PROBLEMS THE BEST WAY PARENTS CAN ASSIST STANDARDIZED TEST PREP GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE TO HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE
Students
The road to college starts early. See the three steps you can take to help your child on their way.
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To search for independent schools by region or neighborhood, turn to page 32 and use the color-coded map to direct you to each region’s page number.
Once you’ve selected your region of interest, the charts beginning on page 34 include a comparison of features for each school in that region, along with the page number for each school’s ad.
Divided into regions of Atlanta, the color-coded maps beginning on page 38 provide each school’s location and page number for their ad.
To find a school or resource by name, turn to the advertiser index on page 97 to find the appropriate page number. 1 2 3 4
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Dr. Gulley Retires From Woodward Academy Woodward Academy has announced that Dr. F. Stuart Gulley, the independent school’s longtime president, is retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Since becoming president in 2009, he has led Woodward Academy through an era of unprecedented growth. Dr. Chris Greer becomes the school’s president as of July 1, 2025. Congratulations to both!
Fulton Superintendent Named State’s Best
Dr. Mike Looney, the superintendent of Fulton County Schools, was named Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year for 2025. The award was announced by the Georgia School Boards Association and the Georgia School Superintendents
Association at their annual conference in December.
GACS Launches Light the Way Campaign
Greater Atlanta Christian School announced in January that it is investing over $30 million in facilities and program improvements. The Light the Way Campaign will support a dozen renovation and building projects, from enhanced athletic facilities to innovative academic spaces, and provide financial support for five endowment funds.
APS Fourth Graders Make Major Gains
Fourth graders at Atlanta Public Schools showed significant improvement in math and reading scores on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. The percentage of fourth graders performing at
a “basic” level or above rose by seven percentage points in reading and eight percentage points in math. APS was the only large, urban school system to show such improvement at the fourth-grade level.
Galloway School Names New Head of School District 2 Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi announced that he will be resigning his position in July to serve as the next head of The Galloway School beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. Farokhi, who graduated from The Galloway School in 1996, replaces Dr. James Calleroz-White, who has led the school since 2018.
Ludacris Launches Music Program at Morrow School
The Ludacris Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Atlanta rapper
and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, announced the launch of TechTunes, a new music initiative at the Utopian Academy for the Arts High School in Morrow. The program will familiarize students with the latest technological advances to help prepare them for careers in the music and entertainment industries.
Alisha Fisher joins The Lovett School
The Lovett School welcomed Alisha Fisher as its new Head of Middle School in March. Fisher came to The Lovett School from Atlanta Heights Charter School, where she served as superintendent, winning praise for exceeding enrollment goals, improving satisfaction levels and boosting student attendance.
New Charter School Opens in Canton Cherokee Classical Academy, a new public charter school serving kindergarten through sixth grade, will open its doors for the 2025-2026 school year in August. Families residing in Cherokee, Cobb, Bartow, Fulton, Pickens and Paulding
Counties and the cities of Marietta, Cartersville and Atlanta are eligible to apply for enrollment.
The Westminster Schools announced in January that it has named Nelson Stewart the new head coach of its football program. Stewart, who previously coached at his alma mater, the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, La., will step into the head coaching role vacated by Gerry Romberg, who is retiring after 33 years with the school and a 239-146 record, 27 playoff berths and seven regional titles.
Atlanta
Play Carnegie Hall
The North Atlanta High School Symphony Orchestra performed at world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York in late March. The orchestra was the only Georgia school band chosen from hundreds of high school ensembles across the country. The honor comes less than a year after the orchestra was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Buford City Schools
Ranked Nation’s Best Buford City Schools is the best school district in the country, according to a new national ranking from the online tutoring platform Wiingy. Using data from Niche.com, Wiingy evaluated BCS on such factors as college prep and math and reading proficiency, awarding the district a top score of 9.31 out of 10.
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School is Honored
The Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, a charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in Atlanta’s Grant Park, was recently named the Georgia Charter School of the Year by the Georgia Charter School Association. The school was chosen for its innovative education initiatives and community partnerships.
McNair Student Wins $3.4M in Scholarships Jaedin Wright, a senior and trombone player at McNair High School, earned more than $3.4 million in college scholarships after being turned down by his top choice. Congratulations to Jaedin Wright!
CHARTER SCHOOL A tax-supported public school that is independently run, allowing for greater educational choice for parents in the community.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING An educational approach using applied, hands-on methods of learning.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) A specifically designed comprehensive academic program emphasizing traditional disciplines while instilling a global perspective in its students.
MAGNET SCHOOL A public school that offers a specific or enhanced curriculum designed for students of special interest or ability.
MONTESSORI A school following the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, focusing on the unique individuality, self-reliance and independence of children.
SPECIAL NEEDS A school or program for children who have mild to moderate learning differences. It usually features smaller class sizes, individualized attention and multisensory learning methods.
ACCREDITATION Official certification that guarantees a school provides an education of a reasonably high quality. Schools must prove levels of quality and maintain continuous standards of improvement.
ACT An alternative to the SAT, this national college admissions examination consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science, with an optional 40-minute writing test.
COLLEGE AND CAREER READY PERFORMANCE INDEX (CCRPI) Georgia’s annual tool for measuring how well its schools, districts, and the state are preparing students for the next educational level.
Education that applies to children from birth to age 8, focusing specifically on their development, including physical, emotional, sensory, communicative, cognitive and social needs.
Tests designed to measure how well students in grades 3 through 12 acquire the skills and knowledge outlined in the state-adopted content standards.
(Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)
A scholarship in Georgia, funded by the Georgia Lottery, that rewards academically achieving students with financial assistance to attend a degree, diploma or certificate program at eligible public and private Georgia colleges and universities.
(ESSA) A federal law passed in 2015 replacing the No Child Left Behind Act, designed to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a quality education and meet state academic proficiency standards.
PSAT A standardized test that offers students practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and allows them to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program
SAT This standardized test measures the writing and language, reading and mathematical reasoning skills of students planning to attend college.
TEST (SSAT) Assesses the verbal, math and reading abilities of students seeking to enroll in an independent school.
