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2020 Best Schools in the Atlanta AreaAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,510
Best Schools
1,510 results

  1. The Westminster Schools

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • K-12
    • 170 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: The Westminster Schools is a great institution for a high schooler's education. The teachers are great, the school spirit and athletic department is exceptional, and each student graduates fully prepared for college and a future career. It is not completely perfect, however. Diversity is not the best at Westminster from a percentage standpoint, and it does not seem that much is done about it. The school also puts each student under intense pressure to succeed, which has caused many burnouts by junior year. Although they have the Wellness Center for emotional support, nothing of substance is done to prevent the overwhelmingly large amount of students that cannot sustain the unnecessary intensity of this school. Finally, the performing arts program is greatly under-resourced and is in need of better facilities (classrooms, music stands, instruments, etc.) Westminster is a great school overall, providing students with a brilliant education, with some flaws.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,870 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology

    • Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 425 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Alum: A great school for those who enjoy STEM. Hard assignments are waiting for you but if you enjoy studying, it's worth attending this school. I enjoyed robotics and workshops with lots of machines can't be found in any other school. There is no transportation for an optional honor band/orchestra/chorus on 0 period, an hour before the school hour. When I left school, two-thirds of the administrators were unhelpful and selfish; they never listen to the students. Also, GSMST has an unusual student body; there are many people with different backgrounds. The reasons why I left GSMST are: 1) Chinese teacher was a racist and I was treated unfairly several times over about 2 years, and the administrators never listened to me or the other students in the class and they were biased towards the teacher only, 2) GSMST doesn't allow you to graduate early. There aren't many student-organized clubs, and even the president tried to remove all non-academic-related clubs. +There is no sports club
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,031 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Pace Academy

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • K-12
    • 43 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: Due to the nature of my husband's job, we have moved several times. My daughter has attended both public and private schools in a few different states. Pace Academy is by far the best school she has ever attended! We have been so impressed with Pace, and the students were so kind and welcoming when my daughter joined the class last year. I would highly recommend Pace if you're looking for a private school in the Atlanta area.
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,041 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. The Paideia School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 53 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: The sense of community is unparalleled and classes and teachers are interesting and engaging. Smaller class sizes allow for teachers to work more with students individually. Diversity, equality, and inclusion are emphasized here, however most of the students’ and teachers’ political views are entirely the same; there is very little political diversity.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,010 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Atlanta International School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 74 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: The experience my child has had and is having in this school could not be matched in any other school. High academic standards that inspire him to learn and to put all his effort into delving in a wide variety of subjects (academics and otherwise) to learn. My child's teachers have been inspiring and supportive in class and beyond (afterschool activities). The international-mindedness that my child already exhibits is a testament to the great education offered at Atlanta International School. I can only wait to see what the rest of Secondary School at AIS has in store for my child!
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,284 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Woodward Academy

    • Private School
    • College Park, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 231 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Junior: Woodward is a terrific school! I have been here since my 8th grade year and I have loved every minute of it. I love Woodward for many reasons. First, campus is beautiful and it is very nice to observe it when walking from class to class. Secondly, Woodward opens so many doors. We are taught at a higher pace which makes it easier to get not only get into college, but it makes the transition easier. Thirdly, I love the diversity of woodward. Being a student at Woodward, I have friends who are different than me, which is good. However, I have friends who are extremely different from me which I appreciate. Having friends who are very different from me allows me to understand people more and be accepting. That is a fundamental life school. While Woodward is amazing in almost every aspect, I do wish Woodward had more African-American teachers. I am a Junior in the upper-school and I have only had 2 African-American teachers.
    Read 231 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,455 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. The Lovett School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • K-12
    • 115 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: We have two children in the Lovett lower school and have had an outstanding experience. As a couple educated at top Northeastern colleges we have high academic expectations, which Lovett has exceeded. Innovative curricula like Singapore Math and the reading/writing workshops engage and challenge the students. Well funded fine arts and design thinking programs enrich the academic program. Outstanding teachers flawlessly manage classrooms with differentiated learning. Staring in K, the Guidance class fosters good decision making and servant leadership - as our kids say ”being kind matters at Lovett!” Lovett has made enormous strides in diversity - our children’s friends are a diverse group with parents who hail from across the U.S. and the world representing today’s Atlanta. “Zip Code”‘diversity is also very present and increasing with Lovett’s new bus program from Midtown and other areas. Visit Lovett - it won’t disappoint.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,611 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Northview High School

