The Athens Academy is a comprehensive
college preparatory program that prepares students through:
• Rigorous, challenging, and
interesting coursework;
• Appropriate co-curricular and
extra-curricular activities; and
• Targeted guidance and counseling.
In 1870, the “great suspension
bridge” joined both banks of the Brazos River, and within
the next few years, Waco, Texas grew to be a commercial,
cultural, and educational center. With the addition of the new
railroad, the budding city became a hub for westward migration
and commercial trade. The increased population of Waco demanded
more and better educational facilities, and at its peek, Waco
claimed home to as many as nine colleges or universities. By
1873, Waco had been dubbed by the Texas Almanac as the Athens
of Texas.
Athens Academy
In 1988, one hundred and fifteen years
later, the Waco Independent School District opened the Athens
Academy reclaiming the intellectual and cultural heritage of
the city’s history. The Athens Academy has developed into
an outstanding advanced academic program preparing Waco
students for the challenges and complexities on
tomorrow’s horizon. Today, Athens Academy graduates
attend the finest colleges and universities in the state.
Advanced Skills
Students who complete the Athens Academy
will have demonstrated skills in self-directed learning,
thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the
development of innovative products and performances that
reflect individuality and creativity.
Products and Performances
Students who complete the Athens Academy
will have produced products and performances of professional
quality as part of their program.
College Preparation
Students who complete the Athens Academy
will have been exceptionally well-prepared for college entrance
as evidenced by the completion of college-level courses and/or
successful scores on Advanced Placement exams.
Distinguished Achievement
Students who complete the Athens Academy
will have completed the most prestigious graduation plan
offered by the state of Texas, the Distinguished Achievement
Program.
Students in middle school participate in
the Junior Athens Academy through accelerated and enriched
courses in the core curriculum areas, independent study
programs, science fair, history fair, and pre-AP preparation.
High school students select from Athens courses, Advanced
Placement courses and dual credit courses.
These advanced courses focus on
differentiating instruction in the following areas:
Accelerated Content
Athens courses accelerate students beyond
grade level.
Advanced Products and Performances
Development of products and performances
enhances individuality and creativity.
Interest-Based Enrichment
Independent investigations develop
self-directed learners.
Academic Rigor
Challenging assignments develop the habits
necessary to succeed in advanced academic programs.
Athens Academy seal added to high school
diploma Recognition as an Athens Academy graduate at high
school graduation
In addition to the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills, Athens students are expected to acquire
and demonstrate skills in the four areas outlined below:
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Research
Complete ten Athens courses, five taken in
junior and senior years Complete course requirements for the
Distinguished Achievement Program Complete advanced measures to
satisfy the Distinguished Achievement Program
All students are encouraged to
participate in the Athens Academy, and any student may
take Athens courses
even if he/she is not attempting to
complete the requirements of the program as a whole.
email: kpatton@wacoisd.org
Phone: (254) 755-9564
