Every parent’s main concern when relocating with their family is quality education options for their kids. Among the many tasks on moving parents’ to-do list, school research is way up there with planning and organizing an interstate move.
Finding the best schools in Atlanta can be tricky, as the city has over a hundred public, private and charter schools serving more than 50,000 students of different ages. We took a look at public schools in the Atlanta metropolitan area to bring you this list of the best elementary, middle, and high schools.
Elementary Schools:
- Morningside Elementary School
Morningside Elementary School has 799 students attending PK-5th grade. It scored high in standardized state tests with 97%-99% of students proficient in math and reading. Extra-curricular activities include a music program with the band, orchestra, and chorus. Student to teacher ratio is 15 to 1.
One Morningside mom had this to say about the school: “Our experience at MES has been great. I find the vast majority of teachers motivated caring and professional. Becky the principal is incredibly hard working and down to earth. The parental involvement makes MES special too.” - Buford Academy
Located in Buford, this school has 1,222 students attending grades 2-5. It was announced as a 2015 Highest-Performing School by the Georgia Department of education and has excelled in state-wide tests. The extra-curricular activities include band, drama, chess, technology and art clubs. Student to teacher ratio is 16 to 1.
Ashley, a Buford mom says: “This school system is great and I have not come across anyone who has been unpleasant. In fact, they have all been great. My son’s teacher is extraordinary. Buford is one of the top schools in Georgia. Go wolves!”
Middle Schools:
- Renfroe Middle School
Located in Decatur, Renfroe Middle School has 860 students in grades 6-8. The school scored as high as 98% in standardized proficiency tests evaluating reading and math skills. Extra-curricular activities in Renfroe include music, art, and sports.
A Renfroe parent emphasizes the school’s empathetic approach and says: “The teachers have been so supportive to my daughter as she acclimated to a very new way of doing things. The students my daughter has met have been compassionate, caring, and empathetic; I can’t help but think aside from just wonderful families in Decatur, this also comes from the leadership and teachers at the school setting a fine example.” - Otwell Middle School
Otwell Middle School is a public school in Cumming, with 1,094 students attending grades 6-8. According to state tests, 98% of students at this school are considered proficient in math and/or reading. It has art, drama, music and sports programs, including wrestling, basketball, and golf. Student to teacher ratio is 15 to 1, the lowest in Forsyth County. In recent years the school has become increasingly diverse.
An Otwell parent recommends: “The environment and academics at Otwell Middle School are fantastic. There is also kindness, respect and great energy from the staff. The kids don’t feel “entitled” and work hard to meet their goals. I also like the fact that parents are always welcome and received with kindness and a smile. We feel very blessed to be part of this school.”
High Schools:
- Northview High School
Located in Johns Creek, Northview High School is a public school with 1,903 students attending grades 9-12. The graduation rate at this school is 94% (state average is 82%) and its students’ academic achievements stand out in comparison to most other high schools in Georgia. It is also the most ethnically diverse school on this list. The school has a wide array of extra-curricular activities, clubs, and organizations, ranging from sports to jewelry making and even animation. Student to teacher ratio is 19 to 1.
A grandparent to a Northview student writes: “My grandson is a sophomore here and I see a major improvement in him since enrollment last year. He is more focused, this is due to the amazing teaching and support staff there.” - Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is a public charter school located in Lawrenceville. It has 945 students attending grades 9-12. Its students’ academic achievements are very high, with an average SAT score of 1970. Extra-curricular activities include many STEM-related interests such as robotics and community focused clubs like the gay-straight alliance. Student to teacher ratio is 18 to 1.
A student at GSMST had this to share: “This school is amazing. The students are so driven to learn and the faculty is so willing to aid in our success. It’s a decent-sized workload, greater than your average high school, but the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Don’t get me wrong, though. This school is fun, too. I love this school.”
Take a look at some of these family-friendly neighborhoods to make moving to Atlanta with children even easier. Have a great move!
