J. M. Atherton High School has a rich heritage of academic achievement and cultural appreciation. With more than 75 years of academic excellence, community service, and student merit, our Atherton community appreciates individuality and ensures that everyone relates to one another with honesty, compassion, and respect. May the classic Atherton motto of scholarship, service, and self-respect become the heritage of all who have and will pass through J. M. Atherton High School.
Student Highlights
- Students have required units within the core content areas with opportunities in the Honors Program, Advance Program, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.
- Students are encouraged to focus their electives on a graduation pathway within our three Schools of Study: Human Services, Education, and International Studies.
- Students completing four or more courses in a graduation pathway will receive special recognition at graduation.
- The IB Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors, leading to IB examinations. Atherton is the only JCPS District high school to offer IB. There are only four IB schools in Kentucky. Pre-IB courses in grades nine and ten prepare students for the program. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP), IB allows only students who have completed its curriculum to take the IB examinations. Colleges and universities recognize the value of the IB Diploma and the academic depth, breadth, and rigor it represents.
Schools of Study
Human Services: Professionals who work in legal and public service fields are in extremely high demand, according to Federal Jobs Net. The federal government will have to hire nearly 193,000 people to fill critical jobs in these fields during the next several years. Atherton students are getting ready for these career opportunities by studying the law and social issues. Special projects give students real-world skills and experiences that make their résumés stand out.
Education: Openings for new teachers will increase 17 percent by 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Atherton education students learn the foundations of teaching and gain experience by working with elementary and middle school students. Education students also learn about colleges and universities where they can continue their studies and career preparation after high school.
International Studies: Students who are interested in international studies develop an in-depth understanding of the global community. They learn a world language, and they work with government agencies and international organizations. Through Atherton’s IB Program, students can earn a diploma that is recognized for admission at universities worldwide.
