2024 Best Public High Schools in the Atlanta Area

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  510 reviews

Alum: The teachers are very passionate about what they teach and the environment is super supportive! The schedule is very intensive and not flexible for students with major time commitments, and lunch is unfortunately quite short. Schedule accommodations are being made though!... Read 510 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,165

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  35 reviews

Junior: At Alliance, students are able to form close bonds with teachers and staff, and are able to express their personality and dedication through various clubs and CTSOs that are only growing and excelling throughout the state and even the country. Still, the one thing that makes Alliance truly unique is the designated pathways that they provide to match each students interests and passions. Each pathway is led by dedicated teachers that not only excite their students to learn but also provide essential knowledge and information that will most definitely help the student thrive not only throughout high school but provide he or she with the skills that they can take forward into college and into their careers. Overall, Alliance is a school where everyone can express themselves and learn and grow with a close-knit community of like-minded students that can only push you further to succeed.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,141

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  564 reviews

Senior: Alpharetta High School provides a great education for young adults while they learn how to be independent. The school hold high expectations for their students and expects excellence. While they focus on academics, they also give special attention to sports. They provide opportunities for students to participate in multiple clubs and make sure you feel included. I love the school spirit because they support their students no matter the result. While the school is amazing, there are some downsides to it. Teachers may sometimes take preference to certain students. Overall, I would recommend this school because it gave me an opportunity to become the best version of myself.... Read 564 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,198

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  675 reviews

Senior: I love the staff of our school. Everyone is truly wonderful and I have never met a teacher and not liked them. They actually are considerate of their students and care for them in the classroom and outside of school. I've always felt welcome here, ever since I came from the 3rd grade. I've met all of my best friends here and made lifelong connections through this school. I couldn't have attended a better school!... Read 675 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,752

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  519 reviews

Alum: Milton High School is the epitome of a truly well-rounded high school experience. The administration advertises the school as a "triple-A school," claiming the equal presence of Arts, Academics, and Athletics. As a student, I can confirm this is an extremely accurate description. I participated in the chorus program all four years, took high-level and superb quality academic courses, and competed with the equestrian for four years as well, acting as captain for two of those years. In my spread across different realms of the school, I am not unique as there are plenty of students who do the same. We are/were supported by the school from all sides, and no element of the school seems overshadowed by another; both the theater and football teams have won state championships or competitions, and students are sent to international science fairs and HOSA competitions yearly just to name a few accolades.... Read 519 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,153

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  648 reviews

Senior: Lambert High School is overall, a great school and has a very strong academic focus while also being prideful in its athletics. Majority of the students are well-rounded and friendly, though the academic competition is sometimes too harsh. Many only focus on getting that 5 on an AP exam or perfecting competition projects, which can overshadow and distract from their other, "less important" classes. It is great to be focused on academics that can help their future, but when it's actively distracting them from other classes that are just as important, it sort of tampers with the environment for other students and even the teachers. Generally though, it is a good school!... Read 648 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,941

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  606 reviews

Senior: I moved to this school around my sophmore year, and I would say the teachers are very nice and actually care about teaching the kids valuable things. However, the resources available for students and sometimes teachers is slim, and can be fixed with proper funding to specific areas (classroom supplies, renovation of building, etc.) rather than what they are used on, like athletics or certain 'bonuses' for staff during school hours.... Read 606 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,856

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  584 reviews

Senior: Academically, Walton High School has a strong reputation for excellence. It consistently ranks highly in state and national rankings, and many of its graduates go on to attend prestigious colleges and universities. The school offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as honors and dual enrollment programs, giving students the opportunity to challenge themselves and prepare for college-level coursework. Walton High School is also known for its strong athletics program. The school has won numerous state championships in sports such as cross country, swimming, and track and field. The school also offers a range of clubs and extracurricular activities, including debate, robotics, and community service.... Read 584 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,689

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  652 reviews

Freshman: I've loved it here in South Forsyth High School. It has a very large and open campus that is always expanding more and more! While there is diversity, it's not as much as I'd hope there be. They have a very wide selection of clubs and extracurricular activities you could do. Even if you feel like you don't belong in any of those clubs, you could always create a new one yourself. South Forsyth really helps in preparing you for colleges with multiple college course offerings. It is also the only school in the district/county that offers the IB program which gets you lots of recognition from colleges. I would like to see them work more on some facilities like restrooms and such. All in all, a great school to go to if you want your child to have a great path towards their future!... Read 652 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,355

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  480 reviews

Senior: Johns Creek High School is not just an institution of learning, but a community of diverse individuals who are welcomed with open arms. With an exceptional staff, students are always heard and valued as a part of the family. Support is never lacking at Johns Creek, as the school is committed to helping each individual student achieve their personal best during their four years of attendance. Not only does the school excel academically, but also boasts an impressive athletics program that caters to all interests. Whether it be academics or athletics, Johns Creek High School has something for everyone.... Read 480 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,967

