The Athenian School (Top Ranked �� School for 2025-26)

2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd
Danville, CA 94506

Tel: (925) 362-7223

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The Athenian School believes that the best way to master academic subjects is to experience their application first hand.

In our rigorous and academic program, students from San Francisco's East Bay and around the world immerse themselves deeply in course work, inspiring each other to think critically, problem solve, and collaborate as global citizens.

Our 75-acre campus, 530+ students (6-12), and class size averaging 15, make us an idyllic learning environment.

Visit our website to see examples of our hands on and joyful learning at work in the classroom and beyond. From time in the wilderness to international exchanges and conferences with partner schools around the world,

Athenian offers a truly unique learning experience.Athenian students graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in college and are poised for a life of intellectual adventure and meaningful contribution.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 538 students
Yearly Tuition: $59,275
Acceptance rate: 45%
Application Deadline: Jan. 9 / Jan. 23 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Athenian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Year Founded

1965

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Campus Size

75 acres

Student Body

Total Students

538 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

62%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

69 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

List of Courses Offered

Advanced Courses

Honors Advanced BiologyHonors Advanced Chemistry

Honors Advanced ChoirHonors Advanced Dance and Performance

Honors Advanced FilmmakingHonors Advanced Photography

Honors Advanced PhysicsHonors Algebra II

Honors Algorithms (computer science)Honors Applied Science

Honors Applied Science and EngineeringHonors Biology

Honors Calculus ABHonors Calculus BC

Honors Chinese IIIHonors Chinese IV

Honors Chinese VHonors Computer Science

Honors Data StructuresHonors French III

Honors French IVHonors French V

Honors History Seminars (many)Honors Humanitas

Honors Literature Seminars (many)Honors Macroeconomics

Honors Multivariable CalculusHonors Pre-Calculus

Honors Social PsychologyHonors Spanish III

Honors Spanish IVHonors Spanish V

Honors Statistics

Show More (17)Hide

Average SAT score

1420

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Neat, clean, and in good taste

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 9 / Jan. 23 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$59,275

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$48,250 Middle School

Summer Program Cost Notes

Depends on the program and number of classes

% on Financial Aid

26%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$36,000

Acceptance Rate

45%

National avg.: 81%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Yocelin González

Admissions Associate

Jessica Baiocchi

Application URL

Endowment Size

$10 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

13 sports

Sports

BadmintonBaseball

BasketballCross Country

DanceFlag Football

GolfSoccer

SwimmingTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

Wrestling

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

24 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Affinity Groups--cultural/ethnicand international

Debate--Interscholastic competitionsInterim trips--local

International Community ServiceInternational Conferences

International Exchange--study abroadInvestment Club

Neurodivergent Student UnionQueer Student Union

RoboticsTown Meeting--democratic community forum

Arts and Music Programs:

Advanced Band--instrumental ensemblesAdvanced Chorus

BandChorus

DanceRound Square International Club

TheaterTheater Tech

Recreational Athletic Programs:

HikingUltimate Frisbee

WeightliftingYoga

School Notes

School Motto: Learn On.
School Mascot: Owls

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Athenian School cost?

The Athenian School's tuition is approximately $59,275 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 for more information.

What sports does The Athenian School offer?

The Athenian School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, 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. 9 / Jan. 23 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 9 / Jan. 23 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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