Many local and national organizations work to bring out the best in summer camps and public, private and boarding schools by identifying schools that meet certain standards through accreditation. These groups also set policies, research educational advancements and offer services to the educational communities both in Atlanta and in Georgia. The following are just some of the associations and organizations you should know in your search for the best educational experience for your child.
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) boardingschools.com
This organization of 250 boarding schools serves the professional development needs of boarding schools and provides information to potential students and their families.
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) ami-global.org
Recognizes and provides
support, training and development to schools that strongly adhere to Montessori method principles and practices.
Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) aaais.org
Promotes the highest standards and best administrative practices for accredited independent schools in the metro Atlanta area.
Cognia cognia.org
Formed from the merger of two organizations (AdvancED and Measured Progress), it advances education excellence through accreditation and school improvement initiatives.
Department of Education (DOE) gadoe.org
A statewide, policy-driven organization governing the public school system of education in Georgia for grades K-12.
Georgia Association of Christian Schools (GACS) gacs.org
Uses generally accepted indicators of quality, voluntary self-improvement and peer review to measure Christian schools.
Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children (GAPSEC) gapsec.org
This state organization of independent schools for students with learning disabilities maintains a code of ethics and shares information about programs at member schools.
Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) gisaschools.org
An association of Georgia’s private, independent and parochial schools, dedicated
to serving the professional growth, advocacy and interscholastic needs of member schools.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) naeyc.org
A professional membership organization working to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy and research.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) nais.org
A membership association
providing research, leadership and governance guidance and professional development opportunities for school and board leaders in U.S. independent schools.
National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) napsec.org
Represents private specialized education programs by promoting quality programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) sacs.org
The recognized regional accrediting body for both public and private schools in the 11 U.S. Southern states.
Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) sais.org
Provides accreditation services, professional growth opportunities and leadership development programs for 375 independent U.S. schools.
For more information about these and other organizations and associations that ensure quality education among camps and schools, visit the websites of the Georgia Department of Education (www.gadoe.org) or the U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov).
A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects how your child processes certain information. Children with learning disabilities are as smart as or even smarter than other children, but may face challenges with reading, writing, spelling, reasoning and other functions. As a result, they often struggle to achieve in traditional classrooms. There are many types of learning disabilities, from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia to more serious forms such as autism.
Special needs schools are those that serve children who struggle with learning disabilities or don’t perform well in a conventional school environment. These schools use alternative approaches to instruction in order to help children learn more effectively and also achieve success in the classroom and in social settings. Other schools don’t specifically target those with learning disabilities, but may teach different kinds of students who have had difficulty learning in a typical class-
room setting. Others may teach average or even above-average learners while also offering additional programs and classes for students with learning differences.
First, it’s important to identify your child’s specific challenges. Students who exhibit average or above-average intelligence but often seem distracted and don’t perform well in a traditional classroom setting may be struggling with dyslexia, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD or some other disorder that affects their ability to learn effectively. Also, disruptive or aggressive children may be exhibiting frustration brought on by a learning disability.
If you suspect your child may have a learning dis-
ability, it’s critical to have him or her evaluated by a mental health professional. A diagnosis is necessary in order to address the child’s educational needs.
A professional evaluation is crucial in order to evaluate your child’s educational needs.
If your child is diagnosed with a learning disability and attends public school, talk with the principal, school counselor or another administrator about developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). All public schools are required to create an IEP for students with learning disabilities who meet special education requirements. An IEP is a document that specifies your child’s learning situation and educational needs and outlines a course of action for teachers and other professionals to follow to help make sure your child learns to the best of his or her ability. u
If you feel your local public school isn’t the right environment for your child or simply want to explore all your options, there are many quality independent schools in metro Atlanta devoted to helping children with special needs and learning issues. Visit the Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children’s website (gapsec.org) or our listings for special needs schools on page 98 to help you with your search.
All special needs schools are not the same. The first step is to identify those schools that can address your child’s specific learning difficulty, and offer the level of special needs instruction that you (and perhaps a professional) feel is best for your child.
You may be more comfortable enrolling your child in a school that focuses specifically on his or her needs, or you may want a more diverse environment where he or she can interact with many different kinds of students. Familiarize yourself with the different options offered by each kind of school.
Traditional independent schools that offer special needs programs as part of a larger curriculum can offer that kind of environment, but may have larger class sizes than schools that specialize in specific learning disabilities. These kinds of schools may also focus more on academics than on the therapeutic aspects of special
needs education. Independent special needs schools can offer more individualized instruction and a more structured and predictable environment, and are likely to address nonacademic issues such as social skills and self-esteem.
As you begin searching for the right school for your child’s situation, here are some questions to keep in mind:
• Will your child fare better in a school that focuses on his or her specific learning disability, or would you rather that he or she be able to interact with students with a wide range of learning capabilities?
• Does the school serve a specific age range or work with students on all grade levels? Many students with learning disabilities have trouble transitioning to new schools.
Identify those schools that can best address your child’s specific learning difficulty.
• Does the school offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including arts and sports programs?
• Is the school accredited? If so, by which organizations?
• Is the staff certified to instruct special needs children or those with your child’s specific learning difficulty?
• Does the school focus more on academics or on addressing the child’s therapeutic needs?
Many independent special needs schools participate in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program (GSNS), a school choice program available to special needs students attending Georgia public schools. It offers funds to offset tuition and
fees at participating private schools authorized by the Georgia Board of Education. According to the Georgia Department of Education, scholarship amounts range from $2,500 to $13,500, with an average amount of about $6,000.
The Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit program provides another scholarship option. Donations are made to an organization known as a Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (GaSSO), which uses the money to award scholarships to students in pre-K through grade 12. Many schools also offer their own scholarships or tuition assistance programs as well. Contact individual schools for details.
For more information on special needs schools and resources, please see our listings on page 98.
BY SHEILA DAYTON AND EVERETT CATTS
hen we think of education, we often picture a classroom full of students sitting at their desks, watching with various levels of interest as a teacher stands in front of the blackboard discussing the day’s lesson.