    • Fulton County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 594 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Junior: When I came to Northview I couldn't speak english very well but they have a special class for ESOL student and there are some benefits for them for example In the history classes we have a teacher that help us to understand the chapter better and explains everything that we don't understand, in general all the teachers are nice and they explains everything to us slowly so that we can understand also the counselor helps me a lot, she told me about the graduation requirement and how I can get to the good colleges.
    Also Northview has a lot of clubs I personally join to the chess club and they registered us for the tournaments.
    Northview Gave us each chromebook which make our job a lot easier we don't have to carry a lot of book with ourselves and all the books are available online.
    At the end I love going to school when my is school is Northview!
    Read 594 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,801 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Fulton Science Academy

    • Private School
    • Alpharetta, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: Excellent Private school for academically gifted students. The school curriculum is challenging and pushes smart kids to do their best!
    The school only in it's second year of introducing sports already has a variety of sports to offer for spring and fall semesters including Volleyball, soccer, basketball, track and fencing! It played at the GISA state championships only in its' secodn year for Volleyball.

    Pretty impressive to have well rounded kids in this school!
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 680 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Holy Innocents' Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 182 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: HIES is a refreshing experience in Atlanta. Its community is open and welcoming. Academics are strong challenging the students and encouraging them to try new things and go as far as they think they can go. 100% of students graduate matriculate to a variety of colleges and universities all over the US and the world. Students are not afraid to step outside of their box. How many schools are so committed to service that kindergarten students leave campus to serve in age appropriate ways? I love that my kids have these opportunities. Athletes shine here winning state championships AND winning most positive high school! And the kids have opportunities to shine on stage, behindhand infront of the camera, backstage on numerous stage productions and in our awesome broadcast studio. There is something for everyone here...come find out for yourself!
    Read 182 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,358 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Walton High School

    • Cobb County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 494 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: I moved to Walton High School from a school in Colorado when I was in 10th grade. I immediately felt the difference in the expectations from teachers. We were held to a higher standard, attendance incentive was a motivator to go to school and work hard. Our school has been renovated and the facilities are amazing. Feels like a college campus. I played varsity football and the experience was equal to that of college football. Football program was so well organized and we were provided with the best training, resources and support from the school, our coaches and our community.
    Read 494 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,691 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Alpharetta High School

    • Fulton County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 462 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: Alpharetta High School is a place with lots of diversity and strengths in all areas of sports, education, music and more! The teachers work hard to provide comfort and rigor and the administration is always looking ours for helping students with becoming their best and growing the most.
    Read 462 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,233 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. The Galloway School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 115 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: We were, for the most part, happy with the education my child received at Galloway, and very much liked the kids with whom he became friends. That said, my exceptionally smart and social child did not thrive as he should have done because they do not have good resources to support students with learning disabilities (my son has dyslexia and ADHD.) I do not expect every school to have these resources, but Galloway advertises themselves as being a school that excels at supporting kids with learning differences, and it is totally untrue.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 750 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Marist School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 7-12
    • 131 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: Marist teachers are the most supportive, well-educated, and devoted that I have ever come across. I have never had a teacher here who didn't constantly strive to support me in my interests and help me develop into a well-rounded adult.
    The academics are very rigorous, and the atmosphere is definitely competitive, but students come out the other side more prepared for college. Where Marist really falls flat is in diversity. Racial tensions are high among students, and LGBT+ peers often face slurs and hurtful rhetoric. With that being said, the administration and faculty are passionate about encouraging honest and empathetic discussion about these issues and changing the environment for the better.
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,100 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Lambert High School

