Testimonials

At Athens Renaissance School, our greatest measure of success is the experience of our students and families. We are proud to share their stories here. From students who have discovered a new love of learning to parents who have watched their children thrive in ways they never expected, these testimonials reflect the heart of what ARS is all about. Every family who walks through our doors brings a unique story, and we are honored to be a part of it. Read on to hear directly from the people who know ARS best.

Student Testimonials

"For the four years I have spent at Athens Renaissance, I would say that I was an observer. Others were more out there and took over naturally, so during the quieter moments, I found my place. I found in some of these more straightforward moments, I saw us become a group of everyday students into a team that absolutely knows how to make the impossible possible. From figuring out how to survive on undiscovered islands once our plane crash-landed, to purchasing land and building our own businesses that uplifted the community, and experiencing historical innovations to build our own, we all tackled real-life problems as part of a team. This is where, for the first time, I saw my peers transform in these challenges. We became not just learners but also engineers, entrepreneurs, and advocates.

To all the teachers, thank you for leading us the right way. You each gave us a fun way to learn how to work in teams, how to confront if we don't agree with each other, and to speak up when the time calls for it.  And through all of the lessons and projects y'all provided through the years, we were able to fail and finally blossom. To all the larger community of Renaissance, thank you for supporting a school that does things differently. Your faith in our unique approach to learning encouraged us to feel confident to handle projects that had potential. So when graduation comes, we are not just walking away with a diploma, we are walking away with evidence that we are capable of handling any "real-world" problem that comes our way. Thanks to you, the teachers.

As we all go into our next chapter in life, if that means into college, through trades, or directly into the workforce, all I wish to give is a sense of carrying that PBL spirit with you. The determination you had to complete projects, the thinking outside the box, the ability to always be present in the now, and always having fun is what you will never forget. We've shown the world that we can survive and island and design and build a bridge. Nothing in the future looks like we're not ready to tackle it. We can do the impossible, and, as Nelson Mandela once said, "It always seems impossible until it's done." I've loved watching us become the innovators and the leaders we became today."

-- address to the graduating class, J. Cordova-Gutierrez, Class of 2026

Parent Testimonials

"When we enrolled our son at Athens Renaissance School six years ago into the sixth grade, I had no idea what a blessing the school would end up being not only for my child but also for our family. Immediately, the environment felt welcoming and open. I noticed that the teachers and staff were not only friendly but were also really excited to be there. At any typical school, the teachers expect respect from the students, but at ARS, it was obvious that the respect went both ways. The learning environment is supportive, very collaborative, safe, and engaging. The PBL (Project Based Learning) that ARS is known for helps to support and reinforce the material that is taught throughout the school year.

The school has a close collaboration with the tech school as well as colleges students are encouraged and supported to seek dual enrollment opportunities from many of the state run schools in Alabama, like Calhoun, Auburn, Alabama, and UAH, among others. My son chose to take some college courses at Calhoun for dual credit and the process went very smoothly. He was also able to take a log of honors weighted classes at ARS either taught there by the staff or through a state-run program (ACCESS). He was on the robotics team for all four years in high school and was able to experience competitions locally and across the Southeast. He also helped tutor and there were plenty of volunteer opportunities supported by the school he could plug into throughout the community.

I have nothing but praise for the Athens Renaissance School. The school was able to emotionally and intellectually support my son through his years at ARS, from the sixth grade through graduation. His teachers and counselor made a lasting impression on him and a few he developed a close relationship with. I can say the same as his parent. The years he spent at ARS have helped him develop the skills he will need to succeed at college. He will be starting as a freshman at a top-ten university in the fall."

-- M. Mathis, parent of the Class of 2026