Georgia offers something for everyone. The “Empire State of the South” is known for its warm weather, beautiful landscapes, thriving economy, great healthcare, and southern charm.
Part of the region's appeal to families is its exceptional education system. With over 180 school districts and more than 2,300 public schools, Georgia offers a wealth of educational opportunities for students of all ages. In addition, there are countless options, from public schools to private academies to charter schools.
Therefore, you’ll find a facility offering a safe, nurturing environment, a well-rounded curriculum, and a track record of producing successful students. The challenge comes when choosing the right school for your child from the numerous options. But fortunately, this article will simplify your search by highlighting the ten best schools in the state.
Best Elementary Schools
Daves Creek Elementary School
3740 Melody Mizer Lane, Cumming, GA 30041
In 1996, Daves Creek Elementary made its debut as a public school serving the sprawling Cumming, Georgia suburb. The institution stands out with its nurturing and encouraging atmosphere that fosters the optimal learning experience for its students. Additionally, the facility has revolutionized education from dynamic instruction methods to a stimulating and pertinent curriculum.
Daves Creek Elementary has a diverse student body of 1,199 pupils from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. There are slightly more males (53%) than females (47%). In addition, economically disadvantaged learners form 3% of the population, and 88% come from minority ethnic and cultural backgrounds. All these make the school a true melting pot of diversity.
Daves Creek's top-notch faculty team comprises 78 board-certified tutors and two school counselors. As a result, the school's 1:15 teacher-student ratio outperforms the district's average. Furthermore, 97.1% of teachers possess at least three years of teaching experience, so students receive instruction from seasoned professionals well-versed in their craft.
Daves Creek's instruction program encourages students to work independently and cooperatively in all academic areas, including fine arts, physical education, and technology. This promotes independent and supportive learning and nurtures self-discipline.
The school is 4th among 1,245 statewide elementary schools and 1st in Forsyth County. In addition, 94% and 92% of students passed math and reading. These impressive results earned Daves Creek Elementary School ranks 4 and 5 for reading and math proficiency.
Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy
5801 Armour Road, Columbus, GA 31909
At Britt David Elementary, academic excellence isn’t just a buzzword, but a nationally acknowledged reality. As a result, it's among the few schools that have earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award three times, in 2004, 2012, and 2018.
Britt David Elementary caters to students from kindergarten to 5th grade, with a total population of 578. The female student population makes up 54% of the school, while the male student population accounts for 46%. In addition, 16% of students are financially limited, and the school's minority student enrollment makes up 57% of the total populace.
Britt David Elementary has recruited 31 highly qualified and certified tutors and a full-time student counselor. The teacher-student ratio is 1:19, less favorable than the district's. But all teachers are board-certified, and a vast majority of them, 96.8%, boast over three years of experience in the field. The dedicated team ensures that education is real-world and relevant, innovative, and connected.
Britt David Elementary ranks third out of 1,245 in the state. The school has also clinched the top spot among 32 facilities in Muscogee County Public Schools district. Furthermore, it stands at the third position in the magnet category.
At Britt David Elementary, 97% of learners passed math and reading, leading to a #2 rank in both subjects.
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Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers
3039 Santa Monica Dr, Decatur, GA 30032
Wadsworth Elementary is a great magnet school in bustling Decatur. This institution is committed to cultivating student success, aiming to prepare them for advanced education levels, meaningful work, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. This goal isn’t simply a lofty aspiration but a tangible reality the school accomplishes daily.
Wadsworth caters to 223 students in grades 4-6. The student body comprises 48% males and 52% females, with 59% coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, 96% of the student population comes from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The institute has 13 dedicated tutors who are certified and experienced in their respective fields. This translates to a teacher-student ratio of 1:17, higher than the district's. However, 92.9% of the teachers have three or more years of experience.
The educational program at Wadsworth Elementary specifically cultivates high-achieving students who are inspired to become life-long learners and leverage their creativity to reach their full potential. To facilitate this goal, the school provides a learning environment that fosters individual responsibility and ownership of academic experiences.
This rigorous program results from the collaboration between educators, pupils, parents, business associates, and community members. Together, they work tirelessly to support and enhance the top-ranking institution's educational opportunities.
Wadsworth's academic excellence is evident in its impressive rankings. The facility is the second-best among its peers in the Dekalb County School District and the state. It also ranks second among all magnet elementary schools in Georgia. Furthermore, students delivered outstanding math and reading proficiency performances, with a pass rate of 98% for both. This has earned the school a remarkable second place in both proficiencies.
Kittredge Magnet School
2383 N Druid Hills Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA 30329
Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, GA, Kittredge Magnet School is a high-achieving magnet school that stands out for its innovative and rigorous approach to education. With a focus on empowering a diverse student population, the institution nurtures independent thinkers well-equipped to take on future challenges.
Kittredge Elementary attracts a diverse group of 478 students across the DeKalb County area. The minority student population makes up 44%, and the population is almost even, with 54% boys and 46% girls. Yet, these gifted learners share a common commitment to excellence and a love for learning.
