Atlanta is quickly growing in popularity due to its thriving economy, family-friendly suburbs, and high quality of life. If you are considering moving to Atlanta with your children, then you are likely on the hunt for a good school. Atlanta public schools are great, but many parents decide to opt for private schooling. Private schools often have specialized programs and a more personalized experience that you don’t always get at a public school.
When searching for the best private schools in Atlanta, you will want to consider factors such as test scores, student improvement, classroom size, college readiness measures, AP participation rate, programs for gifted students, extracurricular programs, STEM programs, and awards. Here are just a few of the best Atlanta private schools for you to consider checking out before moving to the area.
Woodward Academy | Prestigious Private School in Atlanta Georgia With Multiple Campuses
- City: College Park
- Grades: K-12
- Affiliation: None
- Tuition: $10,000-$21,950
The Woodward Academy is one of the best private schools in Atlanta. This independent, co-educational college prep school serves students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. The Woodward Academy has campuses in both College Park and Johns Creek. This prestigious Atlanta private school is split into five schools: upper, middle, lower, primary, and a PK-sixth grade school. All schools are located on the College Park campus except for the latter.
View this post on Instagram
The Woodward Academy is one of the most recognized private schools in Georgia when it comes to athletics. The academy has won 84 state championships in many different sports, such as football, soccer, swimming, and volleyball. The academy also places an emphasis on arts and offers fun courses such as dance, acting, guitar, painting, jewelry making, sculpture, and photography. Students are required to apply for admission into Woodward Academy, and applications become available on October 1st of each year.
Wesleyan School | One of the Best Private Schools in Atlanta Georgia
- City: Peachtree Corners
- Grades: K-12
- Affiliation: Christian/Non-Denominational
- Tuition: $14,900-$19,965
The Wesleyan School is a college-preparatory nondenominational Christian school located in Peachtree Corners. This school has a student body of just over 1,100, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 9 to 1 in the lower and middle schools and 7 to 1 in the high school. All faculty at Wesleyan School are Christians from varying denominations. Because this is a Christian school, there is a wide variety of faith-based activities for students to participate in, including bible study, retreats, and a missions program.
Wesleyan School has many different challenging AP classes for students to take, and many students who have graduated from W.S. have been accepted to schools such as Yale University, Harvard University, and Cornell University. Because this is a college preparatory school, students will be taught for life after high school and will receive assistance throughout the college application process.
The Westminster School | Considered One of the Best Private Schools in Georgia
- City: Atlanta
- Grades: Pre1st-12
- Affiliation: Christian/Non-Denominational
- Tuition: $19,205-$22,270
Founded in 1951, The Westminster School is one of the top private schools in Atlanta. The campus of Westminster is located on 180 acres in the Buckhead community of Atlanta. The school has a lower school, a middle school, and a high school. The school has also been involved in many historical events, such as the Atlanta Marathon and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
View this post on Instagram
The Westminster School places a lot of emphasis on extracurricular activities. There are 84 different athletic teams for students to participate in. In addition to athletics, there are many clubs and groups for students to join. WCAT, the school’s broadcast program, was created in 2010 and has since won 8 awards and 7 honorable mentions from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The Policy Debate team has also won 16 state championships and has won the Baker Cup (the award for the top-ranked team in the country) three times.
Pace Academy | Blue Ribbon-Winning College-Preparatory Day School in Atlanta
- City: Atlanta
- Grades: Pre1st-12
- Affiliation: None
- Tuition: $19,600-$22,570
Located in the Buckhead neighborhood, Pace Academy is an award-winning private school in Atlanta, Georgia. Pace Academy serves 1,150 students who represent 75 different zip codes. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7 to 1, so you can be sure that your student will get the individualized attention they deserve.
Pace Academy is one of the best prep schools in Atlanta and offers 33 different AP and Post-AP classes. The school provides an academic resource center that is available to both students and their parents. Pace Academy also offers college counseling, where students can develop a personalized plan to help them choose a college that is perfect for their specific needs. In addition to athletics, Pace Academy has a strong focus on the arts. 75% of the upper school participates in the arts, and the school has three annual theater productions as well as three instrumental ensembles.
The Galloway School | Small Private School in Atlanta With a Unique Learning Approach
- City: Atlanta
- Grades: PK-12
- Affiliation: None
- Tuition: $10,650-$21,370
When it comes to Atlanta, GA private schools, The Galloway School should be at the top of your list. First founded in 1969, The Galloway School is home to 755 students and boasts an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 1 to 5. The Galloway School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools as well as the Southern Association of Independent Schools. Some notable alumni from The Galloway School include Amanda Doherty and Martin Luther King III.