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  449 reviews

Junior: Despite from what I had previously heard about the high school with its reputation of drugs, I came to realize this was an amazing school that give its students so many wonderful opportunities. I have been going here for 3 years now, and the teachers are some of the most qualified individuals I have seen. Not just the teachers, but the whole staff as a whole is extremely helpful and supportive of students, and they make sure to maximize the success in all teens attending. There are COUNTLESS opportunities offered by McIntosh; work based learning, after school programs, and many extracurriculars including a drone team! There is something for everyone who goes to this highschool, and I am extremely fortunate to attend.... Read 449 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,719

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  206 reviews

Parent: Great school! All my three children have been very happy there. Remarkable track record of academic excellence, supported by seasoned and caring teachers, staff and administration. Very competitive in sports, arts, and a other extra-curricular activities. Wide array of students’ clubs to join. Recognized as one of the schools with best behavioral reputation and positive environment in the county.... Read 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,826

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Buford City Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  297 reviews

Senior: This upcoming school year I will be a senior at Buford High School and my overall experience has been incredible! I first joined Buford in 6th grade and my first impression was great, the students and faculty are so sweet and truly care about you; the buildings are always spotless thanks to the incredible custodial team; overall everyone is amazing. Along with that the teachers at Buford are truly passionate about what they do and care and check on students throughout the year. Also, academically the school is phenomenal. Personally, it has provided me thousands of opportunities that I have taken with no hesitation. In short, I think that Buford has very well prepared me for what the future holds in my career interest. Also just for fun, we have an incredible football team and Friday nights at Buford are truly amazing with all the support and laughter that goes around. Go Wolves!... Read 297 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,784

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  57 reviews

Senior: Denmark High School in Cumming, GA is a remarkable institution that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, creating a sense of belonging for all students. The faculty and staff are highly dedicated and passionate, going the extra mile to ensure that every student receives a quality education. The curriculum is comprehensive and offers a wide range of courses, preparing students for college and future careers. Additionally, the school provides ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement, allowing students to explore their interests and develop leadership skills. Denmark High School truly embodies a nurturing and supportive community, empowering students to thrive academically and personally.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,391

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  957 reviews

Sophomore: PRHS is a great high school compared to many of the other locations in GA. The academic and elective courses are engaging and that’s due in no small part to the amazing teachers and staff who work hard to make learning enjoyable for their students. The wide variety of elective courses make me feel secure in finding classes and information that helps me in preparation for college. If I were to cite one downside about my school, it would have to be interpersonal conflict between students and a select few of the staff members. While this issue is not entirely the fault of the school, I’ve seen in some cases where the disciplinary actions some staff members had taken to resolve issues between students to be lacking to say the least. With that addition however, these occurrences are far and few between and doesn’t represent the school in its entirety nor make PRHS a bad place to attend school. Overall, in my experience, I have grown to love the ridge and hope you all will too. Go Lions!... Read 957 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,313

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  991 reviews

Senior: As a student who entered high school during Covid years, classes have been a huge struggle for me. However, after everyone got back into face to face, the environment in North Gwinnett is AMAZING! The teacher here are devoted into teaching their students! Students here are all very open and accepting!... Read 991 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,087

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  380 reviews

Junior: My experience at Starrs Mill High school has been very positive. I enjoyed all the extra curricular activities and variety of elective classes offered at Starrs Mill. The staff are overall very helpful and involved. The teachers are also very professional, kind, and helpful. One of the highlights of my experience at Starrs Mill was the book club, Ex Libris. The club connected me with people of similar interests to me as well as fostered a love of reading in new members. The staff that sponsored the club were very involved and dedicated. Multiple opportunities are also offered for students, such as NHS and the National Beta Club. Some drawbacks to Starrs Mill is the lack of ethnic diversity among the students body—the school and area are majority white. I believe the school should do better to introduce students to experiences outside of their comfort zone (the area the school is in is called “the bubble” after all). I also wish the guidance counselors were more involved with students.... Read 380 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,343

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Clayton County Schools, GA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  167 reviews

Senior: Elite Scholars Academy is a charter school located in Jonesboro, Georgia. I have been at Elite Scholars Academy since sixth grade, and I am now a senior. I felt like the school really pushed its other students and I academically in order to prepare us for college. There is just an atmosphere to excel and do better. The school focuses a lot of academics that sports and clubs kind of get side-lined, which I think is not the best. COVID-19 has also made school a little more tiresome because nobody really wants to do virtual school, both teachers and students. However, I do enjoy the face-to-face portions. I also feel like the seniors get the short-end of the stick because of the pandemic and we aren't really able to celebrate our last year of highschool to the fullest, which sucks. Overall, I really enjoyed attending the school and I would recommend it to students in the Clayton County area!... Read 167 reviews

