Athenaeum Provides Balance at the End of a Scholar’s Day

Athenaeum (ath-uh-nay-uhm) at Great Hearts is a unique after-school program that offers so much more than your average after-care or clubs. To compliment the rich classical education that is offered during a typical school day at our academies, Athenaeum is also focused on the liberal arts, which is a traditional academic course of study in Western higher education that includes the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. It promotes learning by providing students dedicated homework time in addition to a diverse array of culturally enriching, academically oriented activities beyond the classroom. But it’s not all academics. Athenaeum scholars also enjoy time for recreation, games, socializing and just plain fun.

You may be asking, “What’s with the name?” The word Athenaeum was originally used for a school in Rome, founded by Emperor Hadrian in 133 A.D. for the promotion of literary and scientific studies. It was used synonymously with college and continuededucation. “We call it Athenaeum because it is that continuation of the school day,” explained Kaitlyn Rogers, an Athenaeum Campus Coordinator.

“Athenaeum consists of homework time, recess and snack time, with that community building, and then a classical lesson or craft each day that aligns with our virtues,” said Rogers. Unlike conventional after-school programs, Great Hearts’ offering emphasizes the same virtues that are integral to its classical curriculum with the same pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Activities are carefully curated to nurture intellectual curiosity, physical well-being, and artistic exploration. By engaging students in structured and meaningful ways during after school hours, the program supports academic success while also promoting a lifelong love for learning.

“Each day, we have a different lesson plan that we use,” shared Parker Faries, an Athenaem teacher at Archway Cicero. “In the past we have taken part in activities that allow them to appreciate different cultures [and] that have allowed them to appreciate the natural world.” These lessons serve as a powerful extension of the classroom, ensuring that learning and personal growth continue long after the school day ends.

The program has really found a good balance between being all-academic or being a free-for-all activity space. Scholars enjoy the extra help with homework, while also enjoying ample leisure time to spend with their friends. This space of interaction with peers has proven to be an important aspect of personal development in the scholar’s day. This emphasis on community building is something that Rogers feels they do really well.

For parents, the program provides a peace-of-mind, knowing their children are being well cared for in a safe environment. “They know that they are leaving their scholars in great hands with our Great Hearts teachers,” added Rogers. Parents seeking a holistic educational environment find that this program is a key component of what makes Great Hearts truly unique.

“Athenaeum supports our Great Hearts mission by just continuing the school day, continuing the expectations that we have at Great Hearts. All of the things that we do in Athenaeum directly align with the academy,” said Rogers. “Athenaeum helps our students with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty just by the way that we interact with our scholars.”

Athenaeum is open to grades K-5 and runs daily from the dismissal bell (even on early release and half-days) until 6:00 p.m. Flexible and affordable options are available to fit any family’s after-school needs. Learn more at https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/athenaeum/

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