November 13, 2025

NOTES FROM SPARTAN LANE

JOHN THORSEN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Time is racing by and it is nice to be looking ahead to Thanksgiving and quality time with loved ones. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for as a community. Last Friday was Grandparents and Special Friends Day and we had hundreds of visitors here on Spartan Lane. As I shared with our guests, it is one of my favorite days, because our guests make the day special for our students and it is fun to share the amazing work that happens on our campus each and every day. Smiles abound from young and old and the energy is palpable. Earlier this week, we celebrated Veterans Day and had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice to defend this great nation. In the days ahead, I hope each of us will take some time to reflect and show our gratitude to the people who make a positive difference in our lives.

I read a healthy amount of articles and when I find helpful tidbits, I am inclined to pass them along. The following article from CNBC is practical, to the point and helpful - 7 questions to ask instead of how was school today. Similarly, a few weeks ago a colleague passed along an article from The Atlantic, “America is Sliding Toward Illiteracy,” by Idrees Kahloon. It is a bit more of a wake up call, with data points indicating that the country as a whole is not doing well in K-12 education. It is alarming, but I find solace in the fact that our students are bucking these trends and doing quite well compared to both independent and national norms. I applaud our teachers and administrators for the good work they continue to do to maintain the caliber of our program and build a strong foundation for our students. Read more.

The Fine Arts department is M.A.D.! The Music, Art and Drama departments have been in full swing this fall and we show no signs of slowing down. 

The fall athletic season is coming to an end, but we’re not finished yet! To date, the Spartans have won region championships in three of the five competitive fall sports the school offers. 

This past Tuesday we celebrated our Veterans, a group of men and women committed to the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. 

The results from our October digital PSAT should be available for most sophomores and juniors. 

ATHLETIC DEPT: WINTER SEASON YARD SIGNS AVAILABLE NOW

DEADLINE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Click here to to purchase winter season yard signs for fine arts, swimming, basketball, and basketball cheer. Questions? Email Bobby McPhillips.

PSO VOLUNTEERS & SURCEES SIGN-UPS NEEDED!

Fall is shaping up to be a busy time on Spartan Lane! If you are interested and available, please consider signing up to volunteer at one of our fun PSO events or sign up to donate treats for faculty as part of "Surcees for Spartans" in December. It's a great way to meet other parents and get involved in the community!

Holiday Decorating / November 14-December 1

Holiday Market / November 19 & 20

Surcees for Spartans / December 10

OPEN TO ALL: FIRST FRIDAYS PRAYER GATHERING

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 / 8:15 AM / FARMER FIELD HOUSE

Everyone is welcome to join us for the First Fridays Prayer Group beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the Farmer Field House. Come as you are! All parents and staff are welcome. We will be meeting the first Friday of every month: January 9 (second Friday), February 6, March 6, April 3, and May 1. If you have any questions, please email Candace Couch.

The Georgia Tuition Tax Credit is a fantastic program that is essentially free money for our school and benefits everyone in our community!

Spartans, we welcome your participation in the Georgia Tuition Tax Credit Program (GTTC). This program allows taxpayers to easily divert state tax dollars to Athens Academy’s need-based financial aid program. The funds are mandated by state law to be used strictly for student financial aid, based on eligibility criteria that are also prescribed by state law. Your redirected tax payment benefits your child’s education and our school community as well because these funds support our budget and keep tuition costs down for all of our students.

There are three categories of participation: 

1) Companies registered as C-corporations and S-corporations can redirect up to 75% of their State tax liability. The great news is your payment can be deducted as a business expense on the 2026 tax return. The business owner wins!

2) Individuals can redirect up to $2,500 of their State tax liability and married couples filing jointly up to $5,000.

3) Pass-through taxpayers–each business partner, member, or shareholder can redirect up to $25,000 (that’s $50,000 for married filing joint couples with co-ownership!) and can claim their contribution on their personal tax return as a business expense. Read more.