Private Schools in Atlanta, GA: A Practical Guide for Local Families

Choosing among private schools in Atlanta, GA can feel overwhelming. The metro area has everything from small Montessori programs to large college-prep academies, spread across neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and beyond.

This guide walks you through how private schools work in Atlanta, what options you’re likely to find, how admissions and tuition typically work, and how to compare schools so you can narrow in on the best fit for your child.

How Private Schools Work in Atlanta

Atlanta’s private schools are independent of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and other public districts, but they operate alongside them and draw students from all over the metro area.

Common types of private schools you’ll see around Atlanta include:

• Independent college-preparatory schools
• Religious/faith-based schools (Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and others)
• Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired schools
• Single-gender schools
• Specialty schools (arts-focused, language immersion, learning differences)
• Pre-K and early childhood programs connected to larger schools or churches

Most Atlanta private schools:

• Serve multiple grade bands (e.g., K–5, 6–8, 9–12, or K–12)
• Draw families from multiple neighborhoods or even counties
• Offer small class sizes and a mix of academic, arts, and athletic programs
• Require applications, assessments, and recommendations, especially for competitive entry points like kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade

Major Private School “Clusters” by Area

Where you live and how you commute matters a lot in Atlanta. Traffic can turn a 7-mile drive into a daily headache, so many families start by focusing on schools within a realistic radius.

Buckhead and North Atlanta

Buckhead and nearby North Atlanta are home to a dense concentration of independent and faith-based schools. Families in neighborhoods like Brookhaven, Chastain Park, and North Druid Hills often look here.

You’ll find:

• Large college-prep schools serving elementary through high school
• Episcopal, Catholic, and other Christian schools
• Single-gender options
• Several preschool and early-learning programs connected to churches

This area is especially popular for families who want strong academics plus extensive sports and arts programs, and who can manage commute patterns along Peachtree Road, Roswell Road, or I‑85.

Midtown, In-Town, and Intown East

Closer to downtown and Midtown, options are often:

• Smaller independent schools
• Montessori and alternative education approaches
• Schools with strong arts or international focus
• Faith-based schools connected to in-town congregations

Families in Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, and Decatur often look at in-town schools to avoid long highway commutes.

Decatur and East Side

The Decatur and east side corridors have:

• Independent schools with a progressive or whole-child philosophy
• Faith-based schools (including Christian and Jewish options)
• Schools appealing to families who value walkability and neighborhood feel

These can be especially attractive if you live near Downtown Decatur, Avondale Estates, Kirkwood, East Lake, or North Decatur.

North Fulton and Perimeter Area

In Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek, you’ll find:

• Large suburban independent schools
• Christian and Catholic schools
• Some schools that specifically serve students with learning differences or unique academic needs

These schools often attract families who don’t mind a bit more of a suburban drive in exchange for larger campuses and extensive facilities.

Common Program Types in Atlanta Private Schools

College-Preparatory (Pre-K/Kindergarten–12)

Many Atlanta private schools are college-preparatory, meaning:

• Strong focus on core academics (math, science, humanities, languages)
• AP or advanced courses at the high school level
• Formal college counseling programs
• Emphasis on extracurriculars, leadership, and service

If you’re planning all the way through high school, look for schools that:

• Offer continuous enrollment through 12th grade
• Have a track record of graduates attending a range of colleges (in-state and out-of-state)
• Provide arts, STEM, and sports at levels that match your child’s interests

Faith-Based Schools

Atlanta has a broad selection of religious private schools, especially Christian and Catholic, but also Jewish and other faith traditions.

Typical features:

• Religious education or chapel as part of the week
• Values-based approach to character education
• Some offer sacramental preparation or religious milestones

Families often choose these schools if they:

• Want faith integrated into their child’s education
• Are already part of a local congregation or parish
• Prefer a community where shared beliefs are central

Montessori and Progressive Schools

You’ll see multiple Montessori and Montessori-inspired schools around Atlanta, especially for early childhood and elementary:

• Hands-on, self-directed learning
• Mixed-age classrooms (for example, ages 3–6 together)
• Strong emphasis on independence and intrinsic motivation

Progressive or alternative schools may:

• Use project-based learning
• Offer multi-age grouping
• Focus heavily on social-emotional learning and community

These can be a good fit if you want something less traditional than a standard college-prep model, especially in the early years.

Single-Gender Schools

Atlanta offers all-girls and all-boys options, typically with:

• Strong emphasis on leadership and confidence
• Academics tailored to perceived learning styles by gender
• Robust sports and extracurriculars

Some families report that single-gender environments help:

• Reduce social pressures
• Encourage students to take risks academically
• Build tight-knit peer communities

Schools for Learning Differences and Specialized Needs

Several Atlanta private schools specialize in serving:

• Students with dyslexia or language-based learning differences
• ADHD or executive function challenges
• Other specific learning needs

These schools typically offer:

• Smaller class sizes
• Teachers trained in specialized instructional methods
• Therapeutic support embedded in the school day

For families who feel their child isn’t fully supported in a traditional classroom, these schools can provide a more tailored environment.

Typical Admissions Process for Atlanta Private Schools

Most Atlanta private schools follow a seasonal admissions cycle, especially for entry in August.