But these days, there are many different education methods, including ones like Montessori and experiential learning. where students take a more hands-on approach.
One such method that has been gaining in popularity is project-based learning (PBL), in which students learn by engaging in long-term projects, developing helpful life
skills in the process. In fact, many different metro Atlanta schools and school systems incorporate PBL into their curricula.
So what is project-based learning, and what are the advantages to this style of learning?
Instead of a traditional classroom where students sit and listen to a teacher’s lecture, PBL classes feature students working together toward a common goal, developing skills such as collaboration, critical thinking,
Instead of a traditional classroom where students sit and listen to a teacher’s lecture, PBL classes feature students working together toward a common goal, developing skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
creativity and problem-solving.
In PBL, students work on extended projects over a period ranging from days to months, applying lessons from across different academic disciplines. And they direct their own learning by making their own decisions, rather than following a teacher’s instructions; the teacher might work as more of a facilitator or a sounding board.
At the earlier grade levels, project-based learning programs may introduce students to such concepts as collaboration and working together toward a common goal.
At Pace Academy in Buckhead, for example, second graders take part in a PBL program in which they explore the question of “How does food tell the story of past and present cultures?” says Amy Underwood, lower school director of curriculum and professional development.
“The classes partner with their families to get family recipes, and the parents come into the classroom and prepare the dishes, and the students help make them,” she says. “They put it all together in a recipe book that will be shared with our community.”
In addition, PBL allows students to apply lessons they learn in a real-world setting.
At Wesleyan School, an independent Christian school in Peachtree Corners, students begin studying a foreign language early on, learning Spanish during their first three years of school, says Glenn Archer, chair of the school’s Bible department.
“So we’re looking at ways where students can practice that knowledge and apply it by going on a service trip somewhere around
the world and immerse themselves in that culture,” he says.
By embarking on a mission trip to a nation where Spanish is the primary language, the students interact with locals in Spanish, applying their language lessons in a real-world context that wouldn’t be possible in a classroom.
“As much as you can read an article in Spanish, if you can go somewhere where Spanish is spoken, it will accelerate the student’s learning and understanding of the material,” he says.
Another common component of PBL is that it encourages students to tackle problems and pursue projects outside of the classroom setting.
This approach provides students with “a framework that emphasizes real-world application, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences,” says Rebecca Williams, executive director of academic programs
for Fulton County Schools. “It increases student engagement, and it increases collaboration, which as we know is an essential skill for work and life.”
Tommy Usher, chief of schools for Atlanta Public Schools, describes project-based learning as “an instructional approach that actively engages students in real-world projects or problems.”APS employs PBL in 31 of its more than 70 schools.
At Warren T. Jackson Elementary School in Buckhead, PBL takes the form of a program in which fourth-grade students grow thousands of trout from eggs and eventually release them into the Chattahoochee River.
The students nurture the fish from the fertilization process all the way through to adulthood, and house them in special aquamarine “labitats” on the school campus, says Usher. “Once the eggs hatch, the students care for the fish until they release them into the Chattahoochee River. This is done twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring.”
As the students care for the eggs, they learn to problem-solve as challenges arise.
“Last fall, students had an added problem to solve,” says Usher. “they had to figure out why many of their fish were dying or missing from the labitat. After noticing lots of bird
droppings in the area, the students deduced that birds were eating the fish. Consequently, they designed a screen to cover the labitat.”
Wildlife is also the focus of Woodward Academy’s endangered animal project, in which fourth graders use different tools including modeling clay and TinkerCad 3-D design software to design habitats and ecosystems for different animals.
“We incorporate two main types of experiences: traditional project-based learning and shorter performance tasks,” says Conne White, Woodward’s director of learning and innovation.
“Both are designed to align academic learning with real-world contexts. Students engage in learning that's set in meaningful, real-world scenarios and often target a real audience beyond the classroom,” she continues.
Project-based learning, then, helps students develop critical skills they can use throughout their lives, and allows them to apply what they learn in a tangible and practical way.
“Students are always asking, ‘How does this lesson apply to real life?’ Or, ‘Why am I learning this?’,” says Jen Shepard, assistant director of Christian life at Wesleyan School. “Project-based learning helps them answer these questions.”
Maria Croley Madden became head of school at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in July 2023. She previously served as middle school head at Heathwood Hall. She holds degrees from Furman University and Kennesaw State University. She’s a runner and mother of three.
What do you love most about your job? Seeing the joy in students’ faces every day and watching them learn and grow over time at school is incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing their curiosity, resilience and achievements reminds me of the profound impact education has on shaping their futures.
How is the field of education changing? Character-building is essential. A strong school culture guides moral development, decision-making and community contribution. Educators must model appropriate behavior and recognize each student’s unique strengths and challenges.
What advice would you offer to parents about their children’s education?
Look for a school that closely aligns with your family’s values and be invested in the community with trust and support.
What is your educational philosophy? Education extends beyond academics;
teachers must nurture critical thinking, character and appreciation for the world. Schools shape well-rounded individuals by integrating respect and dignity while fostering strong partnerships between schools and families to support students in an evolving society.
How can parents best contribute to the education process? By staying actively involved—communicating with teachers and supporting learning at home—parents become true partners in their child’s growth.
Emphasis: Providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere.
Year Founded: 1959
Grades: Preschooleighth grade
Students: 615
Tuition Range: $20,140-$30,230
Avg. Class Size: 18
Accreditations or Affiliations: SAIS, NAES, NAIS, GISA
Location: 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Brookhaven, GA 30319
Contact: 404-237-4260, stmartinschool.org
BY MICHELLE BOURG
Attending college has long been a cornerstone of the American dream, and the majority of students hope to do so. But the path to getting there is a winding and long one: educators and college admissions officers recommend that planning for college begin when a child reaches sixth grade. For modern families, the three keys to navigating the path to college successfully are being proactive, organizational and communicative.
