Atlanta, Georgia High Schools: A Local Guide for Families and Students

Choosing a high school in Atlanta, Georgia can feel overwhelming. The city includes multiple school districts, dozens of specialized programs, and a mix of public, charter, magnet, and private schools. This guide walks you through how high schools work in Atlanta, the main options available, and how to start narrowing choices based on where you live, what your student needs, and long‑term goals.

How High School Works in Atlanta

Atlanta high schools typically serve grades 9–12 and operate under several different systems:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – serves most of the City of Atlanta
• DeKalb County School District
• Fulton County Schools
• Cobb County School District
• Clayton County Public Schools
• Charter networks and independent charter schools
• Private and independent schools

If you live inside Atlanta city limits, you most likely fall under APS or possibly DeKalb or Fulton, depending on your neighborhood boundaries. Just outside the city, you may be in another county system.

📝 First step:
Use your local district’s “school zone” or “school locator” tool (available on each district’s website) to confirm which high school you are zoned for based on your home address.

Major Public School Systems Serving Atlanta

Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

APS is the primary district for Atlanta high schools inside city limits.

Central office (for enrollment & records):
Atlanta Public Schools
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 802‑3500

Key APS high schools in the city include:

• Grady/ Midtown High School
• North Atlanta High School
• Maynard H. Jackson High School
• Frederick Douglass High School
• Mays High School
• Carver Early College and other Carver programs
• Benjamin E. Mays High School
• Therrell High School Campus (School of Health Science & Research, etc.)
• South Atlanta High School
• Washington High School

APS offers:

• Traditional neighborhood high schools
• Magnet and specialized programs (e.g., early college, international baccalaureate, STEM)
• Alternative and non‑traditional schools for credit recovery and flexible pathways

APS commonly uses a “cluster” system, where high schools are linked to specific middle and elementary schools.

DeKalb County School District

Parts of East Atlanta, North Druid Hills, Decatur-area suburbs, and south DeKalb feed into DeKalb County high schools.

Main office:
DeKalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (678) 676‑1200

Well‑known DeKalb high schools that serve Atlanta-area residents include:

• Druid Hills High School
• Lakeside High School
• Chamblee Charter High School
• Tucker High School
• Clarkston High School
• Arabia Mountain High School (environmental and STEM focus)
• Redan, Lithonia, Miller Grove, and others in south DeKalb

DeKalb also has magnet options, charter schools, and choice programs that may accept students from across the district via lottery or application.

Fulton County Schools

If you live in North Atlanta near Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, or South Fulton but outside the APS boundary, you may fall under Fulton County Schools.

Administrative center:
Fulton County Schools
6201 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (470) 254‑3600

High schools serving greater Atlanta neighborhoods include:

• North Springs High School
• Riverwood International Charter School
• Tri‑Cities High School (East Point/College Park area)
• Westlake High School
• Banneker High School
• Langston Hughes High School
• Creekside High School

Fulton County offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, performing arts pathways, STEM academies, and career and technical education in many schools.

Cobb, Clayton, and Other Nearby Districts

Families living in neighborhoods close to Atlanta’s city line may attend high schools in:

• Cobb County School District
  Administrative office: 514 Glover St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
  Phone: (770) 426‑3300

• Clayton County Public Schools
  Administrative complex: 1058 Fifth Ave, Jonesboro, GA 30236
  Phone: (770) 473‑2700

These districts serve many communities that identify strongly with “metro Atlanta,” especially for those commuting into the city.

Types of High Schools in Atlanta

Zoned Neighborhood High Schools

Most Atlanta students attend a zoned high school based on home address. These schools typically:

• Offer a broad college‑prep curriculum
• Provide sports, band, theater, and clubs
• Include Advanced Placement (AP) or other advanced courses
• Provide special education services and ESOL support as needed

For many families, the default question is:
“What is my assigned high school, and what programs does it offer?”

