Atlanta Girls’ Schools: Options, How They Work, and What to Know in Atlanta, GA

Families in Atlanta, Georgia who are searching for an all-girls school (or a school with strong support for girls’ education) have a very specific set of questions: What options are available? How do they differ from co-ed schools? How much do they cost, and how do you actually apply?

This guide focuses on Atlanta-area girls’ schools and girl-centered programs, how they fit into the local education landscape, and practical steps for Atlanta families who are exploring this path.

Understanding Girls’ Schools in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, formal, fully single-sex K–12 schools are relatively rare compared to co-ed public and private schools. Instead, families typically see one or more of the following:

• Independent (private) single-sex schools
• Religious or faith-based schools that may be all-girls at certain levels
• Co-ed schools with girl-centered academies, leadership programs, or athletics
• Public school programs and magnet options that may strongly support girls in STEM, leadership, or the arts

If you’re coming across the term “Atlanta Girls School” specifically, it may refer to:

• A historic or former all-girls school in the Atlanta area
• General interest in girls-only education options around Atlanta
• Confusion between a specific school name and the broader category of schools for girls

Because school names, grade configurations, and admission policies can change, it’s always smart to confirm details directly with the school you’re interested in.

Types of Girls’ School Options Around Atlanta

1. Independent and Faith-Based Schools Serving Girls

Atlanta’s independent school community includes a mix of co-ed, all-girls, and all-boys options, particularly in Buckhead, Midtown, and the northern suburbs. While not every school is fully single-sex, some have:

• Girls-only middle school or high school programs
• Single-gender advisory groups within co-ed campuses
• Girls-focused leadership and mentoring

Common features families look for include:

• Smaller class sizes
• Strong college-preparatory curriculum
• Emphasis on leadership, public speaking, and confidence
• Robust arts, athletics, and extracurriculars

Tuition at independent schools in the Atlanta area can be significant. However, many offer:

• Need-based financial aid
• Merit scholarships (more common at some faith-based schools)
• Payment plans for tuition

If you’re exploring private girls’ school options in Atlanta, it’s helpful to:

• Contact the admissions office directly
• Ask about girl-focused programs, clubs, and support
• Request an on-campus tour or shadow day

2. Public School Options That Support Girls

Atlanta’s public education system is primarily co-ed, but there are strong options for girls who want rigor, leadership, and enrichment.

Key systems and areas to explore:

Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) serves many in-town neighborhoods and offers:

• Traditional neighborhood schools
• Charter schools and partner schools
• Magnet and specialized programs, often with strong STEM, arts, and International Baccalaureate (IB) tracks

While APS does not widely operate single-sex comprehensive schools, some campuses and programs place a strong emphasis on girls’ achievement and leadership, particularly in:

• STEM pathways
• Gifted and talented programs
• College and career readiness tracks

APS Main Office
130 Trinity Ave. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 802-3500

You can contact APS or visit their central office if you want help identifying:

• Schools with strong girls’ athletics
• STEM academies with strong female participation
• Mentorship and leadership programs available to girls

Surrounding Districts (DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett)

Families living just outside the city limits may find additional options in nearby districts such as:

• DeKalb County School District (serving parts of Decatur, Tucker, and other east metro areas)
• Fulton County Schools (North Fulton suburbs)
• Cobb County School District
• Gwinnett County Public Schools

These districts periodically pilot or host:

• STEM academies and magnet schools
• International Baccalaureate programs
• Career and technical education centers

Many of these programs are co-ed but include strong, visible efforts to support girls in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering, computer science, and advanced math.

3. Charter & Magnet Programs With Strong Support for Girls

In and around Atlanta, charter schools and magnet schools often have specialized missions. Some notable themes that can be very supportive for girls:

• STEM/STEAM charter schools with inclusive, encouraging cultures for girls
• Language immersion schools (Spanish, French, Chinese) that attract strong female enrollment
• Performing and visual arts schools, often with high participation from girls

These schools are usually tuition-free but selective or lottery-based. Key steps if you’re interested:

1. Confirm whether your address is eligible for that school’s catchment or application zone.
2. Track application deadlines, as many charter and magnet programs have earlier timelines than neighborhood schools.
3. Ask specifically about mentorship, clubs, and leadership opportunities for girls.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Girls’ School in Atlanta

Academic Environment

For many Atlanta families, the draw of a girls-focused environment is the academic culture. Parents often ask:

• Will my daughter feel comfortable speaking up in class?
• How are girls supported in advanced math and science?
• Are there Honors, AP, or IB courses available?

When comparing schools, look for:

• Course catalog and graduation requirements
• College counseling resources
• Average class size and teacher experience

Social and Emotional Support

Beyond academics, families care about how a school helps girls develop confidence, resilience, and healthy friendships. Helpful questions:

• Are there advisory programs or homerooms built around social–emotional learning?
• What sort of counseling services are available?
• Is there explicit anti-bullying and inclusion programming?

