With distinctive meaningful programs, The Athenian School goes far beyond preparing talented and diverse students for outstanding colleges.
Athenian empowers its graduates to become world citizens with lives of purpose and personal fulfillment.
Athenian's distinguishing features include: an exciting and challenging academic curriculum, required community service, a required wilderness course, and extraordinary international experiences.
Other signature programs include: town meeting, an airplane construction project, 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% gain admission to 4-yr. universities, fr om all the Univ. of CA campuses, to USC, Stanford, all the Ivy League campuses, outstanding liberal arts colleges, and a wide range of others.
Athenian encourages students to find the colleges or universities that best fit them, and most students gain admission to their first-choice school.
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.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
- Enrollment: 535 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $60
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $51,210
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Athenian School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 288 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12
7-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1965
1907
Campus Size
75 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
535 students
314 students
% Students of Color
61%
25%
% International Students
11%
20%
% Students Boarding
16%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
45
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
76%
71%
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$10 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$60
$63,925
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$51,210
(Middle School tuition is 40,300)
(Middle School tuition is 40,300)
$35,185
Tuition international students
$83,500
$55,200
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$82,015
$46,000
% Students on Financial Aid
26%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$34,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
43%
60%
Director of Admissions
Christopher Beeson
Associate Director of Admissions
Michael Heyward
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
45
17
Courses
Honors Advanced Art, 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, Honors Calculus AB, Honors Calculus BC, Honors Chinese III, Honors Chinese IV, Honors Chinese V, Honors Computer Science, Honors Data Structures, 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
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
12
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
27
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Asian Club, Floor Hockey, Gardening Society, Juggling, Outdoor Adventure, QED Math Club, Robotics Team--award-winning, Round Square Int'l. Service Projects, Round Square Int'l. Student Conferences, Round Square Study Abroad, Squash, Student Self-Government, Students of Color, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
On Campus speakers and artists, Poetry Interest Group, Poetry Readings, Theater Interest Group, Theater Productions
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Athenian Wilderness Experience--required, Computer Technology Association, Rock Climbing, Running, Sailing, Ultimate Frisbee, Weight Lifting, Yoga
Asian Club, Floor Hockey, Gardening Society, Juggling, Outdoor Adventure, QED Math Club, Robotics Team--award-winning, Round Square Int'l. Service Projects, Round Square Int'l. Student Conferences, Round Square Study Abroad, Squash, Student Self-Government, Students of Color, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
On Campus speakers and artists, Poetry Interest Group, Poetry Readings, Theater Interest Group, Theater Productions
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Athenian Wilderness Experience--required, Computer Technology Association, Rock Climbing, Running, Sailing, Ultimate Frisbee, Weight Lifting, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2018 - 2021
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of California, Los Angeles
10
Tufts University
7
University of California, Santa Cruz
6
Washington University, St. Louis
6
University of California, Davis
5
Tulane University
4
University of Calfornia, Irvine
4
University of Puget Sound
4
University of San Fransciso
4
University of Southern California
4
School Notes
-
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 humanities courses in grades 9 and 10, followed by diverse seminars in history and literature
- Hands-on and applied science options, including: an airplane construction project, an applied science course, and an award-winning robotics team
- Extensive mathematics offerings beyond our two years of AP calculus courses to AP statistics and AP computer science
- Extensive offerings in the arts, including drawing, painting, pottery, stained glass, and photography, theatre, dance, and chorus
- Honors and/or AP courses accross the curriculum
- Superb college counseling with an individual plan for each student and counselors dedicated only to college advising
- Meaningful required community service
- Extraordinary international opportunities through the Round Square Consortium of 100 schools on six continents: study abroad exchanges, international community service projects, and annual international student conferences
- Participation in school-governance through town meeting
- 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, required of all 11th grade students (a meaningful program developing independence, leadership, and teamwork)
- An amazing an advantageous location which offers a beautiful 75-acre campus at the base of Mt. Diablo as well as easy access to the San Francisco Bay Area
- Faculty who 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 interim trip leaders.
- Service Learning in which academic courses include hands-on experiential learning with a community service focus. 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.
- "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
- The Athenian School accreditations: WASC, NAIS, CAIS, TABS, SSAT, ERB
- 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 $60 for boarding students and $51,210 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Athenian School?
The acceptance rate of The Athenian School is 43%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
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.
What sports does The Athenian School offer?
The Athenian School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is The Athenian School's ranking?
The Athenian School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High # of AP/advanced courses offered, High average SAT scores and High ACT scores.
When is the application deadline for The Athenian School?
The application deadline for The Athenian School is Feb. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
1) AWE - 26 Day backpacking trip in either High Sierras or Death Valley. It is truly a life-changing experience and you really get to know the 10 people that you are grouped with. It. . .
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The nearest boarding school to The Athenian School is Woodside Priory School (Priory) (34.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
523 students 86.3 miles 3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
86.3
9-12
PK-12
PK-12
523
300 students 274.1 miles 1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
274.1
9-12
300
255 students 279.3 miles 5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
279.3
9-12
255
405 students 348.1 miles 1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
348.1
9-12
405
100 students 278.4 miles 8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
278.4
9-12, PG
100
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