In Georgia, the concept of proactivity has been mandated with the BRIDGE (Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia’s Economy) Act, which helps students select a focused study plan by providing career counseling and regularly scheduled advisement beginning in sixth grade. (For more information,
visit the Georgia Department of Education website at gadoe.org).
Students begin by taking the Career Cluster Inventory and creating a YouScience portfolio to track their BRIDGE activities. During the spring of their eighth-grade year, students must select a career area and draft a corresponding course of study called an IGP (Individual Graduation Plan) in consultation with parents, counselors and teachers.
Parents should communicate with their children about school performance and its impact on a future career by discussing possible career interests and helping them to develop good study habits, identifying academic areas that need improvement. The PSAT 8/9 offers a snapshot of a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses so families can create a plan of action.
As high school begins, parents and students should establish a good relationship with the guidance counselor and work with him or her to select prerequisite courses for advanced-level work. If any subjects are giving difficulty, additional help should be sought in order to be up to speed going forward. It’s critical to maintain grades and test performance, as colleges look at a student’s entire high school career.
Sophomore year is when the first standardized placement tests are taken; 10th-graders may take the PSAT 10 or the ACT prerequisite PreACT test. Qualified students should look into the MOWR (Move On When Ready) program, which
enables qualified Georgia high school students to take college courses and receive both high school and college credit.
Co-curricular activities are one of the most memorable parts of the high school experience and a key factor in college admissions. Students should try some out now and find one or two they will enjoy long-term. This is also a good time to begin satisfying the community service graduation requirement. Parents should monitor their child’s schedule to ensure that their academics and co-curriculars remain in balance.
While the nitty-gritty of financial planning is still in the future, during freshman year families should start to discuss
While the nitty-gritty of financial planning is still in the future, during freshman year families should start to discuss financial aid, scholarships and the student’s responsibilities, if any.
financial aid, scholarships and the student’s responsibilities, if any. A good place to start is by visiting the website of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (gafutures.org) for information.
By the end of the year, Georgia ninthgraders must complete a supervised investigation of at least three potential careers and record them in their Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) portfolio. The summer between ninth and 10th grade is when research into college options should begin, with a file kept on each school to compare later.
Over summer break, students should make a list of desired criteria to guide their college explorations and intensify their research into different schools.
In junior year, the pace for college-bound students intensifies dramatically, and life will seem like a non-stop parade of deadlines. Standardized tests begin with the PSAT in October, and it takes discipline to balance studying for tests, keeping up with regular coursework, extracurricular activities and volunteer or employment responsibilities. Regular family meetings will keep everyone on the same page making a weekly pizza date to talk things over and also carve out some quality de-stressing time. Using a family organization phone app such as Cozi or even a largeformat wall calendar makes keeping track of test dates and application deadlines easier.
The summer between junior and senior year is critical; in addition to working on jobs or internships, students need to finalize their list of schools and visit as many as possible, begin crafting application essays, organize financial aid info, and consider applying early to top schools on the list.
Now is the time to begin evaluating colleges in earnest. Under BRIDGE, Georgia students must investigate at least three postsecondary institutions and record the information in their GCIS portfolio by the end of junior year. Using the list of personal criteria and the school information they’ve gathered, students should make a ranked list of potential schools and make appointments to visit several. It’s also a good point to begin requesting letters of recommendation from respected mentors. Meanwhile, parents should begin reviewing the financial picture and making a budget.
The summer between junior and senior year is critical; in addition to working on
jobs or internships, students need to finalize their list of schools and visit as many as possible, begin crafting application essays, organize financial aid info, and consider applying early to top schools on the list.
As senior year begins, students and their families have to hit the ground running. The SAT (and if applicable, the ACT) must be taken as soon as possible; it’s important to check the SAT subject test schedule, as some tests are only given on select dates. There may be final campus visits to make even as the essay and application processes are in full swing, and it’s imperative to maintain grades and class rank, as colleges scrutinize these carefully. As the year progresses, students must track acceptances, and if placed on a waitlist for their top choices, consider applying to schools with later deadlines.
Parents will also be busy, as financial aid applications are time-consuming and must be completed as soon as possible. If their son or daughter has applied to both public and private schools, it will be necessary to complete both the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile. As acceptances are received, families will need to compare the aid packages offered as they work together toward a final decision.
It’s been a long road, but as the portfolio is finally closed with the entry “College,” at last it’s time to raise a toast at the graduation party and savor the accomplishment. All too soon it will be time to shop for those dorm supplies.
BY E. MARCEL POURTOUT
tandardized tests are a fact of life for children in both public and independent schools. A standardized test is one that is administered and graded in a consistent manner, usually given to students across an entire school or school system or even nationally, as opposed to one created by a teacher for a specific class. These tests are often used to determine whether your child passes to the next grade level, or what kind of college they will attend. As a result, they can be a source of stress for students and parents alike. Fortunately, most schools offer programs and resources to help children prepare for these critical tests.
If your child is enrolled in a Georgia public school, there are a number of tests he or she will be required to take as part of the Georgia Milestones Assessment System. Georgia Milestones spans grade 3 through high school, and is designed to determine how well a student has absorbed the information taught in the classroom.
Students in grades 3 through 8 currently take an end-of-grade test in English, language arts and math, while those in grades 5 and 8 are also tested in science and social studies. High school students are tested at the end of each year in subjects including literature and composition, algebra, geometry, biology, physical science and U.S. history.
Students at independent schools may also be required to take standardized tests. Springmont, a Montessori school in Sandy Springs, administers the MAP Growth test to its primary and middle-school students each year.
Another standardized test independent school students are likely to encounter is the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), which measures the abilities of students looking to enroll in an independent school.
Whether they’re from public or independent schools, all college-bound students are expected to take a college aptitude test like the SAT or the ACT as part of their application process. The SAT evaluates a student’s math, writing and critical reading skills, while the ACT covers English, math, reading, science and an optional writing component.
A great number of Atlanta-area public and independent schools offer prep courses or workshops, or have counselors who work with students to help them prepare for collegepreparatory testing.
Atlanta Public Schools offers test-prep opportunities “which focus on content preparation plus simulation of the testing environment,” says Seth Coleman, director of media.
At Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, “we partner with tutoring companies to provide proctored practice leading into the junior year,” says Tyler Sant, director of enrollment management. “We also purchase access for all rising juniors and seniors to a fully-online test prep platform which allows students to prepare in a way that’s specifically tailored to their performance on each specific section of these tests.” u
Outside of the school environment, testpreparation services like Kaplan and The Princeton Review offer instruction to help students prepare for college entrance exams. The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, offers a number of preparatory resources.
TutorATL is a free service that provides tutoring and homework help as well as resources for students preparing for college entrance exams. It’s available to students from Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County Public Schools and Marietta City Schools.
One of the most important things a student can do to prepare for these tests is, of course, to absorb their lessons throughout the school year. “Learning the critical thinking skills necessary to master the curriculum sets the student up to be able to do well on the test,” says Ken Connor, director of college advising for Wesleyan School.
But parents can implement several techniques at home to help their children prepare for standardized tests, whether they’re in-school assessments or college aptitude tests.
“Parents can help students by providing them with a space that can provide parental
overview without becoming too invasive,” says Connor. “Creating schedules for students that provide breaks also helps the student learn how to develop strong study habits.”
“Test prep requires the same type of discipline and commitment to a schedule as any other course of study,” says Sant. “Their outcome will directly reflect the work they’ve put in. Having a consistent appointment on the calendar helps to reinforce consistency. It’s important that the practice mirrors the testing environment. That means sitting upright at a table or desk. No cell phone, no TV, and no other distractions.”
Above all, make sure your child maintains a positive attitude, gets enough sleep and has a proper breakfast on the day of the test. With the right physical and mental preparation, he or she will be well on their way to acing these important tests.
Georgia Department of Education gadoe.org
Georgia Online Assessment System gaexperienceonline.com
Georgia College 411 gafutures.org
College Board collegeboard.org
SAT
sat.collegeboard.org
SSAT ssat.org ACT act.org
TutorATL tutor.com/clientcare/tutoratl
Metro Atlanta is home to many excellent K-12 independent schools, which means you can find exactly the right environment to fit your child’s academic needs, learning style, extracurricular interests and values. The following profiles represent some of the leading independent schools serving the metro Atlanta area, each of them equipped with the staff and curriculum to provide your child a challenging and nurturing educational experience.
As the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through middle school an authentic Montessori education. Individualized, hands-on learning is balanced with social/emotional well-being, inspiring its diverse and inclusive community of learners to become creative, independent and globally minded.
Multi-aged classes and specially designed materials are complemented by highly experienced and caring teachers who guide students’ curiosity towards meaningful, collaborative discoveries. Large, light-filled classrooms and a beautiful campus with natural areas, class
gardens and farm animals afford rich outdoor experiences.
Springmont’s middle school prepares students for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools and life beyond academics. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles and work both independently and in diverse groups allow students to become engaged learners.
Springmont is located at 5750 Long Island Dr. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com
From Pre-K to senior year, Woodward Academy is more than a school—it’s a launchpad for future global leaders. Here, students aren’t just taught; they are seen, challenged, and inspired. Whether your child is drawn to data science, robotics, creative writing, or sculpture, Woodward is a place where passions are uncovered and elevated. Located on two stunning campuses in Historic College Park and Johns Creek—and connected by an expansive transportation network—Woodward reflects the best of Atlanta: sophisticated, forward-thinking, and purpose-driven.
With 25 AP courses, 100+ student clubs, a nationally recognized Transition Learning Support Program, 75+ annual arts performances, and 18 varsity sports, this is a place where ambition is met with opportunity. But what truly sets Woodward apart is its ethos. Here, your child will gain fluency not just in academics, but in the essential values
of empathy, perspective, and purpose. Programs like Maymester and Global Connections provide immersive experiences—locally and internationally—helping students translate what they learn in the classroom into the real world. Cutting-edge STEAM integration starts early with coding for kindergarteners and culminates in a unique Independent Scientific Research program, where juniors and seniors partner with university researchers on meaningful, impactful projects.
Woodward graduates don't just go to college—they go confidently, purposefully, and far. Each class typically earns $24+ million in
scholarships, serves more than 5,000 hours in the community, and matriculates to more than 100 premier colleges and universities. They’re not just prepared— they’re empowered.
If you’re seeking a school that mirrors your values of excellence, curiosity, and global citizenship, we invite you to experience Woodward Academy for yourself. Visit woodward.edu, call 404-765-4000, or email eagleinfo@woodward.edu to schedule a personal tour of Atlanta’s most dynamic learning environment.
Celebrating its 40th year, Atlanta International School (AIS) is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering primary years, middle years, diploma, and career-related IB programs.
AIS attracts global and local families who particularly seek out the school's renowned language programs—beginning in 3K and 4K with full immersion (French, German, Chinese, and Spanish), followed by dual and partial immersion in primary school. Expert instruction in secondary school supports all language levels, from beginners to those pursuing a bilingual or even trilingual IB diploma.
Innovation is core to an AIS education, where students pursue STEM/STEAM-endorsed IB diplomas. Extracurriculars include a space program, robotics, Model United Nations, internships, and international trips.
The school boasts 40 athletic teams in 12
Serving grades 9-12, Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) is a nonprofit, private high school, accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (Cognia/SACS) and by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). It provides its students with a challenging, individualized college preparatory education within a caring community of learners, while advancing the knowledge and methodology of adolescent education. The school is small by design with enrollment around 125 each year and a student/teacher ratio of about 4:1.
BFA is committed to individualized instruction and mastery learning. Students have a faculty advisor who meets with them daily and helps them plan each week’s course work. It offers three levels of instruction: College Prep, Honors and Advanced Placement. The school also offers six foreign languages: Spanish, German, French, Russian, Latin,
different sports and has a unique tennis training partnership with the esteemed Mouratoglou Academy—based at the AIS Sandy Springs campus.
