Best High Schools in Atlanta: A Local Guide for Families

Choosing a high school in Atlanta, Georgia can feel overwhelming. The metro area offers everything from elite public magnet programs to small private schools and specialized charter options. This guide focuses on what families in and around Atlanta most often want to know: which schools stand out, how they differ, and how to find the right fit for your teen.

How to Think About “Best” High Schools in Atlanta

“Best” means different things depending on your student and situation. In Atlanta, families typically weigh:

• Academics and college prep
• Location and commute (traffic is real)
• Special programs (STEM, arts, IB, dual enrollment)
• School culture and diversity
• Sports and extracurriculars
• Public vs. charter vs. private costs and access

The schools below are frequently viewed as top options in one or more of these categories and serve students who live in the City of Atlanta or the close-in metro area.

Top Atlanta Public High Schools (APS & Nearby Districts)

These are non-charter public high schools that regularly draw strong interest from Atlanta families.

1. North Atlanta High School (Atlanta Public Schools)

Why it stands out

• International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a full IB Diploma Programme
• Strong Advanced Placement (AP) offerings
• Modern campus with extensive arts and athletic facilities

Good fit for: College-focused students who want rigorous academics in a comprehensive high school environment and live in North Atlanta’s APS zone (Buckhead, parts of northwest Atlanta).

Location & basics

• Serves: Zoned APS students in portions of Buckhead and North Atlanta
• Address: 4111 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
• Phone: (404) 802-4700

2. Midtown High School (formerly Grady High School – APS)

Why it stands out

• Strong journalism, communications, and arts traditions
• Wide range of AP courses
• Walkable, urban campus serving families in Virginia-Highland, Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and nearby neighborhoods

Good fit for: Students who want a vibrant, in-town school with strong academics and a diverse student body.

Location & basics

• Serves: Zoned APS students in central in-town neighborhoods
• Address: 929 Charles Allen Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Phone: (404) 802-3001

3. Drew Charter School – Senior Academy

Why it stands out

• Public charter located in East Lake, often recognized for strong STEM and project-based learning
• Emphasis on whole-child development, arts, and technology
• Part of the East Lake community revitalization effort

Good fit for: Students seeking a smaller, mission-driven public school with a focus on innovation and community.

Location & basics

• Type: APS public charter (lottery-based admission; priority for certain zones)
• Address: 300 East Lake Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
• Phone: (404) 624-6000

4. Maynard H. Jackson High School (APS)

Why it stands out

• Located in Grant Park area with an IB programme and career pathways
• Popular with families in Grant Park, Ormewood Park, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta, and surrounding neighborhoods
• Focus on college and career readiness with access to AP and IB coursework

Good fit for: In-town students seeking an IB pathway and a neighborhood-centered school.

Location & basics

• Serves: Zoned APS students in southeast Atlanta
• Address: 801 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
• Phone: (404) 802-5200

5. Mays High School (APS) – For STEM & Leadership

Why it stands out

• Located in southwest Atlanta
• Offers AP courses, STEM programs, and leadership opportunities
• Often chosen by families in Cascade, Ben Hill, and surrounding areas looking for a strong neighborhood high school

Good fit for: Southwest Atlanta students who want rigorous academics without commuting across town.

Location & basics

• Address: 3450 Benjamin E Mays Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
• Phone: (404) 802-5100

High-Performing Magnet & Specialty Public Options Around Atlanta

Families living in the City of Atlanta often look to nearby districts in DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett for magnet and specialty high schools, especially for STEM and visual/performing arts.

6. DeKalb School of the Arts (DeKalb County)

Why it stands out

• Selective magnet program for visual and performing arts
• Students split time between intensive arts training and strong academics

Good fit for: Talented, self-driven students in DeKalb who want a conservatory-style arts experience along with a college-prep curriculum.

Location & basics

• Address: 1192 Clarendon Ave, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
• Phone: (678) 676-2502

7. Chamblee Charter High School (DeKalb County)

Why it stands out

• Well-known for challenging academics and a broad AP program
• Regional magnet component plus neighborhood attendance zone

Good fit for: College-bound students in DeKalb who want a more traditional high school setting with strong academic expectations.

Location & basics

• Address: 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
• Phone: (678) 676-6902

8. Westlake High School (Fulton County)

Why it stands out

• Located in south Fulton, often noted for its STEM magnet program
• Strong athletics and extracurriculars alongside advanced coursework

Good fit for: South Fulton students seeking a STEM-focused public option without leaving their community.

Location & basics

• Address: 2400 Union Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
• Phone: (470) 254-6400

9. Walton High School (Cobb County)

Though not inside City of Atlanta limits, Walton High School in East Cobb is frequently on Atlanta families’ radar, especially those willing to relocate for school zones.

Why it stands out

• Long-standing reputation for high academic rigor and extensive AP offerings
• Often associated with high college admission rates

Good fit for: Families prioritizing top-tier academics and prepared for a Cobb County commute or move.

Location & basics

• Address: 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062
• Phone: (770) 578-3225

10. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST)

Located in Lawrenceville, GSMST is a lottery-based STEM magnet high school within Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Why it stands out

• Highly specialized focus on math, science, and engineering
• Project-based learning, research projects, and strong technology integration

Good fit for: Highly motivated STEM-focused students whose families live in Gwinnett County and can manage the commute.

Location & basics

• Address: 970 McElvaney Ln NW, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
• Phone: (678) 518-6700

Leading Atlanta Charter High Schools

Charter schools in the Atlanta area are publicly funded but independently run. Many use lotteries rather than neighborhood zoning.

11. Atlanta Classical Academy

Why it stands out

• K–12 public charter with a classical education model (Latin, logic, traditional liberal arts focus)
• Emphasis on character education, reading, writing, and discussion-based learning

Good fit for: Families in Atlanta seeking a structured, classical, college-prep environment without private school tuition.

