International Programs
The primary goal of the International Program is to help students from around the world to fully participate in and succeed at Athenian, preparing international students for top university options and rich, meaningful lives. International students achieve fluency in English, gain a strong academic background and develop an understanding of American culture. Athenian's rigorous ESL curriculum is the oldest program of its kind in California.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
To apply for admission to The Athenian School, international students must submit:
- An application form
- A student statement
- A parent questionnaire
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers of academic subjects
- One administrator recommendation
- Transcripts of all school work officially translated into English
- TOEFL scores
The priority application date is January 10. Late applications are accepted if space remains available. If applying after January 10, email admission@athenian.org.
In order for an application to be reviewed, international students must submit TOEFL test results. (If a TOEFL test cannot be administered, SLEP test results will be accepted.) For more information on the TOEFL or to schedule a test, visit www.toefl.org.
For More Information
The Athenian Admission team is availabe to assist in processing your application to join the Athenian School community. Visit the Admission page to learn more about how to apply.
Athenian Philosophy
"The teachers here are much more than teachers: sometimes they are like your friends - sometimes like your parents. They are willing to help you in so many different ways."
- Krittaya Pichitnapakul, Thailand, Athenian Class of '95 An Athenian education enables students to think critically while developing themselves and participating in their community. Students are encouraged to engage actively in their own education with the support of exceptional teachers. Outstanding academic programs, individual attention and extensive community involvement prepare international students for top university options and rich, meaningful lives.
ESL Curriculum
International students have unlimited opportunities to practice and learn English at Athenian from the moment they enter - in the dormitory, on the playing fields, in the classroom and especially in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Intermediate and advanced ESL classes enable students to succeed in Athenian's outstanding academic programs and make dramatic progress in English. Intermediate students enroll in ESL history and ESL literature classes, in addition to math, science and art courses from the general curriculum. Advanced students further develop reading, writing and speaking skills in a challenging ESL literature course, in addition to math, science, art and history classes from the general curriculum.
Summer ESL Program
ESL classes are offered to international students at every level of proficiency each summer in five and one-half (5½) week residential sessions. Summer ESL provides an excellent opportunity to learn English, focusing on conversation, pronunciation and listening, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar. Studies are complemented by art courses, cultural field trips, sports and social activities. For more information on Athenian's summer programs, click here.
Orientation
International students start their education with a three-day orientation to help with the adjustement to the U.S. Students are placed with an American host family until classes begin. Continuing American and international students assist new international students with registration, learning about the campus, and daily life.
Student Advising
A specially trained international student advisor dedicates time to assisting students from the moment they enter Athenian until graduation. Students are helped on a daily basis with the process of cultural adjustment and academic achievement. The advisor maintains frequent communication with parents and teachers regarding each student's progress and individual needs.
University Counseling
"Athenian helped me to learn English and adjust to American culture so I could succeed in and outside the classroom."
—Andrew Tsai, Taiwan, Athenian Class of '93, University of California at Berkeley
International students receive exceptional support for gaining admission to the fine universities throughout the world. Athenian's counselor is a specialist in helping students choose the right university to meet their goals. Student progress is carefully monitored, with the institutional TOEFL test given three times a year. Athenian's international students have attended such outstanding universities as The University of California, Stanford, Cornell, Scripps, Tufts, Boston University, and The University of Southern California. Many graduates have achieved success in fields such as business, law, medicine, and science.
Faculty and General Curriculum
Athenian's talented faculty—over 80 percent of whom have advanced degrees—place students as their top priority. The student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. Nearly half of the school's faculty live on campus, providing each student with continual guidance and support for academic success. In classes averaging 14 students, studies focus on literature, history, art, science, math and languages. Advanced classes are available in every subject, and concurrent enrollment in university courses for exceptional students can be arranged.
An Education Outside the Classroom
Four distinctive programs extend the students' education beyond the classroom:
- The Athenian Wilderness Experience (required for graduation)
- Community Service Programs (required for graduation)
- International Student Exchanges
- Student-Governed School Meetings
Athenian Students
International students benefit from daily contact with American students at Athenian. In addition to speaking English in every class and learning U.S. culture and customs, international students become part of a vibrant community of faculty and students. The school's highly motivated, talented student body represents a rich variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and emphasizes respect for each individual. International students comprise approximately ten percent of the student body.
An Exciting Student Life
Students balance academics with adventure as they join in frequent cultural trips to museums, the theater and the wilderness, among many other destinations. Programs also include drama, music, athletics (soccer, cross-country running, basketball, swimming, baseball, tennis and more), and outdoor educational opportunities throughout the world.
The San Francisco Bay Area
Athenian's beautiful, spacious campus is located in Danville, which is 32 miles east of San Francisco, California. Danville is a small, secure residential community with easy access to the extraordinary educational, cultural and recreational opportunities of the San Francisco Bay Area—one of the country's most desirable places to live.
