Sending your children to private schools has several potential advantages, including a focus on academic excellence, a strong sense of community, smaller class sizes, and an emphasis on personal values.

Even if your children aren’t ready to attend school yet, you’re likely thinking about which private schools in the greater Atlanta area will best suit the needs of your kids. This can greatly impact which areas you focus your home search on, as living close to the school they will attend is convenient and can allow the whole family to be more involved in the school’s community.

The Atlanta area really shines when it comes to private schools– there are more than 100 private high schools alone. With options for faith-based education, alternative educational styles like Montessori schools, and nonsectarian private schools, you’ll likely find that there are too many great options rather than too few.

Whether your kids are heading off to school next year or you’re planning far in advance, stick with us as we explore the best private schools in the Atlanta metro area.

The Atlanta private schools on our list appear in no particular order.

Inside the Perimeter- Best Private Schools

Living inside the perimeter offers several advantages, including proximity to museums, art galleries, cultural events, restaurants, shopping, and more. On top of that, several renowned education institutions inside the 285 loop can offer your children a high-quality education and a strong sense of community.

Atlanta International School

For parents looking to provide a diverse and multicultural learning environment for their children, the Atlanta International School should certainly make the shortlist. This school is known for its emphasis on language acquisition and international education.

As an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, the curriculum focuses on cultivating critical thinking skills, global-mindedness, and intercultural understanding within each of its students.

Sitting at number three in Niche.com’s ranking of the best private high schools in Georgia, the Atlanta International School also ranks as number three when it comes to the best private K-12 schools in the state.

The Galloway School

This independent day school is located in Chastain Park. Here are just a few of the academic highlights of this inside-the-perimeter private school:

• 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio

• 78% of the faculty have advanced degrees

• 17 AP courses available

The Galloway School is well known for its student-centered approach.

The emphasis here is on fostering individualized learning experiences with small class sizes and focusing on providing a well-rounded education.

Pace Academy

This prestigious private school was founded in 1958.

Well-known as one of the leading independent schools in the Atlanta area, Pace Academy has a rigorous academic program, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and a strong sense of community.

The Lovett School

Located in Buckhead, the Lovett School is a well-known private school thanks to its strong academic record. Beyond that, the school is touted for focusing on the importance of character development.

Ranked as the fifth best high school for STEM in Georgia and the sixth best college prep private high school in the state, The Lovett School is also considered one of the top ten best private high schools Georgia has to offer.

The Westminster Schools

Established in 1951, Westminster is considered one of the top independent schools in the city. Offering a comprehensive education for students from pre-first through 12th grade, they are well-known for academic excellence, an emphasis on character development, and the promotion of experiential learning.

Rated the number one private high school in all of Georgia on Niche.com, The Westminster Schools is a co-ed Christian day school that aims to create a nurturing and challenging environment for bright students to “grow into leaders of conscience.” In addition to being ranked as the best private high school in Georgia, it also ranks as the number one college prep private high school in the state, the best private K-12 school in Georgia, and the best Christian high school in Georgia.

It takes the number two spot for the best high school for STEM in Georgia (after the Fulton Science Academy) and enjoys the #7 spot for the best Christian high school in the entire country.

Woodward Academy

Woodward Academy, one of the largest independent schools in the U.S. Located in College Park, offers a comprehensive education to students from pre-K through 12th grade.

First established more than a century ago in 1900, Woodward Academy is a pre-K through 12th-grade school known for its academic excellence.

There are a number of signature programs offered by Woodward Academy that help it stand out from the crowd of impressive private schools, including:

• STEM initiatives

• Center for Puppetry Arts Partnership

• Outdoor Education and Leadership programs

• Global Connections Program

Both fine arts and athletics are emphasized at Woodward Academy in addition to academics. On the sprawling 130-acre campus, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and specialized spaces for other extracurricular activities.

The Paideia School

With a progressive educational philosophy, The Paideia School emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and experiential education. Their mission is to educate the whole child and nurture creativity, social responsibility, and intellectual curiosity.

Providing education for pre-K to 12th-grade students, the school is known for its small class sizes and interdisciplinary and integrated curriculum. Thanks to their belief in experiential learning, students have the opportunity to take field trips, engage in hands-on learning, participate in community service projects, and more.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Established in 1959, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is a private, co-educational Episcopal school.

With a focus on academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth, the principles of the Episcopal faith are integrated into the school’s educational philosophy.

Outside the Perimeter North- Best Private Schools

Searching for the best private schools in the northern suburbs outside the perimeter? Whether you want your kids to engage in hands-on learning through a Montessori school or your child has shown a propensity for STEM subjects, you’ve got options.

Moving to Atlanta but not interested in paying an arm and a leg for a house? Check out our guide to the most affordable Atlanta suburbs.