The AIS Buckhead campus is located at 2890 North Fulton Drive, Atlanta, GA 30305, while the Sandy Springs campus is at 1701 Brandon Hall Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350. For more information, call 404-841-3840, email admission@aischool.org, or visit aischool.org.
and American Sign Language. BFA also offers 26 Advanced Placement courses and 25 Honors classes.
After-school activities include Drama, Jazz/Rock Music Ensemble, Cross Country, Golf, Latin Dance and Ultimate.
BFA is located at both 1585 Clifton Road, Atlanta and 752 Houston Mill Road, Atlanta. For more information, call 404-633-7404, email bfa@benfranklinacademy.org or visit benfranklinacademy.org.
area map
For features of independent schools, turn to Education At a Glance on pg. 34. For public school system information by county, turn to pg. 78.
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Boarding Schools Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Southern Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
School County Guide
Resources Tutoring, Summer Camps and Activities, Field Trips and Education Programs.
REGION 4: Atlanta South/ Southeast/Southwest Carrollton, Eagles Landing, Fayetteville, Locust Grove, Sharpsburg/Peachtree City
REGION 5: Atlanta West Brookstone, Buckhead, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Smyrna/Vinings
REGION 1: Atlanta North/Northwest
Alpharetta, Buckhead, Chastain Park, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Woodstock
REGION 2: Atlanta North/Northeast Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Roswell
REGION 3: Atlanta East Ansley Park, Athens, Dacula, Decatur, Midtown, Morningside, Northeast Atlanta
REGION 3: Atlanta East Athens, Bethlehem, Collins Hill, Decatur, Druid Hills, Loganville, Monroe, Morningside/ Ansley
*KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist C = Christian
CC = Catholic E = Episcopal J = Jewish JC = Judeo-Christian
M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian
Q = Quaker RC = Roman Catholic
Roswell With its mix of stately neighborhoods and new developments, its quaint downtown area and miles of trails that meander through forests and along the Chattahoochee River, Roswell attracts many families and nature-loving residents to its city limits.
Sandy Springs In 2005 Sandy Springs became its own city. Residents enjoy a multitude of boutiques, bars and restaurants which line Roswell Road, its main thoroughfare. They also enjoy the community’s many family-centered events held throughout the year.
Norcross Founded in the late 1800s as a resort town for wealthy Atlantans, Norcross is Gwinnett County’s second oldest city. Today, with over 18,000 residents, it is a quiet city filled with upscale yet charming residential and retail developments.
Cumming Called the “Gateway to Leisure Living,” Cumming offers the best of small-town living, but in recent years, it has seen rapid commercial and residential development, attracting many new residents with its prime location near the magnificent Lake Lanier.
Stone Mountain More than just a mountain park, Stone Mountain also refers to a charming community of antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Residents of Stone Mountain enjoy natural scenery and miles of walking and biking paths available in the nearby park.
Lawrenceville Strolling the brick-paved sidewalks in the revitalized historic downtown of Lawrenceville, you’ll feel instantly at home. Chartered in 1821, the city has gone through many changes over the years but has maintained its gracious small-town Southern charm.
Schools Page
Community Christian School 60
Counterpane Montessori School 61
Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 61
Faith Academy and Faith Academy Online 56
Landmark Christian School 7 Oak Mountain Academy 60 Strong Rock Christian School 62 Terra School at Serenbe 99 Trinity Christian School - Sharpsburg 62 Woodward Academy 3
Newnan Established in 1828 and home to more than 46,000 residents, Newnan is one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia. It has many new residential developments and boasts six historic districts on the national register filled with stately Southern homes.
College Park College Park is home to a small-town main street and the busiest airport in the world—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The city is attracting young professionals and families by combining the historic elements with new developments.
Kennesaw Home to the popular Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the city of Kennesaw takes pride in its excellent recreation opportunities and parks, rich history and thriving downtown. Kennesaw State University is well known for academic programs in business, education, and nursing.
Smyrna With its unique charm, the city of Smyrna offers many fresh, trendy lifestyle options, and the Market Village plays host to numerous restaurants, bars and upscale shops. Known as the “Jonquil City,” because of the thousands of jonquils that flourish in gardens and along the streets in early spring.
There are many benefits of a boarding school education. Boarding schools are an option for students seeking a more independent learning experience. Because students generally live on campus, learning takes place in and out of the classroom almost on a 24-hour basis.
When selecting a boarding school, it is important to visit the school campus, but representatives from many boarding schools visit Metro Atlanta throughout the year—contact each school for specific dates.
Tucked away in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, Tallulah Falls School is bursting with opportunities for day and boarding students. It has champion athletic programs, 21 college classes on campus, a 100% college acceptance rate, a culture that celebrates the arts, and numerous experiential learning and service opportunities. Its 500-acre campus, featuring 35 buildings, is a hidden
gem nestled in the pristine mountains of northeast Georgia.
Tallulah Falls School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school serving students in grades four through 12, with boarding available for grades seven through 12. The school is a thriving international community comprising students from 31 different countries.
Tallulah Falls School prepares students to thrive in life by elevating character and intellect in a challenging and diverse college preparatory environment. Since 1909, TFS has established a culture where students serve others, demonstrate empathy, and build friendships that foster a strong sense of community.
Tallulah Falls School is located at 201 Campus Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA. For more information, call 706-754-0400, email admissions@tallulahfalls.org, or visit tallulahfalls.org.
One can’t help but be captivated by the enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity and genuine warmth of the very talented group of adults and students from around the world who live and learn together in this 100% boarding community located in Alexandria, VA. Episcopal High School, serving students in grades 9–12, is uniquely positioned to prepare its students not just to excel in outstanding colleges and universities, but also to take their place as caring and gifted leaders on both local and global levels. For more than 175 years, its students have thrived in the school’s rich array of academic offerings, embraced its commitment to personal honor, ethical leadership and spiritual growth, and been guided and inspired by the close and caring relationships they develop with the adults there. The school’s innovative approach to curriculum and programming deeply rooted in the opportunities and global
connections of Washington, D.C.—sets it apart and offers its students an educational experience unlike any other.
Episcopal is located at 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA. 22302. For more information, call 703-933-4062 or visit episcopalhighschool.org.
