2024 Best Private Schools in Atlanta

Navigating Atlanta’s Private School Landscape

Susie Chow, Tomo’s Lead Writer & Atlanta resident, combines exclusive on the ground local insights with real estate expertise and economic data from Greg Schwartz, Tomo CEO & former Zillow President; Emanuel Santa-Donato, Head of Capital Markets & Interest Rate Forecaster; and Joel Monge, Head of Digital Production.

If you’re considering moving to “The A” and wondering, “what are the best private schools in Atlanta?”, we can assure you this thriving Southern metropolis won’t disappoint. Atlanta is a dynamic hub with a lively cultural scene, plenty of job opportunities, and a strong sense of community — and when it comes to education, the city doesn’t skimp on excellence. Atlanta boasts some outstanding private schools known for nurturing young talent and shaping future leaders. So join us, as we dive into some of the best private schools in Atlanta, with all the best data, reviews, and insights from our friends at Niche.com.

Best Atlanta Private School with a Tradition for Excellence: The Lovett School

Nestled in the affluent Buckhead neighborhood, The Lovett School has been a beacon of educational excellence for over 90 years. With its lush green campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich tradition of academic achievement, Lovett stands tall among the best private schools in Atlanta. What sets Lovett apart, however, is its dedication to experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences such as internships, service projects, and global travel programs that help prepare them for the exciting challenges of an increasingly global society. The gallant “Lovett Lions” excel in many sports, but one of the most notable is football, where they have a strong and long-standing tradition.

Best Atlanta Private School with a Global Perspective: Atlanta International School 

If you’re looking for a school that embraces diversity and fosters a global mindset, Atlanta International School (AIS) should be top of your list. Located in Buckhead, near Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills, and Brookwood Hill, AIS is renowned for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which encourages students to think critically and become global citizens. AIS places a strong emphasis on languages, offering instruction in English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese. This multilingual approach helps students develop a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. With its high percentage of international students, it’s no surprise the “AIS Eagles” are well known for their competitive soccer, and track and field teams.

Best Atlanta Private School with a Legacy of Leadership: The Westminster Schools

For over 60 years, The Westminster Schools has been one of the premier Atlanta high schools, dedicated to shaping young minds with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and character development. Located in the affluent Buckhead community, near Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills, and Ardmore Park, Westminster prides itself on producing well-rounded leaders, such as Georgia Supreme Court Justice Sarah Hawkins Walker.  This is evident in its leadership development program with mentorship opportunities, service projects, and a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making. With over 280 state championships in athletics, The “Westminster Wildcats” are a force to be reckoned with, and possibly the most decorated athletic school program in Georgia.

Best Atlanta Private School that Nurtures Critical Thinkers: The Paideia School

If you’re searching for a school that values intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, The Paideia School should be on your radar. Located in the diverse Virginia Highland neighborhood, near Inman Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, and Druid Hills, Paideia is known for its progressive approach to education. The school encourages inquiry-based learning, allowing students to question, explore, and discover knowledge on their own. Paideia prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and community, fostering strong friendships among students. The school also offers a variety of arts and humanities programs, providing students with ample opportunities for creative expression. With a legacy of success, the “Paideia Panthers” have established themselves as a formidable force in the world of high school soccer, amongst other sports.

Best Atlanta Private School that Empowers Young Women: Atlanta Girls’ School

For parents looking to empower their daughters with a top-notch education, Atlanta Girls’ School (AGS) is an excellent choice when it comes to Atlanta private schools. Located in Buckhead, near Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills and Ardmore Park, AGS is dedicated to providing a challenging and supportive environment that helps young women excel academically and personally. In fact, according to Niche.com, AGS is ranked the #1 Best All-Girls High School in Georgia. It offers a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)— preparing students for careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, and to empower girls to become confident leaders in their communities. Atlanta Girls’ School is renowned for their prowess in basketball, and actively participates in a wide range of sports including soccer, tennis, and track and field.

Best Atlanta Private School with Innovation in Education: The Galloway School

Nestled in the charming Chastain Park area between Buckhead and Sandy Springs, The Galloway School is another standout Atlanta high school. With a commitment to personalized learning and a strong focus on creativity, Galloway focuses on project-based learning where students collaborate on real-world assignments that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school’s campus features cutting-edge technology and flexible learning spaces, promoting a modern and adaptable learning environment. The Galloway School also deeply values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where every student feels respected and valued. The “Galloway Scots”, have been known to excel in basketball and cross country, while actively participating in a variety of other sports like tennis and soccer.

Best Atlanta Private School with a Deep Catholic Tradition: Marist School

Marist School is located in the northern neighborhood of Brookhaven, and within close proximity to Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs. The school offers a distinctive Catholic education that combines academic rigor with a strong moral foundation. According to Niche.com, Marist excels as one of the Best Catholic High Schools, ranking #2 of 8 in Atlanta. With a mission to educate the whole person, Marist strives to develop students’ intellectual, spiritual, and ethical dimensions. Marist’s commitment to faith and service is evident in its religious education programs and community service initiatives. Students are encouraged to live out the school’s motto, “Serving with the Spirit of Family,” by giving back to the community through service projects. The “Marist War Eagles” are known for their rigorous football teams, and are also competitive in soccer, basketball, and track and field.

Sources

Private School Data: https://www.niche.com

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