/soccer/girls/history.htm Soccer History] Athens Academy Girls Soccer webpage, Retrieved March 13, 2008</ref>
* [[Brian Kemp]], attended through ninth grade<ref>[https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/why-brian-kemp-may-need-some-time-find-the-right-words/zBwebaGOwbMucRyKdponxI/ Why Brian Kemp may need some time to find the right words]</ref>
* [[Mallory Moye]], actress and artist<ref>{{cite news |title=The Eternally Vivid Life of Mallory Moye (and her animals) |url=https://athensuncharted.com/2021/02/01/the-eternally-vivid-life-of-mallory-moye-and-her-animals/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |publisher=AthensUncharted |date=1 February 2021}}</ref>
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* [[Lauren Schacher]], actress
⚫
* [[Keith Wiggans]], soccer player<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.onlineathens.com/stories/041500/spo_0415000052.shtml|title=Wiggans headed for nets at Charleston|last=Hannon|first=Shane|date=April 15, 2000|work=Athens Banner-Herald|access-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929001639/https://www.onlineathens.com/stories/041500/spo_0415000052.shtml|archive-date=September 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
⚫
*[[Joe Tereshinski III]], American football [[quarterback]] and [[college football]] coach<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2006/aug/31/Even-his-dad-says-Georgia-QB-must-perform/?print|title=Even his dad says Georgia QB must 'perform'|last=Paschall|first=David|date=August 31, 2006|work=Chattanooga Time Free Press|access-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204141655/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2006/aug/31/Even-his-dad-says-Georgia-QB-must-perform/?print|archive-date=February 4, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!-- Brian Kemp graduated from Clarke Central High School in 1982. -->
<!-- Brian Kemp graduated from Clarke Central High School in 1982. -->


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}<ref name=":4" />{{GHSA Class AA Region 8}}
{{authority control}}
{{GHSA Class A Region 8}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Athens Academy (School)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Athens Academy (School)}}
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[[Category:Schools in Oconee County, Georgia]]
[[Category:Schools in Oconee County, Georgia]]
[[Category:Preparatory schools in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Preparatory schools in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Segregation academies in Georgia]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1967]]
[[Category:1967 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)]]

Latest revision as of 19:41, 25 November 2024

This article is about the secondary school in the United States. For the ancient academy in Athens, Greece, see Platonic Academy. For the modern national academy of Greece, see Academy of Athens (modern).

Athens Academy
Address
Map
1281 Spartan Lane

Athens
,
Georgia

United States
Coordinates33°54′01″N 83°24′09″W / 33.900328°N 83.402371°W / 33.900328; -83.402371
Information
TypePrivate
MottoExcellentia Cum Honore (Excellence With Honor)
Established1967
FoundersJohn Wilkins, John E. Griffin, Harold E. Beasley, Harvey Cabaniss, Tommy Tillman, Mary T. Erwin
Principal
  • Colleen Burwell (Preschool)
  • Mark Cunningham (Lower School)
  • Jeff Stachura (Middle School)
  • Susan Zalac (Upper School)
HeadmasterJohn Thorsen
GradesK3–12
GenderCoeducational
Number of students945
Campus152 acres (61.5 hectares)
Color(s)Green, white and silver    
MascotSpartan
NewspaperSpartan Review
YearbookAcademia
AffiliationIndependent
Websitewww.athensacademy.org

Athens Academy is a private, co-educational, college preparatory school in Athens, Georgia. As of 2017, the school enrollment is approximately 945 students.[1]

History

[edit]

Athens Academy was founded on September 6, 1967 in Athens, Georgia.[2][3] According to the school's website, the vision of Athens Academy's founders, as articulated in their original charter, was to establish a school for students from "diverse social, economic, religious, and racial backgrounds who can benefit from a rigorous academic program led by a highly qualified and enthusiastic faculty."[4] At the time, however, the school's students were all white.[5][6]

The college-preparatory school opened on a property that formerly belonged to Harvey W. Cabaniss Sr. It consisted of a Colonial Revival home and a red barn located on Prince and Hawthorne Avenues. The school then moved to a property donated by J. Swanton Ivy.[3][7]

Athens Academy was headed by Ronald Griffeth and D. Alvin Cash before J. Robert Chambers became headmaster in 1983, followed by John Thorsen in 2014.[3][8] The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2017.[9]

Academics and administration

[edit]

The Athens Academy curriculum provides general college-preparatory and honors programs. The College Board's Advanced Placement program is offered as an outgrowth of the Academy's honors program. Art, music, physical education, and drama classes are offered in addition to traditional academic disciplines.[citation needed] The school also offers several studio art classes along with digital art and animation, drawing and painting courses.[10] As of 2008, 21% of graduating seniors were National Merit Scholarship winners.[11]