    • Forsyth County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 555 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: I started high school at a different school, and Lambert is by far the best! I feel more prepared for college and I've enjoyed the last couple of years here. The administration gives us flexibility and, for the most part, respect. The counseling department needs to be more helpful in college prep, but other than that, I think it's a great school!
    Read 555 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,056 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Wesleyan School

    • Private School
    • Peachtree Corners, GA
    • K-12
    • 99 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: Wesleyan is a great school. Their academics and genuine christian mission are both really good. The teachers actually care about the students inside and out of the classroom and go above and beyond to support the students. What isn't so great about Wesleyan is the lack of diversity and the "culture" of the school where many kids are oblivious to how the real world actually operates and form very visible cliques for such a small school. Sometimes, the niceness of the students can seem fake when inclusivity (i made that word up) seems to be lacking...
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,159 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Chattahoochee High School

    • Fulton County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 532 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: I like Chattahoochee High School's cultural environment! Our school is know for being the "School of Heart" in our area. Though we do have lots of competition, specifically in academics, we have the most school spirit out of all the schools in our area and are taught compassion and kindness. Everyone in our school is expected to respect one another and show friendship and stellar character. One thing I would like to see change in our school, however, is the resources we are given to excel in academics.
    Read 532 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,966 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. The Walker School

    • Private School
    • Marietta, GA
    • PK, K-12
    • 73 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Parent: We have been a Walker family for four years. We have had our typical middle school mishaps and stumbles, but we are so thankful for a small environment to use the mishaps as teachable moments to allow for growth and character development.

    While we loved our neighborhood public schools, but both my children as they were closer to approaching middle school felt they weren’t being “heard” and were losing their love of learning. A neighbor had been telling us for years to check Walker out. When my daughter did her shadow day she was sold! The lunch offerings didn’t hurt either!

    Walker not only offers a top tier academic environment for children to thrive across all divisions, but they are the embodiment of a true family atmosphere. The administrators and staff work closely to ensure that each child’s unique offerings have a place at Walker.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 869 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. South Forsyth High School

    • Forsyth County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 560 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: South Forsyth High School is amazing with their students and education. Teachers and staff care so much about the students and there are many teachers that any students can ask help for and they will always be there for you. South is very diverse and everyone is treated equally with care and we all support each other in any help. One thing I absolutely love about South is the many opportunities and experience students get to have! We have amazing field trips if you're in DECA, for example going of out state and also for foreign language there are a lot of amazing field trips like going to Paris or Spain!The one thing I would change about South is the school spirit. I believe that school spirit should be expressed in every event and not only football. There should be school spirit in pep rallys, soccer games, basketball games, baseball/softball games, plays, etc. Overall I'm lucking enough to attend South Forsyth High School and get the best high school experience.
    Read 560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,442 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. North Gwinnett High School

    • Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 837 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Junior: North Gwinnett High School is a place where I feel safe and free to be myself. I strongly believe that I am getting the best education that I can possibly get here at North simply because the teachers here are committed to helping their student to not just simply pass/graduate high school, but to make a difference in their students’ lives for the better! One thing that I love about this school is the amount of diversity here. There are people of all sorts of racial mixes, unique ethnicities, and the best part is that they all come from different backgrounds that somehow bring people closer together, too. However, I gave NGHS four stars only because not everywhere is a perfect place and that things may happen out of the convenience of other people at the school. The large amount of school spirit here at NGHS is phenomenal in which everyone participates and supports each other, which is what being a true NGHS bulldog means!
    Read 837 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,023 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Atlanta Girls' School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 6-12
    • 97 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Middle School Student: I love AGS. Since my first day at AGS, I felt like I was part of a welcoming and inviting community. My teachers are really nice and always there to support and help me. The students at AGS are nice and it's a tight-knit community. I love the all-girls environment because I can be me without the drama of boys!
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 230 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Johns Creek High School

