How to Get Into Athena Academy: Expert Advice for Students with Dyslexia & Learning Differences

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Personalized guidance to help your child thrive at one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative schools.

Is Athena Academy a Good School? Understanding Its Unique Learning Environment

If you’ve ever wished there were a school that truly understands kids who learn differently, say hello to Athena Academy. Nestled in Palo Alto, this school was built for bright, curious students with dyslexia, including those who are twice-exceptional, who simply need a learning environment that works with their strengths and supports their growth. With small class sizes, every student gets more than just attention. They get empathy, creativity, and support from teachers who understand how to bring out their best.

Founded in 2010, Athena isn’t about stuffing facts into heads. It’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and teaching in a way that makes sense for each student. The school caps enrollment at around 70 kids, so it feels more like a close-knit community than a typical classroom. And while they don’t go up to high school, the foundation they build is strong, thoughtful, and tailored, a pretty great launchpad for whatever comes next.

Student Diversity

Based on data from Niche, the student body at Athena Academy is composed of 66.7% White students, 15.0% Hispanic students, 11.7% African American students, and 6.7% Asian students. This diverse mix reflects the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds are supported and celebrated.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Athena Academy?

Getting into Athena Academy isn’t as simple as filling out a form and crossing your fingers. The school is designed for a very specific kind of student: bright children with dyslexia and twice-exceptional learners who need a different kind of support to thrive. Because the curriculum, teaching methods, and even classroom structure are all tailored to these unique learners, Athena looks closely at whether applicants are a true fit. It’s not about weeding students out, but about ensuring that each child who enrolls will genuinely benefit from the school’s personalized approach.

Another reason for its selectivity is its intentionally small size. With only around 70 students total and very low student-to-teacher ratios, every seat matters. Teachers build deep, individualized relationships with each student, and that’s only possible if the school remains tightly focused on quality over quantity. Athena Academy prioritizes community, connection, and customization, and that kind of environment just isn’t built for volume.

Athena Academy Application Process: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Applying to Athena Academy is more than a checklist; it’s a journey that requires insight, preparation, and strategy. From understanding what the school is really looking for to making sure every piece of the application reflects your child’s strengths, the process can be nuanced. Each step is an opportunity to highlight the right things in the right way. Here’s a look at what the admissions journey to Athena Academy involves.

Step 1: Register for the Athena Academy Virtual Information Session

Before diving into paperwork, you’re invited to attend a Virtual Information Session. This is your chance to learn about Athena’s philosophy, specialized teaching approach, and the kind of learners who thrive here. 

Step 2: Contact the Athena Academy Admissions Director (Anne Boswell)

Next, reach out to Anne Boswell, Athena’s Director of Admissions. You can fill out the Admissions Contact Form or contact her directly at anne@athenaacademy.org or 650-543-4567. 

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Athena Academy Online Application & Required Assessments

Once you’ve had your initial chat, it’s time to complete the online application. Be sure to double-check everything before hitting submit. First impressions count!

Step 4: Athena Academy Application Review and Shadow Visit

After reviewing your application, the admissions team may invite your child for a two-day, in-person shadow visit. This gives teachers a chance to observe your child in action, and your child a chance to experience the Athena community first-hand.

Step 5: Receiving the Athena Academy Admissions Decision and Enrollment Agreement

Once the shadow visit is complete, the admissions committee will make its decision. If your child is a good fit, you’ll receive an enrollment agreement and an official invitation to join the Athena family.

What are the application requirements for Athena Academy?

Formal Learning Assessments for Athena Academy Admissions

Athena Academy requires formal testing that helps identify how your child learns best. These might include tools like the WISC-IV (a cognitive ability test), GORT-4 or GORT-5 (reading assessments), or the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (focused on math fluency and calculation). The IVA-Plus assesses attention and response control. Together, these evaluations give the admissions team insight into your child’s strengths, challenges, and unique learning profile.

If you’re unsure about which assessments are needed or how to get started, Cardinal Education can help. We offer support to families navigating the admissions process. We offer academic coaching and programs personalized to children who have learning differences such as dyslexia and executive functioning. 

Recent Report Cards for Athena Academy

Athena Academy asks for your child’s most recent report cards to get a sense of how things are going in their current school environment. Think of it as a progress snapshot, not just a list of grades but a peek into how your child is engaging with different subjects, where they’re thriving, and where they might need more support. It’s not about perfection. It’s about patterns. And yes, even that “needs improvement in organization” comment tells a story.

Teacher Recommendations/ Written Evaluation for Athena Academy Admissions

In addition to grades, the admissions team values personal insights from educators who know your child well. Written evaluations from teachers or learning specialists can highlight learning styles, classroom behavior, social-emotional development, and any accommodations currently in place.

Tips for Choosing the Right Teacher for Athena Academy’s Written Evaluation

  • Pick the one who gets your kid. You want someone who’s seen your child in action, not just the homework side, but the goofy, curious, determined, trying-their-best side too. That’s the teacher who can write something real.
  • Go recent, not random. A teacher from two years ago might’ve loved your child, but if they haven’t seen them lately, the rec could feel like a throwback Thursday. Stick with someone who knows your child now.
  • Skip the straight-A fan club. Sure, glowing praise from the easy A class is nice. But a teacher who saw your child work hard in a tricky subject and still come out smiling? That’s gold.
  • Give them a heads-up. Don’t drop the request and run. Let the teacher know about Athena and what makes your child a great fit. A little context leads to a lot more sparkle.
  • Say thanks like you mean it. They’re doing more than clicking send. A heartfelt thank-you shows you see their effort, and that’s always worth it.

