Marist School in Atlanta: What Local Families Need to Know

If you search for “Marist Atlanta,” you’re almost always looking for Marist School, a well-known private Catholic college-preparatory school on Atlanta’s north side. Whether you’re a parent exploring options, a student curious about campus life, or a newcomer trying to understand how Marist fits into the Atlanta education landscape, this guide walks through the essentials.

What Is Marist School in Atlanta?

Marist School is a private, coeducational Catholic school serving grades 7–12. It’s located in northeast Atlanta and is known locally for:

  • Strong college-preparatory academics
  • A robust athletic program
  • Emphasis on faith, service, and leadership
  • A large, well-maintained suburban-style campus within the city

Basic Info

  • Name: Marist School
  • Location: 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319
  • Type: Independent Catholic college-preparatory day school
  • Grades: 7–12

While it’s Catholic and guided by Marist Fathers and Brothers traditions, students often come from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds across metro Atlanta.

Where Is Marist in the Atlanta Area?

Marist sits near the I‑285 / GA‑400 interchange, in the area many Atlantans think of as between Brookhaven and Dunwoody, just inside the Perimeter.

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks

  • Close to the Perimeter Center business district
  • Short drive from Northside Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
  • Accessible from major corridors like Ashford Dunwoody Road, Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, and Roswell Road

For Atlanta families, this location can be convenient if you live or work in:

  • Brookhaven, Chamblee, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, or Northlake/Tucker
  • Intown neighborhoods using GA‑400 or I‑85 to commute

If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll likely stay in the Perimeter Center or Brookhaven area and drive or rideshare to campus.

Academics at Marist: What to Expect

Marist is widely viewed in Atlanta as a rigorous, college-prep environment. Families often consider it alongside other top independent schools in the metro area.

Curriculum Highlights

While course specifics change over time, families can generally expect:

  • College-preparatory core: English, math, science, social studies, world languages
  • Honors and advanced coursework: Multiple levels in math, sciences, and humanities
  • World languages: Commonly offered languages typically include Spanish and French (and may include others depending on the year)
  • Theology and religious studies: Integrated into the program because of its Catholic identity
  • Fine arts: Visual arts, music, theater, and related electives

Many Atlanta parents choose Marist because they want:

  • Consistently challenging academics
  • Strong preparation for selective college admissions
  • A structured, values-oriented environment

If you’re comparing schools, it’s helpful to:

  • Ask about average class sizes
  • Review course sequences (especially in math and science)
  • Ask how Marist supports students who are struggling or want extra challenge

Faith and Values: Catholic but Broadly Accessible

Marist is rooted in the Catholic tradition, guided by the spirituality of the Society of Mary (Marists). In Atlanta, it’s seen as a school that combines faith, character formation, and academics.

What That Looks Like Day to Day

  • Religion/theology classes as part of the schedule
  • Masses and prayer services at various times during the year
  • Service opportunities and community outreach encouraged or required
  • Emphasis on values like humility, service, compassion, and leadership

Non-Catholic families in Atlanta often ask how “Catholic” day-to-day life feels. Common experiences include:

  • A respectful environment where non-Catholic students can participate in community life
  • Clear expectations around behavior, conduct, and community standards
  • Opportunities to engage with faith and service at different comfort levels

If you’re not Catholic, you may want to ask admissions how they approach students of other faiths and what participation in religious activities looks like.

Student Life: Sports, Arts, and Activities

Marist is known locally for having a busy, active student life. This is a big part of why families from across Atlanta are willing to deal with traffic and longer commutes.

Athletics

Marist has a strong reputation in Georgia high school sports, often competing at high levels in multiple programs. Depending on the year, you’ll typically find:

  • Team sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, and more
  • Cross country, track and field, swimming, and other individual/team hybrids
  • Access to on-campus fields, courts, and training facilities

For many Atlanta families, athletics at Marist are a major draw because of:

  • Competitive teams
  • Strong coaching cultures
  • Community support at games and events

Arts and Clubs

Beyond sports, Marist offers a range of arts and extracurriculars, such as:

  • Theater and drama productions
  • Band, chorus, and music ensembles
  • Visual arts (drawing, painting, photography, digital media)
  • Academic and interest-based clubs (debate, language clubs, service organizations, STEM-related groups, etc.)

If your student is transferring from another Atlanta-area school, it’s helpful to ask which activities are most active and how new students get involved quickly.

Campus and Facilities

For a school inside Atlanta’s perimeter, Marist has a large, green, traditional campus feel. While layouts evolve, families typically notice:

  • Academic buildings grouped by department or grade-level
  • A chapel for worship and services
  • Athletic fields and stadiums on or adjacent to campus
  • Fine arts spaces for theater, band, and visual arts

If you’re moving to Atlanta or exploring schools, taking a campus tour is one of the best ways to get a feel for:

  • How students move through the day
  • Safety procedures and campus access
  • Classroom environments and common spaces

Admissions: Getting Into Marist as an Atlanta Family

Marist is a selective school, and many families apply from across the metro area each year. The process can feel competitive, especially for certain grades.

