Clarke Middle School

Clarke Middle School is a public middle school located in Athens, Georgia, serving students in Clarke County. The school is part of the Clarke County School District and has a diverse student body from various backgrounds, including University of Georgia faculty families and Oconee County residents. Clarke Middle School has a strong focus on STEM education, with partnerships with organizations like Georgia Institute of Technology and NASA. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for high schools like Cedar Shoals High School and North Oconee High School.

● History

The history of Clarke Middle School dates back to the early 20th century, with the school being established in 1966 as a junior high school. Over the years, the school has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in 2004 funded by the Georgia State Legislature and supported by local organizations like the Athens-Clarke County Heritage Foundation. The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1974 and has received awards from the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals. Clarke Middle School has also been recognized for its International Baccalaureate program, which is also offered at schools like Apalachee High School and Winder-Barrow High School.

● Campus

The campus of Clarke Middle School is located on Milledge Avenue in Athens, Georgia, near the University of Georgia campus and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The school's facilities include a gymnasium, a theater, and a media center, as well as science laboratories and computer labs equipped with technology from companies like Microsoft and Apple Inc.. The campus is also home to several athletic fields and courts, including a track and field stadium and a tennis court, which are also used by teams from Prince Avenue Christian School and Athens Academy. The school's architecture is similar to that of other schools in the Clarke County School District, such as Hilsman Middle School and Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School.

● Academics

The academic program at Clarke Middle School is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, including courses in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school offers a range of elective courses, including foreign languages like Spanish and French, as well as arts and music classes. Students at Clarke Middle School also have the opportunity to participate in Advanced Placement courses, such as AP World History and AP Biology, which are also offered at schools like Gainesville High School and Flowery Branch High School. The school's curriculum is aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards and is supported by organizations like the Georgia Department of Education and the National Education Association.

● Extracurricular Activities

Clarke Middle School offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams like football, basketball, and soccer, which compete in the Georgia Middle School Athletic Association. The school also has a range of clubs and organizations, including a debate team, a drama club, and a student council, which are supported by organizations like the National Forensic League and the American Student Council Association. Students at Clarke Middle School can also participate in music programs, including a band and a chorus, which have performed at events like the Georgia Music Educators Association conference and the Athens Twilight Criterium. The school's extracurricular activities are designed to provide students with opportunities for leadership development and community service, which are also emphasized at schools like Oconee County High School and Morgan County High School.

● Notable Alumni

Clarke Middle School has a number of notable alumni, including University of Georgia graduates like Sally Yates and Sonny Perdue, as well as athletes like Herschel Walker and Fran Tarkenton. Other notable alumni include politicians like Paul Broun and Jack Kingston, as well as business leaders like Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus. The school's alumni have gone on to attend colleges and universities like Harvard University, Yale University, and Georgia Institute of Technology, and have achieved success in fields like law, medicine, and engineering. Clarke Middle School's alumni are also involved in organizations like the Athens-Clarke County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Category:Schools in Georgia (U.S. state)