    • Fulton County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 405 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: Overall my hs expirence was very good here! I went to JCHS for all 4 years of HS, and the environment was very conducive to learning and accelerating your studies. I was able to take very challenging classes that most schools don’t offer. Most of the teachers were great and very helpful if you put in effort towards the classes. The school sets up students to succeed in classes. However, the school could improve in its personalization to the students. Since the school is very large, one on one advice and attention from teachers, administrators, and councilors is very limited.
    Read 405 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,142 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Cambridge High School

    • Fulton County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 144 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Junior: Cambridge High Schools is simply an extremely lovely school with a beautiful staff. The teachers are very open to helping students pursue their dreams, and strong connections are often made between the educators and the students. Some teachers are a little rough around the edges, but this can be found anywhere, and sometimes these teachers become some of my favorites. The art department at Cambridge is spectacular, and it is unlike many of the art departments I see at other schools. There are courses in graphic design, pottery, 3D arts, drawing, painting, and so much more! The Advanced Placement Studio Art course is also fantastic. This is my second year of AP Art, and I am still blown away by the strength of our art community and the leadership provided by Ms. Hudson. Cambridge is definitely the school for pursuing your dreams and future!
    Read 144 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,984 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Milton High School

    • Fulton County Schools, GA
    • 9-12
    • 450 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: Milton is a great school filled with academically excelling students and teachers/administrators who actually care for your well-being. The sports and arts are terrific! The Cirque program is ranked at the top in the nation and many of our sports are state champions or ranked at the top of the state. There are numerous club at school so you will definitely be able to find what you enjoy. If not, it is easy to start your own club too. However, the school culture absolutely sucks with a plethora of stuck-up materialistic children feeding off their parents' wealth. Along with this, around 50% of these students do drugs or vape blatantly in front of teachers in lower level classes.
    Read 450 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,382 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. The Weber School

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 9-12
    • 14 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Atlanta Area

    Senior: The Weber school is truly incredible. I really enjoyed my time at the weber school and learned a lot of life lessons and grew into a very mature, optimistic, and appreciative person. The only setbacks it has is that it is very small and has lost a lot of the Jewish connection. The teachers are extremely accommodating and there for you on both a personal and academic level. I got into my dream college and the honors program there and would not have at ANY other school so I am beyond grateful for the Weber school and how it has allowed me to reach my fullest potential.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 256 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: It is the best school I have ever been to and has opened the gates for me to really be able to learn. I especially like language arts and my teachers truly have a broad understanding of the world and inspire us. I have read books including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Power of One, Frankenstein, Henry IV, Henry V, Oedipus The King, and many more. I came in 7th grade and I thought I would have a hard time, but that was not the case. The school is so diverse and I have gotten to learn about a bunch of different cultures and it has given me a better understanding. I went to public school before and until I got to this school I did not really know whiten outstanding education was. I feel ready to share my ideas with the world.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Washington Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Bethesda, MD
    • PK, K-8
    • 9 reviews

    Parent: We have 2 boys currently attending WES. One is in his 3rd year there and a 2nd grader and the younger is 2 months into his first year (kindergarten). Both love their school and the teachers; they can't wait to go to school every single day.

    I'm always surprised at how fast they learned to read and they're now writing stories at home...for fun! The school's focus on being kind, confident, and prepared is definitely the right direction and this mentality shows in each of their students. The parents with whom we interact are also very nice and some have become good friends. The administration staff is exceptional. It shows every day in every teacher and staff member. The head of school is out there every morning welcoming kids to school, helping with drop off, and greeting everyone by name.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • 290 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Trinity Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 8-12
    • 112 reviews

    Parent: We love Trinity! My daughter started in the 8th grade & so far she's had a wonderful experience. They have a great academic program but also a wonderful academic resource center to offer support & assistance to students. A diverse student population -- not just by race & religion but also of learning styles, abilities & interests. The popular kids aren't just the jocks - although there are plenty of very good athletes here - students who are artistic, technologically savvy and academically versed are also the popular kids. Great teacher student ratio adds to the positives.
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 508 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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