Nine of the top 10 best schools in Georgia are in the Atlanta metro area, according to Niche.com’s annual ranking.
Niche based 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.
» These are 2020's top 10 public high schools in Georgia, according to Niche
All but two of the top 10 are private institutions.
Counting down from 10, here are Niche’s top schools in Georgia.
10. Athens Academy
This private school in Athens has 933 students in grades PK through 12. According to Niche, 100% of its students go on to attend a four-year college.
"The rigor of the academics at Athens Academy is exceptional," one parent wrote. "The entire staff is committed to each students' success. From the classroom lesson to community service to the athletic fields and courts to the award winning art program — all components are the Academy are working together to make each student the best they can be. Moving our daughter to AA her junior year of high school turned out to be the greatest decision for our daughter!"
Tuition for this Alpharetta school is $13,750 for the highest grade offered. Fulton Science Academy has 622 students in grades PK through 12.
"It's an amazing school, the facilities are great," according to a junior at the school. "The campus is very nice and sophisticated. The place is clean, and the faculty is great! It's a small community and everyone knows each other, so it's easy to get what you need and it's an amazing learning environment."
One of the two public schools in the top 10, 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."
The Lovett School on Paces Ferry Road began in 1926 with 20 boys and girls. Today, Lovett has more than 1,650 students from 78 ZIP codes in the metro area.
"Lovett truly offers something for all students," according to one parent. "Whether the student is academically strong, a gifted athlete, an artist, or even a musician there's an opportunity to grow for everyone. Lovett truly focuses on the whole student and not just having children get grades to pass a test to get into college. The school has to constantly remind the parents that it is about the whole child preparIng them for life more so than the next AP test. We find this approach refreshing in a time where many are focused on trying to get their children into a 'name brand' college."
A private school in College Park, Woodward Academy touts itself as a “place where your child can study Gauguin and golf, Copernicus and coding, rhetoric and robotics all in one day.”
In recommending the school, one senior wrote: "I loved it! It's pretty diverse and all the kids there aren't your typical 'private school kids.' There are plenty of clubs and sports, so really anyone can find one that they are passionate about. There are also many student organizations that focus on issues that they are passionate about, which, in my opinion, is great for kids who want their voice to be heard or want to make a difference. Also, the way they teach you to write will really go a long way in college and immediately impress your professors."
5. Atlanta International School
A private school in Atlanta, it has 1,284 students in grades PK through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 7-to-1.
"My child started as a new 9th grader this year, and she is having a phenomenal experience," one parent wrote. "She loves everything that AIS has to offer — a diverse student body, strong academic classes, and tons of clubs and extra-curricular activities. She loves her teachers and has hit the ground running. As a family, we are thrilled to be a part of the AIS community, and we highly recommend this school!"
This private school on Ponce De Leon Avenue has 1,010 students in grades PK through 12.
"The sense of community is unparalleled and classes and teachers are interesting and engaging," a Paideia senior wrote. "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."
3. Pace Academy
A private school in Atlanta, Pace has one of the better student-teacher ratios at 6-to-1.
"Pace is great for academics and most definitely prepares you for college," one senior wrote. "While Pace tries to emphasize their fine arts, it's not as heavily emphasized as sports are. This school has been perfect for me and I've made some really good friends there, while also being prepared to be an adult in college."
2. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology
Georgia's other public school in the top 10, 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."
» These are Georgia's top 10 public high schools for 2019, according to U.S. News & World Report
The private, Christian Westminster Schools in Atlanta have 1,870 students in grades K through 12 with a student-teacher ratio of 6-to-1.
"Westminster is an amazing school that prepares its students well for college," one senior wrote. "However, this college preparation mindset oftentimes creates a stressful environment for Westminster students. Westminster does, though, have a lot of resources to help students overcome this stress, including the counselors in the Wellness Center. Westminster also maintains a great balance between arts, academics, and athletics."
Wondering where your school landing in Niche's ranking? Check out all 100 Georgia schools here.
» 2019's top 10 public, private high schools in Georgia, according to Niche.
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