Athena Academy

We moved my son from a public charter to Athena. He was getting bullied and refusing to go to school. 1 year later he is totally different. Athena Academy has boosted my child's confidence, given him a voice, supported him through his weaknesses, encouraged his strengths. The teachers have supported his social emotional needs.

I always say Athena Academy gave me my child back, after years of difficulty in the mainstream schooling system. I'm the mother of a neuro-divergent, dysgraphic, queer-identifying child who now looks forward every day to going to school, something I never imagined back in those dark years. The headteacher Miss Victoria and entire faculty embody compassion, inclusion and creativity. Small class sizes, strength-based learning, an amazing Makers Space, high quality PE, Music, Art, Social and Emotional Learning and other speciality subjects all combine to create a unique school where everyone feels welcome. Educators care deeply about the students and are great about communicating with the parents (who they also show great compassion to). I worry much less about my child's place in the world and love seeing them grow in confidence every day. My child is thriving in a school that celebrates their differences, focuses on their strengths and teaches them that everyone has something unique to bring to the world.

Moving our fifth-grader from public school, where they struggled with an IEP and traditional learning, to Athena Academy has been transformative. Our dyslexic learner is thriving with the small class sizes and hands-on learning that cater to their strengths. We're impressed with Athena's emphasis on social-emotional development, which has resulted in a huge boost in our daughter's confidence. She went from crying daily at school to loving it, improving her relationships with others, growing her self-esteem, and genuinely enjoying her educational experience.

Talking to another parent at a recent school community event, we reflected on what a transformative effect Athena has had on our kids. The school has restored their confidence in themselves as learners. They are relaxed, enthusiastic, feeling capable and excited to learn. The teachers are skillful and devoted. The whole school is student centered, responsive, and just wonderful. We feel really lucky and would strongly recommend the school to anyone with a dyslexic child. We've learned a lot about our child's strengths since we've been here.

If you know of someone looking for a school in the South Bay to support a child with dyslexia, please let them know about Athena! It is an incredible community where students are supported academically as well as emotionally. After three really rough years at other schools, after a year at Athena, my son enjoys going to school for the first time and wants to learn.