Kittredge Elementary boasts 36 full-time instructors, all certified, and 97.1% have more than three years of teaching experience. The 1:13 teacher-student ratio is the same as the district's. Dedicated educators have established themselves as leaders in education with a commitment to scholar engagement, collaboration, and communication.
Kittredge ranks number one in reading and math proficiencies among all 1,245 elementary schools in the state, and 81st in the Dekalb County School District and among all of Georgia's magnet elementary schools.
The students performed impressively in reading and math proficiency, with 98% attaining or scoring above the proficient level in math and 100% passing in reading.
Best Middle Schools
Riverwatch Middle School
610 James Burgess Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024
Nestled atop a scenic hill overlooking the serene James Creek lies a beacon of educational excellence that has become the pride of the Forsyth community– Riverwatch Middle School. This distinguished institution has earned its reputation through a culture of excellence in academics, sports, and service.
Step inside the Riverwatch halls, and you'll find a diverse and vibrant population comprising 1,552 bright minds, all eager to learn and grow. This school boasts a healthy mix of genders, 48% schoolgirls and 52% males. In addition, the facility's 70% minority student enrollment makes it a melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and experiences.
At Riverwatch Middle School, teaching isn’t just a job; it's a calling. The faculty comprises 84 certified teachers and two dedicated student counselors who spare no effort to provide the best possible education. As a result, the school boasts a 99% staff certification rate, and 98.6% of teachers have a minimum of three years of experience.
Beyond their qualifications, the teachers unite to help students attain their full potential. So they prioritize high-quality training, cultivate effective communication, build healthy community ties and relationships, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
The facility ranks 3rd out of 551 middle schools in the state and 2nd in 10 in the county. In addition, 87% and 90% of students passed the proficient levels in math and reading. Consequently, the school boasts a math proficiency rank of 2 and a reading proficiency rank of 5.
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South Forsyth Middle School
4670 Windermere Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041
South Forsyth Middle School values a holistic approach to education, recognizing that a connected school culture is essential for the success of its students and staff. Therefore, the facility prioritizes inclusivity and cultural responsiveness, ensuring all students feel supported beyond academic achievement. In addition, the school fosters collaboration among staff and students to facilitate authentic and meaningful learning experiences that go beyond rote memorization of facts.
Catering to grades 6 through 8, South Forsyth Middle School boasts a diverse student population of 1,430 individuals. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 48% female and 52% male scholars. Only a small percentage, 3%, comprises financially challenged students. However, the facility takes pride in its significant minority enrollment rate of 58%.
South Forsyth Middle School has 74 educators and two counselors to support the students, leading to a teacher-student ratio of 1:19. The teachers are highly qualified and experienced, with 99% being certified and 98.7% having a minimum of three years of teaching experience.
These certified and dedicated faculty members provide a cultivating and supportive learning environment for all students that centers instruction on students' needs. Consequently, students enjoy a safe and engaging space to expand their knowledge, grow, and build connections.
South Forsyth ranks as the second best in Georgia and is 1st out of 10 other middle schools in the district. Students excelled in reading and math, with 88% and 91% attaining or surpassing either proficiency level. Their outstanding performance made the school rank fourth best and 1st in reading in math proficiency, respectively.
Elite Scholars Academy
7923 Fielder Rd, Jonesboro, GA 30236
If you're looking for a middle school with a strong academic foundation, Elite Scholars Academy could be the answer. The school opened in 2009 as a Public Charter School. But later on, in 2016, it became a Magnet School, providing even greater opportunities for academic excellence. Today, the facility is a top-ranking, reputable early college magnet school.
Elite Scholars Academy is a 6-12 school serving 699 scholars. The school's student body comprises 60% female and 40% male students, with 99% of students coming from minority backgrounds. Furthermore, the school enrolls 93% of students from economically disadvantaged households, providing equal educational opportunities to all students.
Elite Scholars Academy boasts a well-rounded faculty comprising 36 tutors and two counselors. The student-teacher ratio is 1:19, which is higher than the district average, but the school compensates for this by ensuring that all of its full-time teachers are 100% certified. Additionally, a vast majority of the faculty, 91.4%, have teaching experience spanning over three years.
The teachers remain dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential in academics, personal life, and future profession. They also offer equal access to opportunities and experiences that nurture essential skills in literacy, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Elite Scholars Academy ranks top out of the 550 middle schools in Georgia and 16 middle schools in Clayton County. In addition, 87% of students passed math proficiency, and 96% excelled in reading. As a result, the school ranks top in reading proficiency and eleventh in math.
Best High Schools
Davidson Magnet School
615 12th Street, Augusta, GA 30901
Augusta's Davidson Magnet is a unique and innovative college prep institution that’s making waves in the world of education. The school focuses on STEM subjects and provides a challenging and stimulating academic environment that encourages students to excel.
But Davidson Magnet School is more than just a place for academic excellence. It’s a community that fosters a love of learning, a passion for discovery, and a commitment to transforming the world.