General Timeline (Varies by School)

• September–December (Year Before Enrollment):

  • Attend open houses and tours
  • Submit inquiry forms
  • Start applications

• December–February:

  • Complete applications and essays
  • Submit teacher recommendations and report cards
  • Schedule student visits, shadow days, or interviews
  • Take any required assessments (academic, readiness, or standardized tests)

• February–March:

  • Admissions committees review applications
  • Families may be asked for follow-up information

• March–April:

  • Decision letters and financial aid offers are released
  • Families accept or decline spots and pay enrollment deposits

⭐ Tip: Highly sought-after schools often have earlier priority deadlines. Atlanta’s competitive K, 6th, and 9th grade entry points may close applications well before spring.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid in Atlanta

Typical Cost Range

Tuition in private schools in Atlanta, GA varies widely based on:

• Grade level
• School size
• Program type (college-prep, Montessori, specialty, etc.)

In general:

• Preschool / Part-time programs: Lower annual cost; often charged monthly
• Elementary and middle school: Mid-range private tuition
• High school / college-prep: Often higher due to additional labs, sports, activities

Families should also budget for:

• Application fees and testing fees
• Uniforms (if required)
• Books and supplies
• Technology fees
• Transportation (if bus service is offered)
• Aftercare and extracurriculars
• Lunch program (if not included)

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many Atlanta private schools offer need-based financial aid:

• Families submit financial information to determine eligibility
• Aid may cover a portion of tuition but not always fees or extras
• Some schools also offer merit-based scholarships, especially at the high school level

To explore financial options:

• Check the financial aid or tuition assistance information on each school’s materials
• Be prepared to meet earlier deadlines than general admissions

Key Factors to Compare When Choosing a School

When touring and researching private schools in Atlanta, consider:

1. Location and Commute

Given Atlanta traffic, ask:

• How long will morning and afternoon drives realistically take?
• Is bus service available from your neighborhood?
• Can you combine drop-off with your work commute or other children’s schools?

2. School Size and Culture

Look at:

• Total enrollment and class size
• Whether the environment feels tight-knit or larger and more dynamic
• How staff and students interact in hallways, during lunch, or on the playground

Ask yourself if your child would do better in:

• A small, nurturing environment or
• A large campus with many clubs, teams, and activities

3. Academic Approach

Pay attention to:

• Curriculum structure (traditional, progressive, Montessori, etc.)
• How the school supports students who are ahead or need extra help
• Availability of advanced courses, honors, or AP classes in later grades

For high school, ask about:

• College counseling
• Standardized test preparation support (if offered)
• Typical range of college destinations

4. Arts, Athletics, and Extracurriculars

Many Atlanta families value a well-rounded experience. Compare:

• Sports options and competitive level
• Visual and performing arts (band, theater, visual arts, dance)
• Clubs such as robotics, debate, mock trial, STEAM clubs, community service

Make sure the school offers strong options in your child’s areas of interest, not just a long list on paper.

5. Student Support Services

Look for:

• Learning support or resource teachers
• Counselors for social-emotional and academic guidance
• Systems for communicating with families about progress and concerns

Ask how the school responds when a student:

• Starts to struggle academically
• Has behavioral or social challenges
• Is ready for more advanced work

How to Visit and Evaluate Atlanta Private Schools

Scheduling Tours and Open Houses

Most Atlanta private schools offer:

• Fall open houses for prospective families
• Small-group tours on weekdays
• Sometimes virtual information sessions

When you visit, observe:

• How staff greet students by name
• How students behave in hallways or during class
• Whether classrooms feel orderly, engaging, and inclusive

Questions to Ask on a Visit

Bring a short list, such as:

• “What makes your school distinct from other private schools in Atlanta?”
• “How do you handle homework and testing at my child’s grade level?”
• “What does a typical day look like?”
• “How do you support students who are new to the school?”
• “If my child struggles in a subject, what support systems do you have?”

For high school:

• “How does college counseling work here?”
• “What are some examples of senior projects or capstone experiences?”
• “How involved are students in leadership and clubs?”

Using Local Resources to Explore Options

Several Atlanta-based and Georgia-wide organizations can help you better understand the private school landscape and next steps.

Georgia Department of Education (For General Context)

While it primarily oversees public education, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) can help you understand how private schools relate to public systems, testing, and state policies.

• Main Office (Atlanta):
  Georgia Department of Education
  205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Phone: (404) 656-2800

Georgia Nonpublic / Private Education Support

Families often look to state-level nonpublic school organizations and associations that maintain directories of nonpublic schools, including many in the Atlanta metro area. These can help you:

• See which schools are accredited
• Filter by grade level, religious affiliation, or educational approach
• Understand general regulations that apply to private schools in Georgia

You can typically find contact details for these associations and accrediting bodies through the Georgia state education offices or by calling the GaDOE main number above and asking to be directed to information on nonpublic/private education.

Local Community and Parent Networks

In Atlanta, many families also use:

• Neighborhood social media groups (for Buckhead, Decatur, Virginia-Highland, etc.)
• Parent associations at preschools or churches
• Local education fairs and school expos often hosted at community centers or hotels around the city

These can offer a ground-level view of commute realities, school culture, and family experiences across different parts of the metro area.

Simple Comparison Checklist for Atlanta Private Schools

Use this quick framework as you narrow your list:

Once you’ve clarified your priorities, visited a few campuses, and compared options using an Atlanta-specific lens—especially commute, school culture, and financial fit—you’ll be in a strong position to choose among the many private schools in Atlanta, GA that can support your child’s growth and education.