• grade A

• Students 684

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Atlanta Public Schools, GA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: For what the school lacks in facilities and strong sports team, it makes up with incredibly devoted teachers who work relentlessly to ensure that every student is getting the best education they can. The education succeeds other Atlanta private schools, despite being a free charter school. The spirit is strong as everyone knows each other and contributes to the overall life of the school. However, being a small charter school with minimal funding creates a lack of facilities and ability to have strong sports teams. There are still many ways to get involved and be apart of the community despite the obstacles.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Students 688

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Dekalb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  213 reviews

Parent: Dekalb School of the Arts is an excellent school. The faculty are wonderful and the students are talented and nice. The review below that claims there are "rodents scurrying across the floors" is a tremendous exaggeration from 3 and a half years ago, when they found one deceased squirrel in a storeroom. All of the maintenance issues have been resolved since the county got in trouble for maintaining all of its schools! This school will help your child grow up in a healthy, accepting environment, and achieve greater confidence and self-understanding.... Read 213 reviews

• grade A

• Students 327

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  522 reviews

Senior: My experience at the school has been really educational and well-rounded. My teachers show that they care not only about my grades but my well-being too. Having access to tutoring helped me be able to achieve all A's in my academic career. Despite the complaints that many students make on school food, Wheeler's food is pretty good, coming from someone who is a picky eater. Through clubs, I get opportunities to volunteer as well as educate my school when it comes to spreading awareness on current issues. I've been earning college credit through the dual enrollment program and it's been a great learning experience. One thing I would like to see changed at my school is the actual name. Wheeler is named after Joseph Wheeler, a confederate soldier. As an African-American student who is also apart of the Black Student Union Club, I think my school can lose the "Joseph" in it's title and just go by "Wheeler." I am excited to complete my senior year and get even more involved with my school!... Read 522 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,296

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• City Schools of Decatur, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  349 reviews

Alum: Academic Pressure: High school often comes with a demanding workload and academic expectations, which can lead to stress and anxiety for some students. Balancing multiple subjects, assignments, and exams can be challenging. Social Pressures: Peer pressure, social cliques, and the desire to fit in can be sources of stress and discomfort for some students. Navigating social dynamics and finding a supportive group can sometimes be difficult. Changes I Would Like to See Schools should prioritize providing adequate support systems, including counseling services, to address students' mental health needs and promote well-being. It's important to note that these suggestions are general and may not specifically apply to Decatur High School. To get a more accurate and specific understanding of the school and its strengths and areas for improvement, it would be best to consult students, parents, and staff who are directly associated with Decatur High School.... Read 349 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,732

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  763 reviews

Senior: Hillgrove is an excellent high school and is definitely one of the best ones within the county. We have many diverse programs and clubs that are available to all students and the inclusivity is great. There are many choices for classes, however, some rigorous classes are not offered, and scheduling conflicts often ensue. For example, the academic pathways are not very developed, leaving most students to follow the same schedule as one another (having practically the same schedule for all 4 years as another student). STEM students are not able to maximize their capabilities, neither fine arts students, nor any other specific field. Despite this, the community is incredible and can really come together to make fun events happen, like our Spring Carnival. The Student Government is also very efficient and comes up with great ideas for the students. Our faculty and staff are very sweet and the best people ever. They're also very accommodating so any conflicts or issues get fixed quickly.... Read 763 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,309

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  520 reviews

Junior: Some of the best things that I have experienced are the teachers at Roswell are very friendly and nice. I have not had one bad teach thorough high school so far. Also, the school sets up a environment so students can enjoy activities. Like when the teachers and students had a basketball game and all the students were having fun. Their are not many things that are bad about Roswell but one thing is that the students will mess with the restroom and then their is no toilets paper or soap in the bathrooms. The only thing I would change is I would try to stop vandalization of the bathrooms.... Read 520 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,157

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  725 reviews

Alum: Kennesaw Mountain high school is the best for place for any kid to enjoy themselves and walk out with great memories, friends, and lessons. The teachers were passionate about their work and considerate of students and they always wanted the best for everyone. No matter the issues or complications that may stand in your way the staff managed with everything and made things work. As a personal favorite, the performing arts was mine because it made everyone feel like family and every student is included, and there’s various after school programs that they give you for your child to be more involved and work on their craft. If you want to enroll your rising student into Kennesaw Mountain I suggest it because it’s hard to find all of the qualities that this school has anywhere else.... Read 725 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,836

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1