Facilities

The Elementary School is located on the west side of the ACS Athens campus. It sits across the courtyard from the Middle School and Academy special facilities, which are sometimes shared. They include the Hasib J. Sabbagh Library, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Soccer Field, Tennis Courts, and Theater.

Shaded by mulberry trees, the Elementary School main building holds the Main Office, Counseling, Early Childhood Education & Development, Student Life & Citizenship Coordinator, Foreign Language, Library Media Center, 1st – 4th grade classrooms, Science Lab, Cafeteria, P.E. Gym, and ESL classrooms. The Technology Lab, Art classrooms, Music II, and OL classrooms are located in the High School Annex building. Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten enjoy their own Early Childhood Area and a large grassy playground. The 5th grade classrooms also have their own wing close to the Middle School building. Music I classroom is located on the side of the Elementary School right across from the Early Childhood area. The Health Office is located in close proximity to our classrooms. There is a commitment to ongoing upgrading of facilities to provide a better learning environment.

Library Media Center

The Elementary School Library Media Specialist integrates homeroom curriculum through engaging lessons where students are exposed to a plethora of books and various media. The library houses approximately 15,000 print and audio-visual materials. All new and donated library materials are evaluated on the basis of their literary merit, usefulness in balancing the collection, and value in supporting the curriculum. Students visit the library weekly for lessons and to check out books. Replacement costs will be charged for lost or damaged library materials.

Science Lab

The Elementary Science Lab is located on the 2nd floor of the elementary building. Students from Kindergarten through Fifth grade conduct hands-on experiments and begin to build an understanding of basic crosscutting concepts, practices and disciplinary core ideas to discover how each of these connect and apply to the world in which they live. The curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned with AERO standards and emphasizes design thinking and highlights scientific inquiry skills.

Technology Lab

The Elementary Technology Lab consists of 21 desktop computers. Each computer has educational software installed as well as secure access to online educational resources. Classes attend one session per week with additional computer lab availability throughout the week. Laptops are also available, bringing technology into the classroom for students to work on projects throughout the year. The elementary computer literacy program is designed to introduce students to the computer’s main function as a tool for research, writing and other primary applications. The applications are incorporated into units of study and are integrated into the elementary school curriculum. Each classroom has its own computer with an interactive board that teachers use to enhance their curriculum. In addition to this, students have the option to use iPads for selected projects.