Avariety of improvements and innovative programs in Georgia’s public school systems have resulted in many stellar elementary, middle and high schools across the metro area. Different school systems feature specialized programs and academic opportunities, such as magnet, charter, vocational or alternative schools, to suit their respective students, parents and communities. However, despite variations in programming and academic offerings, all public schools must offer instruction aligned with standards approved by the Georgia Board of Education. Here is a county-by-county guide to metro Atlanta’s public school systems. For more information about the Georgia Department of Education, call 404-656-2800 or visit gadoe.org. u
Board of Education
770-606-5800
bartow.k12.ga.us
Board of Education
770-479-1871
cherokeek12.net
Total
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 502 (M) 526
5th: (ELA) 521 (M) 520
8th: (ELA) 514 (M) 535
2024 Average SAT: 1044
Top 3 Schools by Average
2024 SAT Score
Adairsville High 1061
Cass High 1041
Woodland High 1032
What’s New: Three of the district’s high school students earned seats in the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program at Georgia Southern University, running June 15 to July 12. The finalists are Cass High juniors Charlotte Langhans, Emma Brown and Woodland High junior Maka Messier.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 517 (M) 533
5th: (ELA) 536 (M) 533
8th: (ELA) 523 (M) 540
2024 Average SAT: 1083
Top 5 Schools by Average
2024 SAT Score
Total # of Students:
Creekview High 1101
Sequoyah High 1098
Woodstock High 1092
Cherokee High 1078
River Ridge High 1075
What’s New: In March the district acknowledged educators at the 2025 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration, where Lisa Spence of Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy was named the district’s Teacher of the Year.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 471 (M) 497
5th: (ELA) 492 (M) 485
8th: (ELA) 499 (M) 496
2024 Average SAT: 901
Top 5 Schools by Average
2024 SAT Score
Elite Scholars Academy 1131
M. E. Stilwell School of the Arts 1015
Morrow High 935
Riverdale 917
Jonesboro High 909
What’s New: Chandaranita Phe of M.E. Stilwell School of the Arts was a gold medalist at the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Board of Education
770-426-3300 cobbk12.org
Board of Education 770-254-2800 cowetaschools.net
Board of Education
678-676-1200 dekalbschoolsga.org
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 520 (M) 530
5th: (ELA) 532 (M) 524
8th: (ELA) 531 (M) 537
2024 Average SAT: 1105
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score
Walton High 1249
Alan C. Pope High 1194
Lassiter 1182
Wheeler High 1167
Kennesaw Mtn. High School 1143
What’s New: Three Cobb high schools rank among Georgia’s top 20 high schools, according to U.S. News and World Report: Walton (ranked fourth), Lassiter (10th) and Pope (20th).
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 519 (M) 530
5th: (ELA) 530 (M) 522
8th: (ELA) 521 (M) 520
2024 Average SAT: 1062
Top 3 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score
Northgate High 1090 East Coweta High 1058
Total # of Students: 23,064 Student
Newnan High 1039
What’s New: Moreland Elementary School first-grade teacher Ashley Linch was chosen as the 2025 Coweta County Teacher of the Year in March at the annual Coweta Teacher of the Year ceremony.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 488 (M) 506
5th: (ELA) 508 (M) 499
8th: (ELA) 506 (M) 503
2024 Average SAT: 994
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score
Total # of Students:
Chamblee Charter High 1174
DeKalb School of the Arts 1138
Lakeside High 1132
DeKalb Early Coll. Acad. 1121
Dunwoody High 1108
What’s New: Cedar Grove Elementary won the School Engagement category (Elementary) at the Association for Positive Behavior Support Film Festival at the annual APBS conference in St. Louis. Tucker High won in the Instruction category (High School).
Board of Education
770-651-2000 dcssga.org
Board of Education
770-460-3990
fcboe.org
Board of Education
770-887-2461
forsyth.k12.ga.us
Total # of Students: 25,521
Student Spending: $16,880
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 493 (M) 508
5th: (ELA) 510 (M) 502
8th: (ELA) 516 (M) 508
2024 Average SAT: 983
Top 5 Schools by Average
2024 SAT Score
Alexander High 1045
Douglas County High 1004
Chapel Hill High 991
Lithia Springs High 938
New Manchester High 921
What’s New: Factory Shoals Middle School media specialist Katrina
Barnett was named the 2025 Douglas County School System Library Media Specialist of the Year. She has been an educator for more than 20 years, the past seven as a library media specialist.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 539 (M) 545
5th: (ELA) 550 (M) 542
8th: (ELA) 552 (M) 561
2024 Average SAT: 1116
Top 5 Schools by Average
Total # of Students: 19,800
Student Spending: $17,741
2024 SAT Score
McIntosh High 1180
Starr’s Mill High 1170
Whitewater High 1098
Sandy Creek High 1050
Fayette County High 1010
What’s New: Fayette County students won a combined 17 medals in the 2025 Georgia Student Technology Competition at the Academy for Advanced Studies in McDonough.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 533 (M) 551
5th: (ELA) 546 (M) 557
8th: (ELA) 542 (M) 567
2024 Average SAT: 1174
Total # of Students:
Student
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score Lambert High 1256 Alliance Academy 1245
South Forsyth High 1221
Denmark High 1180
West Forsyth 1125
What’s New: Forsyth County Schools was named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes, a top national ranking that highlights organizations fostering exceptional workplace environments. The ranking is based on an independent survey of employees across the country.
Board of Education 470-254-3600 fultonschools.org
Board of Education
770-229-3700 gscs.org
Board of Education
678-301-6000 gcpsk12.org
Number of Schools
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 522 (M) 538
5th: (ELA) 538 (M) 529
8th: (ELA) 533 (M) 538
2024 Average SAT: 1063
Total # of Students: 87,019
Student Spending: $20,281
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score Northview High 1286 Johns Creek High 1218
Chattahoochee High 1197
Alpharetta High 1185
Cambridge High 1165
What’s New: Cambridge and Global Impact Academy high schools came in first and second places, respectively, at the district level at the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition, and advanced to the regional event.