For more tips, head on over to our blog all about teacher recommendations!

Athena Academy’s Student Statement

This is your child’s opportunity to speak for themselves. Whether it’s written independently or with some support, the student statement helps admissions learn more about your child’s personality, interests, and perspective. It’s a chance to let their voice shine and show a bit of who they are beyond the test scores and transcripts.

Tips to Make Your Student Statement for Athena Academy Stand Out

  1. Be real, not rehearsed. Admissions isn’t looking for a polished politician. They want to hear your child’s voice, quirks and all. If your kid is obsessed with outer space or builds cat hotels out of cardboard, let that come through.
  2. Tell a story, not a list. Skip the bullet points about hobbies. A short story about a time they solved a problem, helped a friend, or learned something unexpected is way more memorable.
  3. Let the weird shine. If your child is into ancient coins, has a strong opinion about breakfast cereal, or has built a robot that talks in riddles, that’s the good stuff. Personality wins.
  4. Keep it kid-powered. It doesn’t have to sound like a textbook. In fact, it shouldn’t. A little humor or honesty goes a long way when it sounds like it came from a real, live, curious kid.
  5. End with a smile. A thoughtful, hopeful closing line shows confidence and leaves the reader feeling good. That’s the kind of ending they’ll remember.

Need help getting your child’s thoughts flowing or organizing their ideas into a compelling statement? That’s where we come in. At Cardinal Education, we offer personalized essay guidance and a Program in Writing and Reading (PWR) to help your child’s voice come through clearly and authentically.

What Student Life Is Like At Athena Academy and Why Families Choose It

Athena Academy Academics: Tailored Curriculum for Dyslexic and Neurodiverse Learners

Academics at Athena Academy are anything but cookie-cutter. Here, kids don’t just learn, they own their learning. With tiny class sizes (8:1 in elementary, 10:1 in middle school), flexible placement based on readiness, and a whole lot of brain-friendly teaching strategies, students get the kind of attention that actually fits them. Lessons might include sculpting vocabulary words out of clay, diving into the origin stories of complex spelling patterns, or solving real-world problems through hands-on math and science. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure approach with just the right mix of structure and curiosity. Throw in daily doses of social-emotional learning, executive functioning skills, and projects that connect school to real life, and you’ve got a program that celebrates neurodiverse talents while building confidence from the inside out.

Individualized Support at Athena Academy for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Processing Disorders

Athena Academy understands that many of its students navigate additional challenges such as ADHD, auditory processing disorders, and expressive or receptive language difficulties. But here’s the thing: those aren’t seen as problems to fix. They’re part of who each student is. And instead of trying to squeeze everyone into the same box, Athena leans into those differences. The school builds a learning environment that supports how each child thinks, moves, listens, and communicates. It’s not about working around the challenges. It’s about working with them, with patience, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

For students with ADHD, Athena incorporates structured routines and movement breaks to help maintain focus and engagement throughout the day. Lessons are broken into manageable segments, allowing students to process information without feeling overwhelmed. In the case of auditory processing disorders, teachers utilize visual aids and written instructions alongside verbal communication, ensuring that students receive information through multiple channels. This multimodal approach helps reduce confusion and enhances comprehension.

Beyond Academics: Developing Social-Emotional Learning and Executive Functioning Skills at Athena Academy

One of the standout ways they do this is through their school-wide Changemakers program, which is rooted in the five core competencies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL): self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. It’s not just theory. Students practice real-life skills through mindfulness exercises, role-playing, and self-advocacy activities that help them express their needs and understand others better. Combine that with low student-to-teacher ratios, and you’ve got a setup where kids get the personal attention they deserve, not just to grow academically, but to build confidence and communication skills that carry them through life.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like at Athena Academy?

Time Activity Description
8:30 – 8:55 AM Morning Homeroom & Community Check-In
8:55 – 10:15 AM Focused Learning in Core Subjects
10:15 – 10:35 AM Mid-Morning Snack Break
10:35 – 11:55 AM Core Instruction Continues
11:55 AM – 12:40 PM Lunch & Outdoor Time
12:40 – 3:25 PM Enrichment & Integrated Learning Blocks

At Athena Academy, each day is a thoughtful balance of structure, curiosity, and creativity. Mornings start with a warm community check-in before diving into focused core subjects like math and language arts. After a quick snack break, it’s back to class to keep that academic momentum going.

Midday brings lunch and outdoor time, perfect for refueling and recharging. Afternoons are all about exploration, with rotating blocks of enrichment like art, music, PE, and social-emotional learning. It’s a full day of discovery that flies by faster than you’d think.

Related Articles

Athena Academy Camp Confidence: Summer Program for Dyslexic & Twice-Exceptional Learners
Unlock Brilliance: Why Athena Academy Thrives with 2e Learners
From Struggle to Strength: Athena Academy’s Dyslexia Resources for Students

Did You Know?

Athena Academy was founded in 2010 by Carla Rayacich, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and mother of twins with dyslexia.

Client Testimonial

“Choosing Athena Academy felt overwhelming, but Cardinal Education made everything clear. They highlighted our son’s strengths authentically and gave us the confidence to move forward!”

Parent of a 5th-grade applicant

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