2023 Best Public High Schools in Georgia

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  500 reviews

Senior: One of the standout features of GSMST is the opportunity to take so many courses at the collegiate level; I was able to participate in 13 Advanced Placement (AP) classes throughout my high school career. This allowed me to challenge myself academically and prepare for college in a way that many other high schools could not dream of replicating. One of the highlights of my time at GSMST was the opportunity to see a bypass surgery live through the "Live from the Heart" program. It was a truly unique and enriching experience that I will never forget. Overall, GSMST is an amazing school for students interested in STEM. The school provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with real-world applications of STEM concepts through internships, research projects, and hands-on learning experiences. The teachers and staff are highly supportive, and the school has a strong sense of community. I highly recommend GSMST to any pursuing a STEM-focused education.... Read 500 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  669 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 669 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,804

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  554 reviews

Junior: The educators are patient and make the working environment positive, there is a nice school spirit as well. Many of the teachers are flexible and will cater the student's needs with extra help sessions, recovery and test correction opportunities. The school allows a 30 minute time period in the school day as a study hall and offers diverse activities. The school offers a large variety of courses and provides students with the all necessary amenities which make the learning experience more interactive. In addition, many extra curricular activities are offered such as clubs and sport teams. The school's campus is comfortable and easy to navigate through with multiple buildings. On the other hand the administration is not the best as there is some communication problems within the staff and from the staff to students. My friends and I have encountered multiple issues with our administrator and the communication of information is somewhat slow and at time inaccurate or not explicit.... Read 554 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,294

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  641 reviews

Junior: Attending Lambert High School during the pandemic created an environment where the high school was only occupied by 50% of its students while the other half was attending virtually. Once the pandemic was over, there was an influx of students, causing overcrowding. The school changed from being full to having minimal space to walk down the halls. Although this is normal for regular public high schools in the United States, I found it unfair that to eat lunch, students had to sit on the floor outside the gym and cafeterias since there was no space. Although LHS has some minor problems, it is still a great High School to attend in the area. The sports in this school are impeccable and one can tell that hard work pays off once athletes give them their all after hours and hours of being in the gym and practicing. Not only sports but their music program is amazing too. Being part of the mastery band at LHS led me to grow as a musician. Overall, LHS proves to be a great school to attend.... Read 641 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,932

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  597 reviews

Alum: Chattahoochee is a safe and supportive environment for most students. In a wealthy and conservative area, the school benefits from plenty of funding but students of color experience microaggressions regularly from white peers. There is a tendency for counselors and administration to avoid pushing or pressuring students so it is their responsibility to be self-driven and push themselves as there is a general culture of "good enough" that can be both positive and negative.... Read 597 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,976

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  643 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 643 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,341

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  579 reviews

Alum: The best parts were in the robotics team where it was really enjoyable to find those with similar interests and make long lasting memories. The worst parts were the academic struggle that I experienced, and the competition that happened because of the struggle for being the top academic. I would like to see that change .... Read 579 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,709

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  470 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 470 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,119

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  517 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 517 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,271

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Muscogee County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  822 reviews

Alum: This school is not for the faint of heart. It is what it advertises it’s self to be, a college prep magnet. There’s no doubt you’re in classes with the brightest kids in the school district, that being said you will not be sheltered from the norms of other high schools (like having groups such as the popular kids, athletes, etc) . This school has great sports teams and has lots of school spirit. Some cons are that some of the teachers can be ridiculous with the amount of work and the little time given to do the work, on-top of all the test you will have to study for (especially in AP classes). (Also note this school does not offer duel enrollment) Overall, the teachers at this school are okay, some are outstanding and go above and beyond to make sure their students are taken care of whilst others not so much. My time as a student was overall enjoyable and I will not regret attending this high school. I graduated knowing I would be prepared for college and my adult life!... Read 822 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,223

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  974 reviews

Senior: From the moment I stepped onto the North Gwinnett campus, I was captivated by the serene atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. North's commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment is evident in its beautifully designed classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, expansive library, and vibrant recreational spaces. The attention to detail in creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional infrastructure truly enhances the overall learning experience. The curriculum at North Gwinnett is comprehensive and well-balanced, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on character development and extracurricular activities. The school offers a wide range of subjects, allowing students to explore their interests and discover their strengths. In conclusion, North Gwinnett stands out as an exceptional educational institution that provides students with an enriching and transformative learning experience.... Read 974 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,199

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Fulton County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  197 reviews

Senior: I love Cambridge High School. The interaction among students, faculty, staff and others to include volunteers is outstanding. When I initially began as a Freshman, I had a slight fear. But it took a short period of time for me to realize nothing had changed since my middle school days. There has always been awesome communication and understanding despite the circumstances. The office staff is very knowledgeable and friendly regardless of semester or time of year. I couldn’t ask for a better school system if I tried. I just wish and pray that my children are blessed with the same in the future!... Read 197 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,043

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Oconee County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  272 reviews

