Not everyone can afford private school for their children, and that’s OK. Two public schools rank among the top 10 of all schools in the state, and four others are in the top 20, according to Niche.com.
Each year, Niche bases its ranking "on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users," its website states.
» Georgia's top 10 high schools for 2020
In addition to its overall list, Niche ranks the best public schools and best private schools on separate lists.
Here are the 10 public high schools Niche determined are the best in Georgia.
This charter school has 2,090 students in grades 9-12, 75% at least proficient in math and 80% in reading.
"Johns Creek High School is one of the best schools in Georgia," one senior wrote in a review of the school. "It has great athletic facilities and a multitude of clubs and other activities for students to participate in. The teachers and curriculum ensure that students are properly equipped to be successful in college."
A magnet school in Columbus, it has 1,267 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 20-to-1.
"My overall experience with Columbus High was amazing!" one alum wrote in their five-star review. "The other students were very motivated and driven which pushed me to do better. The teachers constantly wanted their students to do their best and help them not just academically but through all other aspects. However, some of the resources and funding are lacking for various activities, but overall there is a large number of clubs for students to be involved in."
According to state test scores, 77% of the 2,931 students at this Suwanee school are at least proficient in math and 82% are in reading.
"North Gwinnett High School has overall rigorous academics that motivated me to try to take hard classes and get good grades in them," a senior wrote. "If I never moved to this school district, I would have likely stayed unmotivated and put in a half-hearted amount of effort. I'm grateful that the academics, the students, and the faculty motivated me to become the student I am today."
This Cumming school has 3,206 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 18-to-1.
"South Forsyth High School is a very organized and well run school that brings many opportunities of learning and growth to their students!" one senior wrote in their four-star review of the school. "The staff is very giving, and not only do teachers focus on their classes as a whole, but they also look out for each individual person. It is a safe environment and a wonderful place for learning."
Of the 1,960 students in grades 9-12 at this school in Johns Creek, 77% are at least proficient in math and 79% are in reading.
"I love Chattahoochee. It truly feels like a home," one senior wrote. "The academics and teachers are phenomenal, as well as the athletics. There is something for everyone there between sports, arts, and clubs. The only change I would want would like to see is updating. The school is older, so it could be updated a bit."
This Forsyth County school has 2,934 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19-to-1.
"I love Lambert!" a junior student wrote. "Dr. Gary Davison, our principal, is a huge supporter of every student. Lambert allows every student to be involved and find their talents through the many clubs and activities offered. Although the classes are tough, I wake up ready for school every day."
With a student-teacher ratio of 18-to-1, this Fulton County school has 2,152 students in grades 9-12.
"I appreciate the various opportunities to grow as a student and a member of the community," a senior at the school wrote. "Alpharetta offers IB programs, AP classes, and dual enrollment classes to grow as a student."
A charter school in Marietta, it has 2,693 students in grades 9-12. According to state test scores, 89% are at least proficient in math and 89% are in reading.
"This is a fantastic public school where the students are pushed very hard to be high achieving, but the competitive nature of the school can be overwhelming," one senior wrote. "This school is great for intelligent, motivated students, but for those who need to move at a slower pace with more individualized attention tend to really struggle, even though Walton is making efforts to cater to all learning types."
One of the three public schools in the top 10 of all Georgia schools, Northview is in Johns Creek. It has 1,822 students in grades 9-12, with 82% of students at least proficient in math and 83% in reading.
"Northview High School is a very diverse and competitive school," a Northview senior wrote. "When I was a freshman, I was comforted by my teachers and new friends. Everyone at this school is very diverse with different religions and races. That's what makes Northview High school so unique. It is also a very prestigious school offering many AP, Honors, and dual enrollment classes. Everyone is very competitive with each other. However, this can cause a lot of stress due to the sheer amount of studies, homework, projects, and quizzes along with clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Each year's classes are very nice and amazing in their own way. We all strive for greatness with our four pillars. This has been the best experience of my life with many ups and downs."
1. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology
Georgia's other public school in the top 10 overall, GSMST is consistently ranked among among the best. It has 979 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
"The school and its classes are very rigorous; you have to be on top of your A-game to succeed in this school," one alum wrote. "Yet despite the difficulty, the teachers and staff are always supportive to the students, offering them many opportunities for help."
Wondering where your school is on Niche's ranking of Georgia's public schools? You can check out the full list here.
» 2019's top 10 public, private high schools in Georgia, according to Niche.
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