Number of Schools
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 468 (M) 492
5th: (ELA) 493 (M) 490
8th: (ELA) 495 (M) 497
2024 Average SAT: 937
Total # of Students: 9,350 Student Spending: $17,164
Top 2 Schools by Average
What’s New: The Griffin-Spalding County district shined in the results for the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), which is used by the Georgia Department of Education to measure preparation of students for college and careers. The data showed that the district improved in eight of the 13 components.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 508 (M) 528
5th: (ELA) 526 (M) 523
8th: (ELA) 525 (M) 545
2024 Average SAT: 1016
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score
Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology 1370 North Gwinnett High 1150
Total # of Students:
Brookwood High 1100 Mill Creek High 1094 Paul Duke STEM High 1072
What’s New: Six Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students received the 2024-25 GCPS Caring Award, sponsored by the GCPS Office of Counseling, College and Career Services.
Board of Education
770-534-1080 hallco.org
Board of Education
770-957-6601
henry.k12.ga.us
Board of Education
770-443-8000
paulding.k12.ga.us
Total # of Students:
27,257
Student Spending:
$18,303
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 488 (M) 514
5th: (ELA) 501 (M) 502
8th: (ELA) 506 (M) 521
2024 Average SAT: 1049
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score
North Hall High 1094
Flowery Branch High 1050
East Hall High 1048
Cherokee Bluff High 1037
Chestatee High 1029
What’s New: Six Hall County students placed in the top three in their respective categories at the annual State of Georgia Technology Consortium competition held in Henry County.
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 486 (M) 504
5th: (ELA) 506 (M) 496
8th: (ELA) 508 (M) 501
2024 Average SAT: 984
Top 5 Schools by Average
2024 SAT Score
Total # of Students:
Student Spending: $17,752
Ola High 1051
Union Grove 1048
Woodland High 993
Dutchtown 981
Eagle’s Landing High 964
What’s New: Pleasant Grove Elementary School mental health and wellness facilitator Cleo Canty was named Henry County Schools’ 2024 Educational Support Person of the Year.
of Schools
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 506 (M) 523
5th: (ELA) 519 (M) 507
8th: (ELA) 520 (M) 520
2024 Average SAT: 1020
Top 5 Schools by Average
Total # of Students:
Student Spending:
2024 SAT Score
North Paulding 1040
Paulding County High 1034
East Paulding High 997
Hiram High 997
South Paulding High 993
What’s New: State Superintendent Richard Woods has named all five Paulding district high schools to the list of Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools for 2025. The schools—East Paulding, Hiram, North Paulding, Paulding County and South Paulding—all received honors in multiple AP categories.
Board of Education
770-483-4713
rockdaleschools.org
Number of Schools
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 482 (M) 501
5th: (ELA) 505 (M) 491
8th: (ELA) 515 (M) 509
2024 Average SAT: 980
Top 3 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score
Rockdale High 1034
Total # of Students: 15,342
Student Spending: $17,574
Heritage High 948
Salem High 904
What’s New: The graduation rate for Rockdale district students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs increased to an all-time high of 99.49% for 2024, continuing above the statewide rate, which rose to 98.24%.
Board of Education
404-802-3500
atlantapublicschools.us
of Schools
Total # of Students: 49,945
Student Spending: $29,194
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 496 (M) 514
5th: (ELA) 510 (M) 501
8th: (ELA) 507 (M) 503
2024 Average SAT: 921
Top 5 Schools by Average 2024 SAT Score Atlanta Classical Academy 1181 Midtown 1166
Charles R. Drew Charter High 1001 North Atlanta High 995 KIPP Atlanta Collegiate Academy 909
What’s New: Atlanta Public Schools students are making progress and in some instances outpacing their peers in other large urban districts, according to the results of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as “the nation’s report card.”
Board of Education
770-945-5035 bufordcityschools.org
Number of Schools
Elementary (K-1) 1 1st-3rd Grade Academy 1 4th-5th Grade Academy 1 Middle 1 High 1
Total # of Students: 6,007
Student Spending: $23,815
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 553 (M) 556
5th: (ELA) 550 (M) 551
8th: (ELA) 557 (M) 574
2024 Average SAT: 1141
What’s New: Buford City Schools Superintendent Melanie Reed announced she will retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. Her departure will mark the end of an education career that lasted 33 years, 31 of which were with the Buford district.
Board of Education
404-371-3601
csdecatur.net
Total # of Students: 5,367
Student Spending: $20,710
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 550 (M) 554
5th: (ELA) 565 (M) 560
8th: (ELA) 560 (M) 563
2024 Average SAT: 1169
What’s New: Starting in August, the district will start charging tuition for K-5 students who live outside its typical attendance zone. The tuition of $7,883 will only be charged to out-of-district students. According to the district’s website, 63 seats in K-2 schools and 76 seats in grade 3-5 schools will be available in the 2025-26 academic year.
Board of Education
770-536-5275
gcssk12.net
Total # of Students:
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 475 (M) 501
5th: (ELA) 487 (M) 491
8th: (ELA) 493 (M) 490
2024 Average SAT: 987
What’s New: Gainesville High School named Mercy Rico as its STAR Student and Chandra Karnati as its STAR Teacher. Both were honored for their academic success at the annual Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Banquet at First Baptist Church.
Board of Education
770-422-3500
marietta-city.org
Total # of Students: 8,664
Student Spending: $22,433
2024 Mean Georgia Milestone Scores:
3rd: (ELA) 512 (M) 531
5th: (ELA) 520 (M) 522
8th: (ELA) 515 (M) 522
2024 Average SAT: 1063
What’s New: Marietta City Schools is one of three districts in Georgia chosen for the prestigious Georgia ACRE Collective’s Local Foods Incentive School Pilot Program. This program paves the way for the Marietta district to provide fresh, locally sourced food in school cafeterias. Now in its second year, the district’s program has received nearly $40,000 in funding, enhancing school meals while supporting minority farmers across the state. “This program is transformative,” said Cindy Culver, director of nutrition.
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