Top Private High Schools in Atlanta: How to Find the Best Fit for Your Teen

Choosing the best private high school in Atlanta is a big decision. Between long waitlists, traffic patterns, tuition, and wildly different school cultures, it helps to understand how the major options compare and how to narrow them down for your family.

Below is an overview of some of the most well-known private high schools in the Atlanta area, plus a guide to what to consider, how admissions usually work, and practical tips for Atlanta parents.

How to Think About “Best” Private High Schools in Atlanta

There’s no single “best” school for every student. In Atlanta, families usually focus on a mix of:

• Academic rigor and college prep
• School culture and values (religious/secular, progressive/traditional)
• Size and setting (urban, suburban, big campus, small community)
• Arts, athletics, and extracurriculars
• Commute and daily logistics (Buckhead vs. Midtown vs. suburbs)
• Tuition, financial aid, and scholarships

When people talk about “top” or “best” private high schools in Atlanta, they’re often referring to schools with:

• Strong college acceptances
• Advanced coursework (AP, honors, or school-designed equivalents)
• Well-established reputations in the metro area
• Stable leadership and long-standing programs

Below is a neutral, informational overview of many of these schools so you can start a focused shortlist.

Quick Snapshot: Major Private High Schools in the Atlanta Area

This table gives a simple, at‑a‑glance overview. Details can change, so always confirm directly with each school.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights many of the private high schools that Atlanta families often research first.

Prominent Independent (Nonreligious) Private High Schools in Atlanta

The Westminster Schools (Atlanta)

Location: 1424 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Type: Independent, college-preparatory

Westminster is widely known in Atlanta for:

• Rigorous academics and extensive AP or advanced-level coursework
• Strong arts and athletics programs
• A large, wooded campus in Buckhead that feels somewhat separate from the city while still being central

Families who look at Westminster are often seeking:

• Intense college preparation
• A wide range of extracurriculars (sports, performing arts, clubs)
• A relatively traditional academic structure for high-achieving students

Traffic along West Paces Ferry and I‑75 can factor into daily commutes, especially for families coming from Midtown, Inman Park, or further suburbs.

Pace Academy

Location: 966 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Type: Independent, college-preparatory

Pace sits not far from Westminster in Buckhead, but with its own distinct feel:

• A smaller campus environment compared with some peers
• Strong humanities and arts, along with competitive athletics
• Emphasis on global programs, leadership, and community engagement

Families often compare Pace with Westminster and Lovett, looking at:

• Campus culture and size
• Travel time to West Paces Ferry
• Availability of certain electives, arts, or sports programs

The Lovett School

Location: 4075 Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Type: Independent, college-preparatory

Lovett is set along the Chattahoochee River with:

• A spacious, riverfront campus
• A balance of academics, arts, and athletics
• School values that emphasize character, community, and service

The school tends to appeal to families interested in:

• A strong athletics program alongside solid academics
• A tight-knit community that still has substantial resources
• A campus environment that feels separate from dense urban areas

Commute routes for Lovett families often involve I‑75, Northside Pkwy, or local roads like Paces Ferry Rd.

Woodward Academy

Location: 1662 Rugby Ave, College Park, GA 30337
Type: Independent, college-preparatory

Woodward is one of the largest independent schools in the continental U.S., drawing families from across metro Atlanta:

• Wide array of AP courses, electives, and specialized programs
• Strong fine arts and athletics programs
• A diverse student body from many neighborhoods and suburbs

Its location in College Park can be especially convenient for:

• Families on the south side of Atlanta (East Point, Hapeville, Fayetteville, Peachtree City)
• Parents who work near the airport or in downtown

Because of the size, some students thrive on the many options; others may prefer a smaller environment.

