Mathematics Department Chair Mariya Peterson has been selected as Athens Academy’s Teacher of the Year 2021 by the students of the Upper School. This award is presented annually to a member of the faculty who demonstrates the qualities of an excellent teacher, possessing knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to communicate this and showing an interest in, concern for, and involvement with the students.

With 25 years’ experience teaching mathematics, Mariya Peterson was a member of the Athens Academy faculty for eight years. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Dnepropetrovsk State University in Ukraine. Most recently she taught Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra; Athens Academy is the only school in the region to offer this high-level math course. Ms. Peterson also taught AP Calculus BC and Algebra II Honors, and served as a senior advisor.

In addition to Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra, some of Athens Academy’s other stand-out high school courses include Evolutionary Genetics; Digital Humanities; Science, Technology, and Society; and Global Challenges. This year, members of the Class of 2021 will matriculate at schools like UPenn, Columbia, Duke, Notre Dame, and the University of Michigan this fall.

Ms. Peterson has relocated to the Atlanta area this summer with her new husband. She will begin teaching at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Her students and colleagues at Athens Academy will miss her, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors!

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 54th year, Athens Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens and #1 private high school outside Metro Atlanta (Niche.com). Top Ten School in the State for STEM Education (Newsweek).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or 706-433-2410.