FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students need to meet special requirements to be eligible?

Students who would otherwise be eligible or accepted to a traditional public high school and are in good standing with the district of their current residence are eligible to request enrollment.

Is there a cost to attend Athens Renaissance School?

Athens Renaissance School is a public school within Athens City Schools.  There is no cost to attend.  

Is Athens Renaissance School considered a charter school?

No, Athens Renaissance School is housed within a traditional public school system. Athens Renaissance School is a school of choice; that is, students and parents choose this type of educational environment. Athens Renaissance is governed by the local Athens City Board of Education.

What makes Athens Renaissance different from traditional schools?

We embrace three key elements that set our school apart from traditional schools.

(1) Engaging and rigorous instruction: Personalized learning plans (PLP) are at the heart of the Athens Renaissance instructional approach. PLP's use technology and inquiry to engage students with issues and questions that are relevant to their lives; (2) Collaborative culture: Athens Renaissance's culture empowers students and teachers. Our school has a unique identity that promotes trust, respect and responsibility. Students have exceptional ownership of their learning experience and are given a level of responsibility similar to what they might experience in a professional workplace; (3) Technology fully applied: Smart use of technology supports our innovative approaches to instruction and culture. All students are provided with the availability of a school-issued iPad as a tool to become self-directed learners who no longer rely primarily on teachers or textbooks for knowledge.

Is ARS more difficult than traditional instruction?

As a student in ARS you will be graded not just on your content knowledge, but on all of the school-wide learning outcomes. These outcomes reflect real world skills that are necessary to succeed in an authentic work situation. Examples include collaboration, work ethic, technology literacy, writing skills, speaking skills and problem-solving. Some students believe that ARS makes learning easier because they are learning as they discover and apply new skills.

Can my child play sports with Athens City Schools if I live out of district?

Yes, Athens Renaissance Students who live outside the Athens City Schools district are eligible to play sports with Athens City Schools if specific requirements are met.  Please contact Linda.Moore@acs-k12.org to learn more about the requirements.

Is there a fee to play sports if my child lives outside the Athens City Schools district?

No, there is no fee to play sports for students who live outside the Athens City Schools district.  

Is Athens Renaissance an accredited school?

Yes, Athens Renaissance is an accredited school.

What does Athens Renaissance mean by 21st century skills?

At Athens Renaissance School, students are evaluated not only on how proficient they are in traditional subject matter, but also on their progress in mastering skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, technology fluency, creativity, information and media literacy and contextual learning.

 Does ARS adhere to state and local standards?

Yes, Athens Renaissance School provides a standards based education that meets, and often exceeds, state and local requirements. With personalized learning plans, teachers design academically rigorous assignments tied to standards.

How can I learn more about Athens Renaissance School?

The website is a good source of information. You'll find our school profile, latest news, biographies, testimonials and events here. The best way to learn more is to contact an Athens Renaissance representative at 256-771-7147.

How do I enroll my child in Athens Renaissance School?

The first step to enrollment is to fill out the Enrollment Request Form.  The form is located on the homepage of our website.  After the Enrollment Request form is filled out, our review team will email you with the next steps necessary to complete your child's enrollment.