The Paideia School

Location: 1509 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Type: Progressive independent school

Paideia is known around Atlanta for:

• A progressive, student-centered approach
• Smaller classes and discussion-based learning
• Strong emphasis on arts, creativity, and individuality

Families often choose Paideia if they want:

• Less traditional structure and more flexible, exploratory learning
• A Druid Hills / intown location near Decatur and Candler Park
• A community that tends to attract arts-oriented and academically curious students

Atlanta International School (AIS)

Location: 2890 N Fulton Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Type: International Baccalaureate (IB), multilingual

AIS offers an IB curriculum from early years through high school:

• High school students complete IB Diploma Programme instead of AP
• Strong emphasis on global citizenship and languages
• Located in Garden Hills/Buckhead, near Peachtree Rd

This can be a strong fit if you want:

• A global, internationally minded environment
• Intensive language learning or bilingual programs
• A school that attracts both local and expatriate families

The Walker School (Marietta)

Location: 700 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
Type: Independent, college-preparatory

Walker serves many families in Cobb County and northwest metro Atlanta:

• Solid academics with AP and honors options
• Smaller high school community relative to some intown schools
• Access to athletics and the arts without driving all the way into central Atlanta

Families in areas like Marietta, Kennesaw, and Smyrna often compare Walker with intown options, balancing commute vs. campus culture.

Faith-Based Private High Schools in the Atlanta Area

Marist School

Location: 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
Type: Catholic, coeducational (grades 7–12)

Marist is well known for:

• College-preparatory academics within a Catholic tradition
• Emphasis on service, character, and faith
• A large, suburban-style campus near Brookhaven and Dunwoody

It often draws families from:

• North Atlanta, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and beyond
• Catholic communities seeking a values-based, academically rigorous environment

St. Pius X Catholic High School

Location: 2674 Johnson Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
Type: Catholic, coeducational

St. Pius X serves a wide range of Atlanta-area parishes:

• College-focused academics in a Catholic setting
• Strong athletics and fine arts
• Convenient to families in Northeast Atlanta, Tucker, Decatur, and Brookhaven

Some families look at both Marist and St. Pius X, comparing location, daily schedule, and school culture.

Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC)

Location: 1575 Indian Trail Rd, Norcross, GA 30093
Type: Christian, nondenominational

GAC combines:

• Christian education with college-prep academics
• A sizable campus in Norcross
• Athletics, arts, and extracurriculars common to large independent schools

It often appeals to families in Gwinnett County and the northeast suburbs who want Christian values integrated into the school day.

Wesleyan School

Location: 5405 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Type: Christian (Protestant), college-preparatory

Wesleyan is known for:

• Faith-based education and daily spiritual life
• Strong academics, arts, and athletics
• A campus setting in Peachtree Corners, convenient for Johns Creek, Duluth, and Norcross

Families looking for a smaller, faith-focused environment in the northern suburbs frequently include Wesleyan on their lists.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Location: 805 Mount Vernon Hwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Type: Episcopal, coeducational

Holy Innocents’, in Sandy Springs, offers:

• Episcopal tradition with inclusive, faith-informed education
• A balance of academics, arts, and athletics
• A location convenient to Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and North Atlanta

Families often appreciate the combination of church-affiliated roots with a diverse, college-prep environment.

Other Christian and Faith-Based Options

In addition to the schools above, metro Atlanta includes many other private Christian and parochial high schools, such as:

• Mount Vernon School (Sandy Springs; Christian-influenced, innovation-focused)
• Hebrew Academy / Jewish day schools with upper grades (options vary and may require specific research)
• Smaller denominational schools serving particular faith communities

These can be good to explore if you want a specific religious tradition or a more close-knit, community-based school.

Key Factors to Compare Among Atlanta Private High Schools

1. Academics and Course Offerings

Ask each school:

• What advanced options are offered: AP courses, IB, or school-designed advanced classes?
• Are there STEM tracks, arts conservatories, or language-intensive programs?
• How is academic support handled if a student struggles or wants to accelerate?

In Atlanta, many competitive private schools emphasize:

• Robust math and science programs
• College counseling starting by 9th or 10th grade
• Writing-intensive coursework to prepare for selective colleges

2. School Size and Culture

Within the city, you’ll find:

• Large schools (like Woodward) with many options but a bigger environment
• Medium schools (Westminster, Lovett, Pace, GAC, Marist) with broad offerings
• Smaller or more niche schools (Paideia, some Christian schools) with tight-knit communities

Attend open houses, campus tours, and shadow days to get a feel for:

• Student-teacher relationships
• How welcoming the community feels
• Expectations for homework, extracurricular involvement, and discipline

3. Commute and Location (Very Important in Atlanta)

Traffic heavily shapes daily life. When considering a school, map your:

• Morning route during rush hour (7–8 a.m.)
• Afternoon pickup or activity schedule (3–6 p.m.)