Magnet, Charter, and Choice Programs

Atlanta has a growing number of magnet and charter high schools and specialized programs within larger schools. These often focus on:

• STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Fine arts and performing arts
• Health sciences
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Early college and dual enrollment

Common features include:

• Application or lottery process
• Sometimes transportation limits (busing may not be offered from all areas)
• Additional auditions, portfolios, or essays for arts or specialty programs

If you’re considering one of these:

1. Check eligibility – some are open only to students within a certain zone, cluster, or district.
2. Mark deadlines early – applications for the following year often open in late fall or winter.
3. Attend information sessions – schools typically host open houses, virtual meetings, or tours.

Alternative and Non‑Traditional High Schools

For students who need more flexibility, Atlanta offers:

• Alternative schools for behavioral or academic challenges
• Credit recovery programs
• Evening or online high school programs
• GED preparation (typically through adult education providers, not traditional high schools)

Districts usually require a counselor referral or administrative process for placement into alternative settings.

If your student is struggling in a traditional environment, you can:

• Talk to the school counselor about options
• Ask about on‑campus support first (tutoring, counseling, schedule changes)
• Request information on district alternative and virtual programs

Private and Independent High Schools in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta is home to numerous private, independent, and faith-based high schools. These may offer:

• Smaller class sizes
• Religious or values-based education
• Specialized curriculum (college-prep, arts, classical education, etc.)
• More extensive facilities or extracurricular offerings

Common steps for private school admission:

• Application form and fee
• Transcripts and teacher recommendations
• Admission tests or entrance exams
• Student/parent interviews
• Campus visits or shadow days

Tuition and financial aid policies vary widely. Families typically contact each school directly for tuition, scholarships, and aid information.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Atlanta High School

1. Location, Transportation, and Daily Commute

In metro Atlanta, traffic and commute times can heavily affect your student’s day.

Important questions:

• How long will the bus ride or drive realistically take at 7–8 a.m.?
• Does the school offer district transportation from your neighborhood?
• If you’re considering a magnet or charter, is transportation your responsibility?
• Will your student stay after school for sports, band, or clubs, and how will they get home?

🚗 Tip:
Do a test drive from home to school during actual rush hour (morning and afternoon) to see what the commute feels like.

2. Academic Programs and Rigor

Look closely at the school’s course offerings, including:

• Honors and AP courses
• International Baccalaureate (IB) (where available)
• Dual enrollment with local colleges (often through Georgia State, Georgia Piedmont, Atlanta Technical College, etc.)
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways such as:
  • Health sciences
  • Information technology
  • Engineering
  • Business and marketing
  • Culinary arts
  • Construction or automotive

A strong Atlanta high school will usually:

• Offer multiple levels of core subjects (on-level, honors, AP)
• Provide advising on course selection tied to future plans (college, workforce, military)

Ask the school:

• How many AP or advanced courses are typically available each year?
• What percentage of students take advanced or dual-enrollment classes?
• How does the school support students who are behind grade level?

3. School Culture, Safety, and Climate

Beyond academics, culture matters:

• How do students describe the environment—friendly, competitive, inclusive?
• What systems are in place for bullying prevention and discipline?
• How visible and accessible are administrators and counselors?

Ways to get a feel for culture:

• Attend open houses and parent nights
• Visit during a regular school day if possible
• Talk to other families in your neighborhood
• Observe how staff interact with students during dismissal, lunch, or events

4. Extracurriculars, Athletics, and the Arts

Atlanta high schools often have vibrant offerings beyond the classroom. Look for:

• Sports – football, basketball, soccer, track, volleyball, baseball, softball, and more
• Band, chorus, orchestra, and marching band
• Theater, dance, and visual arts programs
• Clubs and activities such as:
  • Debate and mock trial
  • Robotics or coding club
  • Step team
  • Student government
  • Cultural and language clubs
  • Service organizations

These activities can shape a student’s social life, leadership skills, and college applications.

5. Special Education and Support Services

If your student has an IEP, 504 plan, or other learning needs, ask specifically about:

• Available special education programs and service models
• Co‑taught classes vs. separate resource classes
• Speech, occupational, or physical therapy availability
• Support for ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences within general education
• How the school handles IEP meetings and progress updates

Each district has a special education department that can explain rights and services. For APS, for example:

Special Education Services (APS)
Atlanta Public Schools, 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 802‑3500 (ask for Special Education or Student Services)

Understanding Enrollment and Zoning in Atlanta

Confirming Your Zoned High School

To find your assigned high school, you typically need:

• Your street address
• Sometimes your apartment or unit number

Most districts provide a school zone lookup feature. If online tools are confusing, you can call:

• APS Student Assignment & Records: (404) 802‑2233 (through main APS line)
• DeKalb County Student Assignment: via (678) 676‑1200
• Fulton County Student Assignment: via (470) 254‑3600

Ask: “Which high school is my student zoned for, based on this address?”