Fulton Science Academy

Located in Alpharetta, Fulton Science Academy is a renowned private school known for its strong emphasis on STEM education. The curriculum heavily focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Serving grades pre-K through 12th grade, Fulton Science Academy stands out with its strong robotics program and emphasis on developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

Rated the number one high school for STEM in Georgia on Niche.com, students interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, and math can flourish at the Fulton Science Academy. Beyond its top ranking for its STEM program, it also ranks as the second-best private high school in Georgia after the Westminster Schools.

Springmont School

For parents looking for a school that will offer a Montessori education in the Atlanta area, The Springmont School should definitely be on the list. The first Montessori School in Atlanta and the oldest in the Southeast, this is a private school in Sandy Springs.

Back in 1963, a group of parents were influenced by the writings and educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. After sending a teacher to Italy in order to learn the methods of philosophy, the parents opened the First Montessori Class of Atlanta in a spare room at Pace Academy.

The school has continued to grow and expand over the decades. The emphasis of Montessori education is on experiential learning, hands-on experiences, and individualized instruction. One thing that makes the Springmont School stand out is that they utilize multi-age classrooms, meaning that older and younger students will learn together in the same classroom.

Outside the Perimeter West: Best Private Schools

Now, check out the best private schools in the western suburbs, including South Fulton and Cobb Counties.

If you’re moving to the Atlanta area, there’s a good chance your new home will be a part of a homeowner’s association. For more information, check out our Atlanta HOA guide.

Whitefield Academy

Whitefield Academy is a private, Christian college prep school with more than 950 students in grades pre-K through 12th grade.

With a strong academic reputation and rigorous curriculum, the school strongly emphasizes its goal for 100% of graduating students to attend universities and colleges.

The Walker School

Located in Marietta, The Walker School serves pre-K through 12th-grade students.

Open to students of all faiths, the approach to learning is defined by the educational philosophy that each student has infinite worth and dignity. 

Covered Bridge Montessori

With two locations throughout the Atlanta area– in Norcross and Smyrna– the mission at the Covered Bridge Montessori schools is to provide a learning environment that nurtures what they call the 5G traits: “Growth mindset, Giving heart, Grit muscle, Gratitude perspective, and Grace attitude.”

Guided by the Montessori educational philosophy, the school has a Community Enrichment Center in addition to its two primary locations. Here they offer a wide array of community-based activities and services.

Covenant Christian School

Located in Smyrna, Covenant Christian is a private Christian school that is associated with the Covenant Presbyterian Church.

This school’s curriculum focuses on rigorous academic instruction, spiritual growth, and discipleship and serves pre-K through 8th grade.

Mount Pisgah Christian School

Rated the sixth-best Christian high school in Georgia, Mount Pisgah Christan School is located in Johns Creek in the heart of North Fulton County. The education provided by this school is focused on preparing students for college while remaining grounded in Christian faith and values.

The learning style here is student-centered and personalized. The emphasis is on helping students build relationships with God as well as with one another, with the curriculum incorporating what they call a spiritual blueprint.

Outside the Perimeter East- Best Private Schools

Do you live in Gwinnett or Dekalb County and want your kids to go to a private school close to home? Here are some of the top picks for the eastern suburbs outside the perimeter.

Greater Atlanta Christian School

Offering pre-K through 12th-grade education, the Greater Atlanta Christian School is located in Norcross. A well-regarded private school, this is an institution that focuses on helping students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. The educational experience is Christ-centered, which an emphasis on Biblical principles, servant leadership, and ethical values.

The curriculum here is college-preparatory, with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and rigorous academics. You’ll find that they offer a long list of AP courses and have a robust STEM focus.

Beyond that, students can also benefit from a competitive athletics program and many different fine arts programs, including opportunities for visual arts, drama, music, and media production.

Wesleyan School

The Wesleyan School offers a Christ-centered K-12 college preparatory curriculum that emphasizes providing an academically stimulating environment. Located in Peachtree Corners, they focus both on academic excellence and its Christian mission.

With full academic, athletic, and arts programs, they seek to cultivate a unified and diverse community. Though the school is focused on preparing children for college, they also strongly emphasize character development.

This school is rated the #1 best private high school in Gwinett County on Niche.com, with high ratings for academics, teachers, clubs and activities, sports, and college prep.

Notre Dame Academy

Rated the #3 best Catholic high school in Georgia on Niche.com, Notre Dame Academy is a top-rated private school in Duluth.

With a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1 and a small student body of 288 students in grades pre-K through 12, they proudly boast a 100% matriculation rate to four-year colleges and universities.

Finding the Right Area For Your Family in Metro Atlanta

Moving is a big decision that requires incorporating a wide variety of factors, whether you’re thinking about moving to a new suburb or relocating to Atlanta from out of state.

Are you preparing to purchase a home in the Atlanta area? If so, the Justin Landis Group is here to help. With a world-class team of experts that is eager to help you achieve your real estate goals, buying the perfect house for your family has never been easier.