Common patterns:

• Families in Intown Atlanta/Decatur often look at Paideia, AIS, Westminster, Pace, Lovett, St. Pius X, and some Catholic schools.
• Families in north suburbs (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners) often consider Holy Innocents’, Wesleyan, GAC, Mount Vernon, or Marist.
• Families in south or southwest metro (College Park, East Point, Fayetteville) sometimes prefer Woodward or other southside options.

Also ask about:

• Bus routes or shuttles
• Carpool coordination
• On-campus after-school programs, which can help if you work later downtown or in Perimeter Center

4. Arts, Athletics, and Extracurriculars

Atlanta’s private high schools often offer:

• Competitive athletic programs (football, soccer, tennis, track, etc.)
• Performing arts (theatre, choir, band, dance)
• Visual arts and media (visual art studios, digital media, film)
• Clubs and competitions (mock trial, robotics, debate, Model UN)

If your teen is serious about a particular activity, ask:

• How many hours per week are practices or rehearsals?
• What facilities does the school have (fields, theaters, studios)?
• Are there cut sports vs. developmental or JV options?

5. Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Tuition at many Atlanta private high schools can be significant, especially at large, college-prep day schools. Most offer:

• Need-based financial aid
• Sometimes merit-based scholarships (more common at some Christian or suburban schools)

To plan realistically:

• Request current tuition ranges directly from schools
• Ask financial aid offices about:
  • Application deadlines
  • Required financial documentation
  • Whether aid typically covers partial or full tuition for eligible families

Applying early is usually important, especially at high-demand schools.

How Private High School Admissions Typically Work in Atlanta

While exact details differ, typical steps include:

1. Inquiry and Campus Visit

Most schools encourage:

• Attending open houses
• Scheduling campus tours
• Having your student participate in a shadow day (sitting in on classes)

This is your best way to see whether the culture and pace match your teen.

2. Application and Deadlines

Applications may include:

• Online forms and parent statements
• Student essays
• Teacher recommendations (often from current English and math teachers)
• School transcripts or report cards

Deadlines often cluster in late fall to early winter (for admission the next fall), with decisions commonly released in early spring. Rolling admissions may exist for some schools, especially if space remains.

3. Testing and Interviews

Many Atlanta private high schools may request:

• Standardized test results (some use ISEE, SSAT, or school-specific assessments)
• Writing samples or on-site assessments
• A student and/or family interview

It’s a good idea to clarify:

• Which tests are accepted or required
• Whether the school has any test-optional policies
• How interviews are conducted (student only vs. family together)

4. Enrollment and Waitlists

Atlanta is a competitive private-school market. You may see:

• Waitlists for high-demand grades
• Families applying to multiple schools and comparing offers
• Limited seats for students entering 9th grade from outside the school’s own middle program

If your top choice is full, it’s common to:

• Accept a spot at another school temporarily
• Stay in touch with admissions offices about waitlist movement

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families Choosing a Private High School

Here are some locally grounded tips to make the process more manageable:

• Create a realistic commute map. Use tools like traffic apps at real school times, not just midday, to see what daily life might look like.
• Start visiting in 7th or early 8th grade. This gives you time to compare without rushing applications.
• Talk with parents in your neighborhood. Many Atlanta neighborhoods have informal networks that can share experiences about schools, carpools, and bus routes.
• Look beyond name recognition. Some smaller or less widely known schools may be a better fit for your student’s personality, interests, or learning needs.
• Check activity schedules. If your student plays a sport or instrument seriously, make sure practice and game schedules align with your family’s capabilities.
• Ask about support services. For students who need extra academic help or enrichment, ask specifically about:
  • Learning support or tutoring
  • Counseling services
  • College counseling structure and meeting frequency

Where to Get More Local Help

If you’re new to Atlanta or exploring the private school landscape for the first time, you can:

• Contact schools’ admissions offices directly for:
  • Tour dates
  • Admissions events
  • Financial aid information
• Explore information through:
  • Local parent associations or neighborhood groups
  • Community centers and houses of worship, which often know about nearby private school options and carpools

Many Atlanta families also work with independent educational consultants who understand local school cultures and can help organize testing, school lists, and timelines.

By focusing on fit rather than just prestige, and by weighing academics, values, commute, and cost, you can use Atlanta’s wide range of private high school options to find a school where your teen can thrive.