DOWNTOWN ACADEMY

Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Excellence

In its first decade of operations, Downtown Ministries diligently built relationships with families in the Athens community through sports and afterschool programs. This work illuminated the crucial need for high-quality education, and the disheartening fact that for many of the families in our community, that type of educational opportunity was out of reach. 

In addition to investing in students’ academic success, Downtown Academy committed to growing them spiritually through Christ-centered teaching and leadership development, involving parents and families each step of the way.

Application for Enrollment

The Downtown Academy Difference

87% of Downtown Academy students read at or above grade level
Small, personalized, learning environment supports the individual needs of each student
Students receive academic enrichment opportunities integrating problem and project-based learning
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Why Downtown Academy?

Leadership & Faculty

One of the greatest assets of our school is our mission-minded faculty who are invested in each student’s academic performance.

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Dr. Xernona Thomas

Head of School
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Terris Thomas

Director of Spiritual Formation and Parent Engagement
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Tameka Curry

Director of School Operations
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Katie Schwind

Office Manager
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Katy Conner

Kindergarten Teacher
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Sandra Green

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
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Lori Poe

First Grade Teacher
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Caroline Madden

Second Grade Teacher
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Paula Mixon

Third Grade Teacher
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Michelle Ferguson

Fourth Grade Teacher
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Erika White

Fifth Grade Teacher
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Sandy Stowe

Media Specialist
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Jaelynn Bochat

Afterschool Program Director
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Kell Wilson

Bus Driver and Custodian
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Ashley Pilkenton

SEL Specialist
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Bruce Ware

Music Teacher
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Faatimah Stevens

Art Teacher
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Josh Williams

Physical Education Teacher