Required Documents for Enrollment

Commonly requested enrollment documents in Atlanta-area districts include:

• Proof of residency (recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)
• Parent/guardian photo ID
• Student’s birth certificate (or other age verification)
• Immunization records on Georgia forms (GA Form 3231)
• Eye, Ear, Dental, and Nutrition form (GA Form 3300) for initial entry to Georgia schools
• Previous school records and transcripts (especially for grades 10–12)

Most districts offer online registration followed by a visit to the school or central office with physical documents if needed.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta High School Options

Using Local Resources to Research Atlanta High Schools

Here are practical ways to gather information specific to Atlanta:

1. District Websites and School Profiles

District and school websites often list:

• Course catalogs
• Pathways and academies
• Clubs and sports
• Bell schedules and calendars
• School improvement plans and general performance information

Spend time on the “Academics,” “Counseling,” and “Activities” sections of each school you’re considering.

2. School Counselors and Front Offices

Front office staff and counselors can answer questions like:

• How many students are at the school?
• What support is there for new students transferring mid‑year?
• Are there orientation or transition programs for 9th graders?
• What are the most common college and career outcomes for graduates?

You can usually call the school’s main number, listed on the district site, and ask to speak to a counselor or registrar.

3. Local Colleges and Dual Enrollment Contacts

Many Atlanta high school students take advantage of dual enrollment programs with:

• Georgia State University (Atlanta campus)
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College
• Atlanta Technical College
• Other nearby institutions

Your high school’s college or dual-enrollment counselor can explain:

• Eligibility (grade level, GPA, placement tests)
• Which courses can be taken for both high school and college credit
• Transportation and scheduling arrangements

4. Community and Neighborhood Feedback

Families often learn valuable, up-to-date information from:

• Neighborhood associations and community meetings
• Parent‑teacher organizations (PTO/PTA)
• Faith communities and youth organizations
• Local parks or sports leagues where parents talk about their experiences

When gathering opinions, keep in mind:

• Experiences can vary based on program, teacher, or peer group
• Try to talk to more than one family connected to the school
• Ask specific questions rather than relying on general impressions

Planning Ahead: From Middle School to High School in Atlanta

If you have a middle schooler in Atlanta, it helps to:

1. Know your cluster or feeder pattern – which high school your middle school feeds into.
2. Start visiting high schools in 7th or early 8th grade, especially if you’re considering magnet or choice schools.
3. Track application deadlines for:
   • Magnet and charter programs
   • Private school admissions
   • Special academies within your zoned school
4. Talk with your student about:
   • Interests (STEM, arts, business, healthcare, trades)
   • Comfort level with school size
   • Need for extra academic or social support

The earlier you understand your options, the easier it is to choose courses and experiences in middle school that prepare your student for high school pathways in Atlanta.

If You’re New to Atlanta

If you’ve just moved to Atlanta and need to get a high school student enrolled:

1. Confirm your address and district (APS, DeKalb, Fulton, etc.).
2. Contact the district enrollment office or visit their enrollment webpage.
3. Gather your documents:
   • Proof of residence
   • Parent ID
   • Student birth certificate and immunization records
   • Previous school records
4. Call your zoned high school to ask:
   • How to schedule course selection and counseling appointments
   • When your student can start attending
   • Whether there is a new student orientation

For complex situations (mid‑year transfer, missing documents, gaps in schooling), district offices can usually connect you with student services or registration specialists who handle new arrivals.

By focusing on your address, your student’s needs, and the programs offered in each Atlanta high school, you can narrow the many options to the ones that truly fit. From neighborhood schools inside APS to specialized programs in DeKalb, Fulton, or nearby districts, Atlanta offers multiple pathways for students to complete high school and prepare for what comes next.