I'd so appreciate feedback from anyone currently attending the Athenian School in Danville, or the parent(s) of any current students/recent grads. Is your child getting the education you'd hoped for? What are the strengths, weaknesses of the school? How is the faculty? What distinguishes Athenian from say, Head Royce or Bentley (other than the obvious boarding aspect)? We're thinking of taking the huge step of sending our daughter there as a boarding student, since we moved away from the Bay Area some time ago and she's missed being in an academically sound, socially rich environment ever since. I understand that most students enroll as incoming ninth-graders, and am wondering if there is a downside to applying as a tenth grader and missing out on that first year of high school with her peers? Any insights into academics, campus culture, social scene, problem areas would be most welcome. thanks!

As to boarding, there really is guidance and a supportive faculty presence after hours. (Several faculty have homes on the 75 acre campus.) My son finds the boarding option entirely unappealing, though, because he sees it as mostly comprised of a 'bloc' of international students with whom he has little in common. His loss I think. I am aware of some students in the larger California area (Sonoma, for example) who have kids boarding at Athenian. Good luck with your search. Happy With Our Decision

I'm just wowed by the place. He applied at 4 other schools and chose Athenian for a very simple reason that really is amazingly perceptive: ''It's how I feel when I stand there.'' Even if all the other places were the same, which they are not, that nebulous and pervasive feeling of wonder that the kids take in from being at the foot of the mountain every day puts them in a completely different frame of mind from kids at more urban schools. How could it not? And with that feeling as their baseline, the learning seems to happen at a whole nother level.

I also want to pass along his assessment of how happy he is at Athenian - this was after about 6 weeks of school. He gave it an 8 out of 10. When I asked him what would make it 10/10, he said ''if I could spend more time there''. How's that for an endorsement? He's a fairly reserved kid, but has made friends readily enough, is getting better grades while working harder than in middle school, and is very happy. We made the right choice.

As to what makes it different - read the website, focusing on the Pillars and Round Square references. They encapsulate a lot of what differentiates it. And do a campus visit if you can! very happy Athenian parent

Re: Private Middle School for Nature Loving 6th Grader???
It sounds like The Athenian School in Danville, located in Mount Diablo, would be a great place for your daughter. It is like going to school at camp. Environmental protection and community service are two of their ''pillars''. It has a wonderful, nurturing environment with stellar, meaningful academics. There is a middle and upper (high school). My child started in sixth grade and loves it. There are many students from Lamorinda. They have bus transportation. Go to www.athenian.org for more information. Contra Costa parent

Arrange a visit even if it is not on your list. This is a great school to investigate and compare your choices to: http://athenian.org/admission/ From the website: ''The Athenian School's philosophy is guided by a strong belief in the promise of young people to shape a better world. It is based on a vision; a vibrant educational community that not only offers the core academic subjects - history, English, mathematics, science, languages, and arts - but also teaches young people to think critically and to approach learning with curiosity and resourcefulness.

Athenian is a community that strives to uphold the ideals of democracy, responsibility, and citizenship. Students have an important voice and are challenged intellectually, creatively, personally, and socially. When they graduate, they are well prepared for the demands of higher education and for a life of challenge and purpose.''

claudia

We are now looking for private high schools. I have read the old postings. I would appreciate any info concerning amout of homework per night at Head Royce, CPS, Bentley High, and Lick in the high school. Also, I have heard some of the schools are extremely stressful to the poiont of making the kids unhappy or depressed. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thankful Parent

One of the reasons we choose Athenian is that they have a sane approach to school work. There is no homework over vacations since the students voted this in. Teachers and student peer tutors are available to meet on campus to help students. Teachers also answer email questions. Homework is generally 3-4 hours a night. Papers are usually thematic and 5-6 pages in length. History research papers are 8-15 pages. I appreciate that Athenian teachers are looking for clear analysis over sheer volume in writing. They all seem to be very good at teaching writing as well.

There is generally time in the daily schedule to do homework, there is computer support as well. Students who take many art classes during the day have less study time. Students can take more than one art and/or music class and this helps keep my daughter sane so she brings her homework home. The physical education is also very comprehensive so she stays in shape, there is lots of clean air, open skies, and lots of places to walk.

The social aspect is one of the best, something many people remark about. The students really respect each other, there is low or no pressure to date. The school takes its social ideals seriously and students learn to work supportively with each other. Staff and teachers will intervene if they see conflicts arise or go unresolved. (I really appreciate this. ) Advisory teachers are highly concerned with how well students are forming friendships and find ways to pursue their interests in activities. The Athenian Wilderness Experience has a profound effect on my daughter's self esteem, self assurance and maturation
Athenian Parent

Re: Boarding school options
Our daughter is currently a junior at Athenian. She is a day student and we love it! She has attended since ninth grade. Athenian teaches to the whole child. They require community service, have a ''no-cut'' team sports philosophy, and there are a lot of theatre arts options. Athenian also offers many student clubs, study abroad options as well as having international boarders on campus. The classes are small and she has wonderful relationships with her teachers. We feel that she is receiving a wonderful education as well as experiences that many children her age don't get. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Leslie

Any parents have children at The Athenian School in Danville? I would like to communicate with any parents of current or entering middle school children as well as any that started at middle school and continued to high school. My son was accepted for September entering as a 6th grader. I would particularly like to hear from those communicating from Oakland/Berkeley and those whose children come from a public school background. excited yet nervous Athenian Parent

We are finding that we simply can't say enough good things about Athenian and its community. This is also something I find when meeting former students/parents of Athenian. The teachers and administration are extremely professional and caring. The curriculum is very challenging, creative and global in scope. The student body is international and the curriculum offers a strong focus on world culture, current events, and the United Nations through its Round Square affiliation and activities. Science, Math, English, Foreign Language and Arts are first rate. The school draws from a very wide geographic, cultural, racial and ethnic pool. In addition to Boarding students - three daily schools buses run from different points in the East Bay. We live in El Cerrito, and though I do not see her teachers daily, they return all phone calls and emails within one day so it is easy to communicate even complex information. There are regular events which bring all parents and faculty/staff together at the most beautiful country campus in Danville. Most of all my daughter feels included and is making great friends. c e c

I am a resident of Oakland. Both my Athenian graduate boys now attend UC campuses and think highly of Athenian. I had no concerns about the faculty's teaching abilities. My children got an excellent education and were well prepared. From Athenian's website, the teachers have a bachelor's, many have master's, and some Ph.D.s. I recognize 33 of the 56 upper school faculty/administrators and 8 of 23 in the middle school. Also, the school offers invaluable parent/teacher conferences with parent, child, advisor, and teachers.

As for curriculum, Athenian ensures each student is ready for most four year institutions in the US-UC campus, Ivy League school, or CSU. The Academic Dean sends home a schedule recommendation, including electives. Students have access to honors (many) and AP (9) classes. For the most part my children got the courses they wanted when they wanted them.

Re. socializing outside of school, ''if there is a will, there is a way.'' My son had many friends in the East Bay as well as the ''affluent communities'' around the school. He visited their homes, attended parties, went on outings to SF, participated in community service, sports, and met at school if necessary. It took initiative and use of Athenian's bus service. My son maintains many of those friendships.

Athenian has a balanced budget and does not operate in the ''red.'' Donations help - like at nearly all schools and colleges. The Parents Association sponsors a successful auction and smaller events. I have seen many improvements from this, all making Athenian a better community.

If you WANT MORE OPPORTUNITY for your child to progress and develop, the Athenian is the school. Request an information packet or attend an open house - learn for yourself.

Parent of Athenian Graduates, 1999 and 2002