Senior: I've had an overall positive experience here. There's a good amount of school spirit among the student body. We have great teachers! The counselors are helpful as well as the administrators. There are a wide variety of classes offered, which means you can tailor your schedule to fit your interests. The fine arts program is really great, that's what I'm personally involved in. We have really good sports teams as well though, and a huge amount of clubs.... Read 272 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,497

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  628 reviews

Freshman: Savannah arts is an amazing place! The music and arts program is one of the top in the state, and for good reason. The school culture is one of love and acceptance, both from teachers and students. Sometimes I wonder about safety though. While there is a metal detector for students coming in late, there is nothing stopping students from using other doors and letting each other in and out. Given the current state of the US, it can be concerning for the building to be mostly unsecured.... Read 628 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 962

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  442 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 442 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,753

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Buford City Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  293 reviews

Alum: There is a strong community in Buford High School in which students of various backgrounds can connect with each other and grow. Although no one is perfect, students treat each other fairly well as there are rarely any physical or verbal fights on school grounds. The school environment is healthy and nurtures academic, athletic, and artistic improvement. Overall, Buford High School is a very good school.... Read 293 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,682

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,162 reviews

Senior: Brookwood is a great school. Teachers have been supportive and helpful whenever I have needed them! I have particularly enjoyed the theater program. I have had the opportunity to meet a variety of people, learn about acting, stage craft, performing, and how to run a sound system. Participation in the theater program has helped me to become more confident. One thing I would have liked better was communication with students. As well, many parts of the school are very dated. They are adding buildings to account for the large number of students (4000), but areas like the theater are very outdated. Putting information in one, clearly identified space would have helped me feel like I knew what was going on. I feel truly lucky that Brookwood took the time and effort to create a prom experience for my classmates and me this year. While normally it is held at a fancy venue, parents, teachers, and administrators worked really hard to give us a safe, fun, and memorable experience on campus.... Read 1,162 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,708

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  515 reviews

Senior: I like the inclusive feel from the counselors and staff, especially with the incoming freshman and the graduating seniors to help create a non-polarizing environment for students. Also, the amount of extra curricular activities and opportunities offered from the school exceed my expectations and previous school I attended. The reason why this school does not have all five stars is the lack of informational communication from the school, there can sometimes be a loss of communication on school events and school activities which can be detrimental for the student based on what those events entail. Overall the school is great, you meet many friends, have opportunities, and a safe environment for high educational learning.... Read 515 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,308

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Forsyth County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  45 reviews

Senior: Amazing teachers, great pathways and many options. I would say I wish there was more advance options for classes. Other schools in the area have IB and I feel the school and students would benefit greatly. I’ve never once had a teacher that wasn’t willing to help and you can tell they love their job. Overall great experience!... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,272

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  559 reviews

Senior: The BIGGEST plus is that the teachers at Lassiter really care if the children learn and they make efforts to make it interesting and challenging. One of my kids was highly involved in band, and I DO recommend this avenue for any child who wants/needs an instant place to belong. I found the academics to be rigorous but not impossible, and we had an overall positive experience at this great school!... Read 559 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,983

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  940 reviews

Other: I just graduated from Peachtree Ridge and I had a wonderful experience going to this school. A great aspect of this school is the diversity and how there's so many different students from different backgrounds and cultures, whether they grew up here, or transferred from a different country. It was a delight to interact and make friends with so many students and learning different cultures and unique things that make them who they are. Another great thing about this school is the constant effort put in by the school to provide students the necessary tools and resources for a better learning environment. As I went up each grade level, the school would provide students technology like personal Chromebooks to help students engage in learning things online through games, creating presentations for the class in order to improve public speaking, etc. At last, the faculty and staff helped make my experience much more positive due to all the kindness and support I was able to receive.... Read 940 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,326

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  718 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed attending Kennesaw Mountain High School. The supportive counseling office has absolutely made me feel that I am equipped for the next stage of my school experience. The forums about financial aid, the diversity in the potential schooling options has been great. The counselor office being quite attentive in insuring that each student was on a path to successfully graduating on time was remarkable. The time spent at KMHS offered a wide variety of opportunities to be involved socially and civically. The student is body is diverse, yet we proved that barriers are broken when you identify your vested interest, and take responsibility for your part.... Read 718 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,794

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  373 reviews

Senior: My school experience was overall excellent! The teachers did their jobs efficiently, and most of the teachers viewed students as people and not numbers.... Read 373 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,336

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Dekalb County Schools, GA•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  207 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 207 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 411

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Cobb County Schools, GA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  403 reviews

Senior: Pope High School does an exceptional job preparing students for success in their future after high school. The counselors and teachers push students to take rigorous classes. As well as push students to pursue attending college. It encourages sportsmanship and community. The school does a great job promoting extracurricular activities, sports, and arts as well as academics. There is an abundance of clubs that students can join. Everyone is also encouraged to support our sports teams by attending games. However, there is a lack of diversity at the school and in some sports. Recently, it has improved some.... Read 403 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,872

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1