Athens Academy is a co-ed, independent day school located in Oconee County, Georgia, serving over 950 students in grades K3-12 from 19 counties. Through the school's mission of "Excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student," the four pillars of academics, arts, service, and athletics are emphasized: Academics Athens Academy is known for its exceptional curriculum. Just a few aspects of the academic program include the integration of STEM concepts, the newly-expanded international studies program, and elective courses in evolutionary genetics, local history, global challenges, and multi-variable calculus--to name a few. Graduates find themselves very well prepared for college and beyond. Fine Arts The arts are a vital component of each child's day. Students begin performing on the stage in K3. Formal orchestra education is available for grades 2-12. All Middle School students study art and drama, and in Upper School, electives include photography, film, graphic design, and much more. Service The importance of helping others is emphasized beginning in Preschool. Service projects range from Toys for Tots and canned goods collections; volunteering weekly in the homeless shelter and food bank; Relay for Life; Special Olympics; and much more. Students raise an average of $10,000 for local charities each year. Athletics With its competitive athletic program, the school fields 19 varsity teams in 11 sports (football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, cross country, golf, tennis, swimming, soccer, cheer) and holds 46 state championships. Alumni The Alumni Association has 2,200+ members across 45 states and 19 countries. Special events include the Alumni Family Picnic, class reunions, career panels, and the spring breakfast, when the newest graduates are welcomed as new alumni. This year, Head of School John Thorsen has hosted Alumni Gatherings in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Boston, and several other cities.