The prestigious Davidson Magnet School caters to students from sixth to twelfth grades. With a total enrollment of 450, the school is a close-knit community that strives to provide an inclusive and nurturing environment for tomorrow's adults to flourish.
The reputable institution prides itself on its commitment to diversity and providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their economic background. With 17% of its enrollment being financially disadvantaged, students in need find a helping hand. The school's free and reduced-price lunch programs cater to 16% and 1% of its students.
Despite its small size, Davidson High has a big heart and a strong dedication to the success and well-being of its students. As a result, the school comes in at an impressive 132nd nationally and 3rd in the state. In addition, the facility ranks top in the Augusta metro area and leads the 12 middle schools in the District. It also ranks 31st in the magnet category.
The school has an impressive 100% graduation rate and a GreatSchools.org summary rating of 9/10.
Notable Alum
Davidson High has one notable alum: Antonia Gentry. Gentry is an actress best known for her role as Ginny Miller in the hit Netflix show Ginny & Georgia. Prior to her breakout role, Gentry had a number of smaller roles in a variety of projects. She attended Emory University for college, and auditioned for Ginny & Georgia the same week as her graduation.
Columbus High School
1700 Cherokee Avenue, Columbus, GA 31906
Established in 1890, Columbus High has been a guiding light of academic excellence for over a century. This top-ranking facility rests atop a hill in the picturesque Lakebottom community and boasts a beautiful campus overlooking the tranquil Lakebottom/Weracoba Park. The unique combination of historical importance, natural beauty, and up-to-the-minute amenities make it a truly exceptional institution.
Columbus High caters to 1,223 students between the ninth and twelfth grades. The inclusive learning environment has a 47% minority enrollment, ensuring that students of all backgrounds feel valued and respected. Furthermore, the institution strives to offer equitable opportunities for all apprentices, with 14% considered financially needy. About 11% and 3% of learners are under the free and reduced-price lunch programs.
The faculty members at Columbus High are a testament to the institution's commitment to academic excellence. This team comprises 62 highly qualified instructors, ensuring a teacher-student ratio of 1:20. Teachers in this school strive to foster a positive, engaging learning environment that supports and challenges students to grow individually and academically.
According to recent rankings, Columbus High isn't just a cut above the rest – it's in a league of its own. The facility ranks 83rd nationally, 2nd in the state, and top in the Columbus metro area Schools. Moreover, it ranks 1st out of 9 high schools in the district.
Columbus High School boasts a 100% graduation rate, and GreatSchools.org awards it a summary rating of 9/10.
Notable Alumni
Dan Amos – Chairman and CEO of Aflac
Carson McCullers – Writer
Sam Mitchell – Former NBA player and coach who spent ten seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves
Garey Ingram – Former MLB player and current AA baseball coach
Nunnally Johnson – Screenwriter and filmmaker
Essang Bassey – Cornerback for the Denver Broncos
Reggie Abercrombie – Former baseball player for the Florida Marlins and Houston Astros
Ketia Swanier – Guard for the NBA Atlanta Dream
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology
970 Mcelvaney Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
In 2007, GSMST opened its doors as a STEM charter school offering a challenging and authentic STEM-focused education. This facility is the product of comprehensive research, examining the current secondary school programs, curriculum, campus facilities, and meetings with school leaders.
GSMST is home to a dynamic and engaged student population of 1,197 in grades 9-12, with a total minority enrollment of 85%. In addition, 28% of students are considered economically disadvantaged, with 19% and 9% of students participating in the free and reduced-price lunch programs.
Prioritizing top-tier instruction, the facility hires 73 experienced, board-certified teachers, hence a tutor-scholar ratio of 1:16. These well-trained professionals are equipped to meet the unique needs of high school students, focusing on ensuring an engaging and challenging learning environment.
The campus comprises state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology that fosters creativity and innovation. In addition, the classrooms support the school's STEM-focused curriculum, with well-equipped science labs, digital media production facilities for sound and video, and spacious project spaces dedicated to engineering, robotics, and art and design.
Technology is integral to the school's instructional strategies, enabling students to engage with the rigorous STEM curriculum in new and exciting ways. In addition, students can take part in Advanced Placement projects and examinations.
GSMST ranks 9th nationally and 1st in the state, Atlanta metro area, and Gwinnett County School District. The facility also comes in the eleventh position in STEM rankings. In addition, the school has a 100% graduation rate, and greatschools.org rates it at 9/10.
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Choosing a Learning Experience That Befits Your Child
The school you choose for your child will determine their academic success and personal growth. So don't hurry; take the time to evaluate your options and choose a learning experience that meets your child's educational and social needs.
So first, determine your child's educational needs and goals. Next, consider their learning style, strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Similarly, research different educational approaches beyond traditional settings, including Montessori, Waldorf, or STEM, to determine which aligns with your child's needs. Generally, consider a challenging curriculum that will help your child achieve their academic potential.
You'll gain valuable insights by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. You can also explore online resources and schedule a visit to each option. This will show you the school's culture, teaching style, and student-teacher interaction.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lordn/Shutterstock.com.