Athens Academy is made up of four divisions: Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. It is led by a headmaster who reports to the Athens Academy Board of Trustees. Until his retirement following the 2012–2013 school year, Chambers served as headmaster of the school for more than 30 years.[12] He was succeeded by John Thorsen who became Athens Academy's fifth headmaster on July 1, 2014.[13] Beth Sanders is chair of the board of trustees;[9] Susan Zalac is director of the Upper School;[14] Jeff Stachura serves as director of the Middle School;[15] Mark Cunningham is the director of the Lower School;[16] Colleen Burwell is the director of the Preschool.[17]

Campus

[edit]

The Athens Academy campus is located in Athens, Georgia.[18] J. Swanton Ivy originally donated to the school 105 acres (42.5 hectares) of land just inside Oconee County. As the school continued to grow, it expanded to the surrounding area.[3][7]

The campus has 24 buildings over 152 acres (61.5 hectares) located off U.S. Route 441.[18] The Chambers Center, a new administration building named after the former headmaster, was the latest building to be inaugurated in September 2017.[9]

Athletics

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Athens Academy competes in region 8-AA of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).[19] They field teams in cross country, football, competitive swimming and diving, golf, track and field, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, cheerleading, wrestling, and baseball. The team name is the Spartans. In grades 7–12, 78% of students participate in athletics.[20]

Notable alumni

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References

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  1. ^ Ford, Wayne (September 4, 2017). "Athens Academy observes 50th anniversary". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  2. ^ Carter, Kate (March 8, 2002). "Athens Academy Celebrates 35 Years". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d Prochaska, Michael (September 6, 2017). "Athens Academy dedicates Chambers Center". Oconee Enterprise. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  4. ^ "50 Years of Excellence". Athens Academy. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  5. ^ Monica, Knight (2007). Seeking Education for Liberation: The Development of Black Schools in Athens, Georgia From Emancipation Through Desegregation (PDF) (Thesis). University Of Georgia.
  6. ^ Barker, Horace (1971). The South and her Children:School Desegregation 1970-1971 (PDF). Department of Health, Education and Welfare. p. 58.
  7. ^ a b Thomas, Frances Taliaferro (2009). A Portrait of Historic Athens & Clarke County. University of Georgia Press. p. 206. ISBN 9780820330440.
  8. ^ "Athens Academy names new headmaster". Athens Banner-Herald. November 1, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  9. ^ a b c Ford, Wayne (September 17, 2017). "Chambers Center dedicated on 50th anniversary for Athens Academy". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  10. ^ Tiller, Katie (August 8, 2018). "Athens Academy offers digital animation course". Oconee Enterprise. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  11. ^ DiLonardo, Mary (January 2008). "Private School Guide 08". Atlanta Magazine. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  12. ^ France, Erin. "Athens Academy headmaster announces retirement". Online Athens. Athens-Banner Herald. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  13. ^ Giles, Blake (November 13, 2013). "New Athens Academy head hopes to put down roots". Oconee Enterprise. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  14. ^ "Athens Academy hires Susan Zalac as Upper School director". Athens Banner-Herald. March 14, 2017. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  15. ^ Ford, Wayne (February 2, 2019). "Gov. Kemp attends state robotics competition at Athens Academy". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  16. ^ Prochaska, Michael (May 4, 2016). "Athens Academy hires new lower school director". Oconee Enterprise. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  17. ^ "Faculty & Staff". Athens Academy. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  18. ^ a b Ford, Wayne (September 4, 2017). "Athens Academy observes 50th anniversary". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  19. ^ Dennis, Ryne (December 8, 2021). "The GHSA has realigned Classes A through 3A. Here's what it means for Athens-area schools". Online Athens. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  20. ^ "Welcome to Spartan Athletics!". Athens Academy. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  21. ^ Tidwell, Sara. "Athens-area alum, Ivy League standout defends NCAA men's cross-country individual title". Online Athens. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  22. ^ "Athens Academy Press Releases". Athens Academy. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  23. ^ "Deion Colzie - Notre Dame roster". FightingIrish.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  24. ^ "Houston Gaines '13 Elected President of UGA Student Government Association". Athens Academy. April 6, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  25. ^ "Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Hall of Fame biography". Georgia State Golf Association. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  26. ^ Soccer History Athens Academy Girls Soccer webpage, Retrieved March 13, 2008
  27. ^ Why Brian Kemp may need some time to find the right words
  28. ^ "The Eternally Vivid Life of Mallory Moye (and her animals)". AthensUncharted. February 1, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  29. ^ Hannon, Shane (April 15, 2000). "Wiggans headed for nets at Charleston". Athens Banner-Herald. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  30. ^ Paschall, David (August 31, 2006). "Even his dad says Georgia QB must 'perform'". Chattanooga Time Free Press. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2019.

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  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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