Typical Admissions Elements

While exact requirements can change, many applicants can expect:

  1. Application form and fee
  2. Academic records/transcripts from current and prior schools
  3. Teacher recommendations
  4. Entrance testing or standardized scores (requirements may vary by year and grade)
  5. Possible interviews or student/parent meetings
  6. For some grades, limited available seats due to class size or attrition patterns

Timing for Atlanta Families

Private school admissions in Atlanta often follow a late fall / winter cycle:

  • Fall: Open houses, school tours, and information sessions
  • Winter: Application deadlines, testing, and interviews
  • Early spring: Admissions decisions and enrollment contracts

To stay on track, many parents in metro Atlanta:

  • Start visiting schools a year before desired entry
  • Ask Marist about key deadlines for the upcoming school year
  • Coordinate applications with other independent and Catholic schools if they’re applying to several

Tuition and Financial Considerations

Like other independent schools in Atlanta, Marist tuition is a major financial commitment. Exact numbers change from year to year, but families should plan for:

  • Base tuition for grades 7–12
  • Additional costs such as fees, uniforms, books, activity costs, and optional trips

Financial Aid and Affordability

Marist, like many independent schools, typically offers need-based financial aid. For Atlanta families, it’s helpful to:

  • Ask how the financial aid process works
  • Clarify deadlines for aid applications, which may differ from admissions deadlines
  • Understand what portion of total costs aid may cover, if awarded

Many local families coordinate Marist’s timeline with other schools to compare aid offers and affordability across options.

Transportation: Getting To and From Marist in Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta’s traffic is a major factor in choosing any school, especially one near busy interchanges like I‑285 and GA‑400.

Typical Commute Patterns

Families commonly drive from:

  • Inside the Perimeter (ITP): Brookhaven, Buckhead, Chamblee, Druid Hills, Virginia‑Highland, Morningside
  • Outside the Perimeter (OTP): Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, Roswell, Johns Creek, and beyond

Morning and afternoon commute times vary widely based on:

  • Direction of travel
  • Major road chokepoints (I‑285, GA‑400, I‑85, surface streets)
  • Weather and construction

Practical Tips for Marist Families 🚗

  • Test-drive the commute at typical school times before deciding
  • Ask the school or current families about:
    • Carpool networks
    • Any school-organized or informal bus/van arrangements
    • Early drop-off and after-school times to stagger traffic
  • Consider how after-school activities will affect evening rush hour return trips

How Marist Fits Into Atlanta’s School Landscape

When Atlanta families say “Marist,” they’re usually talking about one of a small group of well-established, academically strong private schools in the metro area. Locally, people often see it as:

  • A good fit for college-bound students seeking rigor and structure
  • Appealing to families who value a faith-based, Catholic environment
  • Attractive for students who want to be highly involved in sports, arts, and leadership

Atlanta parents typically compare Marist with:

  • Other independent day schools in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and the broader north Atlanta area
  • Catholic and Christian schools spread across the city and suburbs
  • Top-performing public school options in their home districts

The “right fit” depends on:

  • Your student’s academic strengths, personality, and interests
  • Your family’s comfort with religious education and practice
  • Commute tolerance and daily logistics
  • Financial priorities and aid eligibility

Visiting or Contacting Marist School

If you live in or near Atlanta—or you’re relocating and trying to decide where to live—seeing Marist in person can be valuable.

On-Campus Visits

Typical opportunities (which may change over time) include:

  • Prospective family tours
  • Open houses and information sessions
  • Special events for rising 7th or 9th graders

When you schedule a visit, consider asking about:

  • Campus security and safety protocols
  • How they support new students and transfers
  • Academic and college counseling resources
  • How they help students balance workload, sports, and activities

Key Location Details

  • Marist School
    3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30319

Before visiting, it’s wise to:

  • Check current visitor parking instructions
  • Allow extra time for Atlanta traffic, especially around I‑285
  • Confirm any ID requirements or check-in procedures for campus access

Is Marist in Atlanta Right for Your Family?

For many Atlanta-area families, Marist offers:

  • Strong academics and college preparation
  • A faith-based, service-oriented community
  • Extensive sports and extracurricular options
  • A sizeable yet close-knit student body

To decide if it fits your needs in Atlanta:

  • Clarify your commute limits and daily schedule
  • Think about how comfortable your family is with a Catholic environment
  • Explore financial aid if tuition is a concern
  • Talk with current or former Marist parents in your neighborhood for firsthand perspectives

If “Marist Atlanta” is on your shortlist, the next best steps are to schedule a visit, talk directly with the admissions office, and compare what you learn with other school options across metro Atlanta.