Mission:
We partner with families to educate the next generation of leaders.
Vision:
At Downtown Academy we long to see the children of Athens grow into the men and women of God who help our city and its people flourish.
Values:
Partnership - We believe that the greatest results and progress come from connection and cooperation across a wide range of partners. We unashamedly and actively seek the help of others to accomplish our mission
Community - We build authentic relationships throughout the organization and throughout the local community. Internally, our fellowship is grounded in the mission God has given us. Externally, our fellowship is grounded in genuine love for one another
Development – We want everyone to grow and improve, and this is especially important for the youth in our community. Therefore, we work to support each person’s growth and development, helping them achieve their God-given potential with dignity.
Kingdom - We believe God is at work and is building His kingdom through our ministry. We serve God by serving others, and we look to him for direction and for the ultimate results and impact from our efforts.
Our Story
Downtown Academy began as an initiative of Downtown Ministries as a way to better love and serve the children of Athens. After years of building relationships with the families in the community through sports and after-school programs, Downtown Ministries believed that offering a Christ-centered education option to families in our community would help in our goal of investing in the next generation of leaders for our community.
So, in 2013, Downtown Academy opened its doors to 17 K-1st graders. The school continued to grow and added one grade level per year.
In 2014, Downtown Academy added an After School Program.
In 2015, Downtown Academy became accredited through the Georgia Accrediting Commission.
In 2018, Downtown Academy graduated its first class of 5th graders.
In 2023, the Downtown Academy board hired Dr. Xernona Thomas as its new Head of School.
Currently, Downtown Academy serves nearly 60 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.