Girls’ schools and girl-centered programs in Atlanta often highlight:

• Leadership councils and student government
• Service-learning projects in Atlanta neighborhoods
• Programs focused on self-advocacy and public speaking

Extracurriculars and Athletics

In the metro Atlanta area, extracurricular opportunities can be a big differentiator.

Look for:

• Sports: basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, tennis, swimming, and more
• Clubs: robotics, debate, coding, Model UN, performing arts, student publications
• Partnerships: with Atlanta-based organizations, museums, universities, and nonprofits

For girls in particular, a strong athletics and activities program can build confidence and community.

Practical Steps: How Atlanta Families Can Explore Girls’ School Options

1. Clarify Your Priorities

Before you start calling schools across Atlanta, it helps to identify what “girls’ school” means for your family:

• Do you want a fully single-sex campus, or is a co-ed school with strong girl-focused support acceptable?
• Are you prioritizing academics, cost, location, religious identity, or a specific program (e.g., STEM, arts)?
• How far are you willing to commute within or around Atlanta?

2. Make a Shortlist

Because program offerings and school names can change, it’s useful to:

• Explore Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett district websites for magnet/charter descriptions
• Search for “independent girls school Atlanta” and “private schools serving girls in Atlanta”
• Ask neighbors, local parent groups, or community centers for real-world experiences

Create a shortlist of 3–7 schools or programs that align with your priorities.

3. Contact Admissions or Counseling Offices

For each school on your list, reach out directly to:

• Admissions offices (for private and charter schools)
• School counseling offices (for public schools)

Ask targeted questions, such as:

• “What support do you provide for girls interested in STEM or advanced courses?”
• “How do you nurture leadership and confidence among your female students?”
• “Are there girl-specific clubs, mentoring programs, or advisory groups?”
• “What does your financial aid or scholarship process look like?”

4. Visit Campuses in Person

When possible, visit the school while classes are in session somewhere in the Atlanta area you can easily reach. During your visit:

• Observe how students interact in hallways and common areas.

• Look at posted student work, clubs, and event flyers.

• Ask to see:

  • Science and computer labs
  • Performing arts spaces
  • Athletics facilities

Tours and student shadow days often give your child a more realistic view of how they might fit in.

Application Timelines, Tuition, and Transportation

Application Deadlines

Atlanta-area schools often follow these general patterns:

• Independent/private schools: Applications typically open in the fall for admission the following school year, with decisions often released in late winter or early spring.
• Charter and magnet schools: Many use lotteries and may have application windows in late fall or early winter.
• Public neighborhood schools: Generally based on your residential address, though some specialized programs still require separate applications.

Check each school’s timeline carefully so you don’t miss key dates.

Tuition and Financial Considerations

• Public and charter schools: Tuition-free, though there may be activity fees, uniforms, or supply costs.
• Independent/private schools: Tuition can be substantial and typically increases in higher grades.

Most private schools in the Atlanta area consider:

• Need-based financial aid (based on family income and assets)
• Sometimes scholarships for academics, arts, or other areas

Ask each school:

• What percentage of students receive financial aid
• Whether they use a standard financial aid application service
• What additional costs to expect (books, uniforms, technology fees, trips)

Transportation and Commute

Atlanta traffic can heavily influence your school choice. Consider:

• Distance from home or work and typical commute times
• Availability of school bus service or carpool options
• Proximity to MARTA rail or bus routes if your student may use public transit
• Whether after-school activities will require late pick-ups and additional driving

A school might look perfect on paper, but an unmanageable commute through I-75/85, GA-400, or I-285 rush hour can make daily life stressful.

Helpful Atlanta-Based Resources for Families

While Atlanta does not have a single central “girls’ schools office,” several organizations and offices can help you navigate your options:

School District Offices (General Guidance)

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  130 Trinity Ave. SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 802-3500

• Fulton County Schools – North Learning Center
  450 Northridge Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30350
  Phone: (470) 254-3600

• DeKalb County School District – Administrative & Instructional Complex
  1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd
  Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Phone: (678) 676-1200

These offices can help you:

• Confirm which school zones you live in
• Learn about magnet and choice programs
• Understand how to enroll or transfer

Community & Enrichment Organizations Focused on Girls

Across the Atlanta metro, you’ll also find community-based organizations that complement or extend what a girls’ school might provide, such as:

• After-school STEM programs for girls
• Leadership and mentoring groups
• Sports leagues and arts programs geared toward youth

These can be especially valuable if your child attends a co-ed school but you still want girl-centric development opportunities.

Quick Comparison: Main Pathways for Girls’ Education in Atlanta

Exploring girls’ school options in Atlanta means looking not just for a name that says “girls’ school,” but for a learning environment—public, private, or charter—that actively supports girls’ academic growth, leadership, and well-being.

By clarifying your priorities, building a thoughtful shortlist, and directly engaging with Atlanta-area schools and programs, you can identify the setting that best fits your child’s needs and your family’s daily life in and around Atlanta.