The Athenian School: Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

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To be eligible for an Athenian diploma, students must complete the minimum requirements listed below. However, most students exceed these requirements:

English

4 years of English including Humanities I and American Studies Literature. After completion of American Studies, students take two years of English seminars.

History

Three years of History, including World Cultures and American Studies: United States History. After completion of American Studies, students take the equivalent of one year of History seminars.

Foreign Lanugage

Three years of Foreign Language (through Level Three).

Mathematics

Three years of Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II.

Laboratory Science

Three years of Laboratory Science.

Fine Arts

Two and one third years of Fine Arts, including Humanities I: Art, one term of Arts and Society (taken in 11th or 12th grade), and one year of electives taken in grades 10-12.

Physical Education

Four years of Physical Education. Students may participate in a physical education class or an interscholastic sport.

Community Service

All students fulfill a community service requirement each year. In the freshman year, campus projects are emphasized; in the sophomore year, students select activities from several off-campus choices; in the junior and senior years, students commit to ongoing community service projects.

Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE)

AWE is a graduation requirement of all students and is usually completed prior to the senior year during spring vacation in Death Valley or during the summer in the Sierra Nevada mountains. AWE includes extensive backpacking, rock climbing, and a solo experience. Students learn basic mountaineering or desert skills (route-finding, first aid, and low-impact camp crafts) to ensure safe and appropriate wilderness travel. Students also learn to share responsibilities, make group decisions, take care of one another, and appreciate the natural environment. AWE promotes leadership and fellowship abilities, improves physical fitness, and builds on individual strengths and communication skills.