Junior High (Grade 8)


Back Row: Zviad Kotrikadze (Sports); Nino Gelashvili (Sports); Anna Avakova (Russian); Ekaterine Tsuladze (Physics); Lasha Bezhanishvili (History); Sopio Chkheidze (Math). 

Front Row: Lika Nizharadze (Music);  Thea Japaridze (Science); Nino Gelashvili (Sports). 


In 2017, the American Academy introduced the Junior High School program (grade 8). The new program has been designed to foster students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development and growth, which will enable them to enter high school more prepared for the challenges they usually face as freshman students. 

The language of instruction is Georgian, with gradual English immersion beginning in the second quarter with the aim of getting students proficient by the end of the year. The teaching approach in Junior High has the flexibility of applying different instructional strategies such as interactive classes, group work, etc.

The Junior High School program offers well-structured advisory, counseling, and academic support programs. Each program addresses various issues that young students face at school; the advisory program has a very well-defined curriculum of study skills, whereas the academic support program is focused on not only assisting academically vulnerable students but also developing other areas of their interest.

Admission to the Junior High is based on three tests: Georgian, English, and Math. After that, a personal interview takes place. 


In addition to the academic programs, you can also view the Students' Handbook:

The goal of this Georgian language course is to deepen students’ knowledge of Georgian literature, familiarizing them with a variety of literary movements and styles. Its detailed learning of literate texts will help students to better understand writers’ concrete methods of creating their works. The course helps to understand Georgian literature in the context of the world’s culture. At the end of the course, students will have a deeper knowledge of grammar, orthography, punctuation and they will be able to use that knowledge to write and create essays. In addition, students will be able to discuss different styles and genres of literature, use critical thinking, and follow/lead a discussion.


ANNA ABASHIDZE, Georgian Language Teacher: Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Humanities. Ivane Javakhishvili State University. Tbilisi, Georgia 2007; Master of Comparative Literature Studies Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, 2016. Appointed 2017.

The purpose of this class is to ensure that its students have the English language skills not only to succeed but to excel during their high school years at GZAAT. To do this, the course seeks to provide them a firm foundation in the grammar, vocabulary, and critical and creative thinking skills that they will need. It also strives to develop the students’ academic, organizational and interpersonal citizenship skills that will benefit them at GZAAT and beyond.


KENNETH P. GOFF, English Language Teacher: Bachelor of Arts, Secondary English Education, University of Wyoming, 1986; Master of Arts, English Literature, University of Wyoming, 1996. Appointed 2014.

This Russian language course begins with a systematic review of Russian grammar, concentrating on forms of nouns and verb systems. This course develops students' command of both oral and written Russian. It also develops students’ skills at expressing themselves in the Russian language by intensive studying of the forms and aspects of nouns, verbs of motion, and essential vocabulary. The course trains students in all language skills combined with the study of cultural texts. Selected readings will serve as the basis for discussions, exercises, and compositions. 


ANNA AVAKOVA, Russian Language Teacher: Doctor Degree in History of Russian Literature. Tbilisi, Georgia 2005; Master Degree in English, Tbilisi, Georgia 2011. Appointed 2017.


Algebra and Geometry are remarkable subjects, being both mathematically beautiful and having practical applications. The central goal of this course is to learn how to translate real-world applications to algebraic/geometric problems and then solve these problems using the acquired techniques of math. In this course some of the major concepts and theorems will be discussed. These include algebraic fractions, linear equations with one variable, various methods for solving systems of linear equations with two variables, types and properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, etc.


SOPIO CHKHEIDZE, Math Teacher: B.S. Diploma in Economics, DePauw University (USA) and Georgian Technical University, 2013; M.A. in Educational Administration, Ilia State University, 2015, Appointed 2020.



The course covers different topics in chemistry and biology. In this course, students will learn how to gather, analyze and interpret scientific data on chemistry and human anatomy. It also includes the academic and the technical vocabulary which are necessary for building success in these disciplines. Assignments include exercises and hands-on activities. Oral presentations will help the students to develop their argumentation and debate skills.


THEA JAPARIDZE, Science Teacher: Bachelor degree in Biology/Cell Biology, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia 1991. Master Degree of Biology studies, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia 2000. Appointed 2017.


ELENE JAVAKHISHVILI, Science Teacher: Bachelor degree in Biology, Agricultural University of Georgia 2020. Currently pursuing Master Degree in Applied Genetics, Ilia State University.  2023

Social Sciences class aims to help students understand their cultural heritage and its respective place in the world. The course aims to train students to become better critical thinkers along with providing them with the necessary knowledge in the respective fields of history and geography. It focuses on teaching the basics of scientific research methodology and its approaches. The program involves various individual and group activities. The types of assignments include tests, presentations, argumentative essays and class discussions. Students extensively work with sources and various types of visual materials. Outside of the main textbook, the program utilizes the use of historical sources, both in Georgian and English languages.


LASHA BEZHANISHVILI,  Social Science Teacher: Bachelor Degree in History, Tbilisi State University, 2020. Appointed 2021. 



In this class, students are familiarized with elements of visual and applied art, expressive methods, variety of techniques, materials and procedures. Students develop skills to embody and express different types of ideas. They use their imagination, observation, creativity towards different tasks. The course includes class and home works as well as individual pair, and group works. In addition, the course includes general school projects like working together with the drama club to create for theatrical shows and costumes. At the end of the year, the art course will hold an exhibition.


EKA CHIGOGIDZE, ART TEACHER: Diploma in Design, Tbilisi Apolon Kutateladze Academy of Arts, 1985; Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry, 1991. Appointed 2014.

This is a one-year, once per week, introductory (music) course, which introduces students to the basic elements of music theory, literature, and history. Knowledge and understanding of core elements will develop in students a conscious perception of the world masterpieces and further promote the formation of their musical taste.


LIKA NIZHARADZE,  Music Teacher:  Diploma in Music, Tbilisi State Conservatory, 1979; M.A. in Music, 1984. Appointed 2014.

The course covers fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. One of the primary goals is to give students understanding of what physics is and what purpose it serves. Topics include basic concepts of motion, forces, energy, heat and electricity. Upon completion, students should be able to describe and explain physical concepts as well as know where they are applied. Students will be able to describe the reasons and causes behind physical phenomena as well as to apply these concepts to solve problems. 


LELA SISAURI,  Physics Teacher:  Degree in Russian Language and Literature (First Class/Red Diploma of Distinction) A.S.Pushkin Pedagogical Institute, Tbilisi, 1987; MA in Social Anthropology, Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK, 2003; GDL in Law, BPP Law School, London, UK, 2009.