Our Mission
The Atlanta Youth Academy exists to advance the kingdom of God by offering an excellent Christ-centered education.
Our Values
- We provide students with a superior education by upholding the highest academic standards.
- We prepare students for the best academic and social futures in high school, college and beyond.
- We urge students to live up to their Christ-given potential by nurturing Christian character traits.
- We encourage, in each student, a strong sense of purpose and conviction for serving others.
- We maintain intimate class sizes in order to provide the level of personal attention each student needs.
- We look to the Lord, Jesus Christ, as the Servant Teacher and mentor students to pattern themselves after Him in all areas of life.
- Ultimately, we prepare well-rounded students poised to become the next generation of great leaders.
1997
- Description
- Atlanta Youth Academy (AYA) offers a quality, Christ-centered education to inner-city students. The school enrolls students from PreK-8th grade. AYA is currently located in the Thomasville/Norwood Manor neighborhood. Class size runs to 12-15 students, attending a longer school year.
- History
- Founded by Larry Teem, Atlanta Youth Academy began with one teacher and nine students, with Leroy and Donna Barber as its first administrators. Since its inception ten years ago, it has grown to its current 12 teachers and 130 students. The school is modeled after similar successful programs in other cities.
All students are provided with textbooks and school supplies. Bi-weekly chapel services complement the academic curriculum of reading, writing, mathematics, history, art and science. Moral and character development is emphasized. After-school tutoring, after-school sports and recreation, a nutritional breakfast, lunch, and snack also are available. Students use computers as learning tools.
- Tuition
- The cost of an Atlanta Youth Academy education is $12,000 per year with top tuition at $10,000. Tuition assistance, based on need, is available.
- Volunteers
- Volunteers, both adults and high school students, commit their personal time to Atlanta Youth Academy. Most importantly, volunteers serve as tutors and reading coaches.
- Funding
- Atlanta Youth Academy, with a $1,635,886 operating budget for the 2010-2011 school year, is supported through individual, foundation, and corporate contributions. Tuition represents only 20% of the total operating budget.