Location & basics

• Address: 3260 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Phone: (404) 369-3500

12. KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School

Why it stands out

• Part of the KIPP Metro Atlanta public charter network
• Strong emphasis on college preparation, advising, and support for first-generation college students
• Often chosen by families in south and west Atlanta neighborhoods

Good fit for: Students who want a structured, goal-oriented environment with a strong college-going culture.

Location & basics

• Address: 98 Anderson Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Phone: (404) 574-5126

Notable Private High Schools in the Atlanta Area

Private schools in Atlanta vary widely by tuition, size, mission, and religious affiliation. Families often look here for small class sizes, specialized programs, or particular school cultures.

13. The Westminster Schools

Why it stands out

• Large, well-established independent school in Buckhead
• Known for rigorous academics, extensive AP and advanced courses, and strong arts and athletics
• Highly competitive college placement

Good fit for: Families seeking a traditional, academically intense private school experience and willing to invest in higher tuition.

Location & basics

• Address: 1424 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
• Phone: (404) 355-8673

14. Pace Academy

Why it stands out

• Independent school near West Paces Ferry Road
• Strong academics with a focus on global education, arts, and service learning
• Close-knit community feel

Good fit for: Students who thrive in a structured, supportive environment and want broad extracurricular options.

Location & basics

• Address: 966 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
• Phone: (404) 262-1345

15. The Lovett School

Why it stands out

• Riverfront campus along the Chattahoochee in northwest Atlanta
• College-preparatory curriculum with emphasis on academics, arts, athletics, and faith-based values (Christian, but broadly attended)

Good fit for: Families seeking a large, well-resourced independent school with integrated arts and athletics.

Location & basics

• Address: 4075 Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
• Phone: (404) 262-3032

16. Woodward Academy

Located just south of the city in College Park, Woodward draws many families from the City of Atlanta and north/south metro via bus routes and carpools.

Why it stands out

• One of the largest independent schools in the continental U.S.
• Broad array of AP courses, electives, and extracurriculars
• Known for serving a wide range of learners, including advanced and enrichment opportunities

Good fit for: Families prioritizing extensive options (arts, sports, clubs) and who are comfortable with a larger campus environment.

Location & basics

• Address: 1662 Rugby Ave, College Park, GA 30337
• Phone: (404) 765-4000

17. Atlanta International School (AIS)

Why it stands out

• In-town school in Garden Hills (Buckhead)
• Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) from primary years through diploma
• Strong focus on languages and global perspectives

Good fit for: International families, multilingual households, and students interested in global studies or living abroad later.

Location & basics

• Address: 2890 North Fulton Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Phone: (404) 841-3840

Quick Comparison Snapshot

Use this at-a-glance view to narrow your list:

How to Choose the Best High School in Atlanta for Your Teen

When you’re comparing Atlanta high schools, it helps to be systematic. Consider:

1. Commute and Location

Traffic can significantly affect daily life.

• Map the drive during actual school hours (not just on a Sunday afternoon).
• Think about MARTA access, school buses, or carpool options.
• For in-town families, schools like Midtown, North Atlanta, Drew Charter, Maynard Jackson, or Atlanta Classical may reduce commute time.

2. Academic Rigor vs. Balance

Ask yourself:

• Does your student want maximum challenge (IB, AP load, STEM magnet)?
• Or a balanced schedule with time for arts, sports, or part-time work?

Talk with admissions offices or counselors about:

• Typical homework loads
• AP/IB participation expectations
• Support systems (tutoring, office hours, advisory programs)

3. Special Interests

Atlanta has good options for students with specific passions:

• Arts-focused: DeKalb School of the Arts, Midtown HS (journalism and arts), many private schools
• STEM-focused: GSMST, Westlake HS, North Atlanta’s advanced courses, Drew Charter
• Global/IB focus: North Atlanta HS, Maynard Jackson HS, Atlanta International School
• Classical curriculum: Atlanta Classical Academy

4. School Culture and Fit

Culture can vary widely even among strong schools.

• Visit open houses and shadow days when available.
• Pay attention to how students interact in halls and common spaces.
• Ask about discipline policies, diversity, mental health supports, and club offerings.

5. Cost and Financial Aid

• Public and charter schools: No tuition, though there may be activity or course fees.
• Private schools: Tuition can be significant, but many offer need-based aid.
• Ask each school about payment plans and financial aid timelines if relevant.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Families

To move from research to action:

1. Confirm your zoned public high school

   • Atlanta Public Schools (APS) can help you verify your attendance zone using your address.
   • APS main line: (404) 802-3500
   • Central Office address: 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

2. Make a short list of 3–6 schools
   Include at least:

   • 1–2 zoned or nearby public options
   • 1–2 charter possibilities (if you’re willing to do lotteries)
   • 1–2 private schools (if tuition is an option or you may seek aid)

3. Track key deadlines

   • Charter lotteries often close in late winter or early spring.
   • Private schools typically have admissions cycles with testing and interviews.
   • Magnet programs may have portfolio/audition deadlines.

4. Schedule visits

   • Ask to observe a class, tour facilities, and meet a counselor if possible.
   • Prepare a few questions about academics, support services, and college counseling.

5. Talk to current families where you live

   • Neighbors, local parent groups, and community organizations in neighborhoods like Grant Park, West End, Buckhead, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, and Southwest Atlanta can give first-hand impressions of schools.

Finding the best high school in Atlanta is less about a single ranking and more about matching your teen’s needs with the right environment. By focusing on academics, commute, special programs, and overall fit—and using the schools in this guide as a starting point—you can build a realistic, well-informed list of Atlanta-area high schools to explore more deeply.