View this post on Instagram
The Galloway School has a research-supported approach to educating the whole child. This approach includes designing a safe and welcoming learning environment where students feel comfortable to be themselves and ask questions. The faculty believes that students cannot learn if they do not feel as though they belong. In addition to creating a welcoming environment, the faculty encourages students to take risks and challenge the normal ways of thinking.
Atlanta International School | Diverse Atlanta Private School With a Large International Population
- City: Atlanta
- Grades: 3K-12
- Affiliation: None
- Tuition: $19,080-$21,780
The Atlanta International School opened in 1985 and is one of the best private schools in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta International School is an International Baccalaureate school, which means that the school follows a rigorous program that encourages students to think broadly and view themselves as members of a global society. The parents, students, and faculty at this prestigious school represent over 90 countries and speak over 60 languages. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 7 to 1.
Because this is an international school, every student learns at least one language in addition to their own. Families can choose from Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. At the primary level, students are immersed in learning through play in their chosen language. In the middle and upper schools, students are able to participate in classes that are taught completely in their chosen language. In addition to language courses, students are also encouraged to participate in one of the school’s many sports and arts programs.
Saint Francis High School | One of the Best Private Schools in Georgia for Students Interested in Extracurricular Activities
- City: Alpharetta
- Grades: 9-12
- Affiliation: None
- Tuition: $16,500-$17,250
Located in Alpharetta, Saint Francis High School is one of the best private high schools in Atlanta. Saint Francis High School has over 300 students and 50 faculty members and prides itself on having one of the smallest teacher-to-student ratios in the Atlanta metro area. This top-rated school offers AP courses, honors courses, College Prep 1 courses, and College Prep 2 courses. If your student wants to be challenged even more, they can opt for College Prep with Distinction Diploma.
View this post on Instagram
If your student is ready to get involved, then this is the school for them! Students at Saint Francis High School are required to participate in either a club or a sport each year. These clubs can be academic, competitive, or service oriented. Some of the clubs that the school offers include an Equestrian Club, History Club, Robotics, Theatre Arts Club, and Dance Club.
Holy Spirit Preparatory School | Atlanta Private School With Unique House System
- City: Atlanta
- Grades: PK2-12
- Affiliation: Catholic
- Tuition: $5,832-$21,600
The Holy Spirit Preparatory School is one of the best Atlanta, GA private schools. This school has a college acceptance rate of 100%, and 84% of their students score 3 or above on their AP exams. This school has a Catholic affiliation, and they seek to form their students in the faith and morals of the Catholic Church.
Holy Spirit Preparatory School has a unique house system, which is a practice that was developed in the United Kingdom. The students and teachers are divided randomly into four groups: The House of Chalcedon, the House of Trent, the House of Lyons, and the House of Nicea. Throughout the school year, each group can earn points by showing positive behavior, volunteering for service opportunities, and doing well in sporting events. At the end of the year, the house with the most points wins a grand prize. This is meant to promote teamwork and enhance the importance of healthy competition among peers.
Trinity School | Highly-Rated Private School in Atlanta for Preschool and Elementary-Age Children
- City: Atlanta
- Grades: PS-6
- Affiliation: None
- Tuition: $13,950-$19,750
If you are searching for an Atlanta public school for your younger children, then check out Trinity School. The Trinity School in Atlanta provides a child-centered education for children aged three through sixth grade. Trinity serves 594 students and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1. All of the faculty at Trinity School is required to participate in annual professional development in order to keep up with the latest trends in childhood education. The school was listed as one of the ‘Top Places to Work in 2023’ by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
View this post on Instagram
All parents at the Trinity School are members of the Trinity School Parents’ Association. The school encourages parents to coordinate events, visit their children in the classroom, and chaperone field trips. So, if you want to play an integral role in your child’s education, then Trinity School could be a perfect fit for you.
Best Private Schools in Atlanta Map
Check out this map of the best private schools in Atlanta, GA.
Any one of these Atlanta private schools would be a great option for your student. Atlanta is full of incredible educational opportunities for students of all learning styles to take advantage of. When you are ready to make your move to the city, then let the best Atlanta movers help you. Over the past 12 years, Wirks Moving has served over 20,000 customers and proudly boasts a 98% referral rate. Give us a call today at 404-635-6683 to discuss your move and get started with a free quote.
