Best Elementary Schools
in Atlanta, Georgia
We ranked the 104 elementary schools in Atlanta with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.9 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Georgia education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Atlanta for 2026 are Mary Lin Elementary School (9.6/10), Heards Ferry Elementary School (9.6/10), and Jackson Elementary School (9.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 104 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Atlanta?
Every elementary school in Atlanta is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Mary Lin Elementary School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Heards Ferry Elementary School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Jackson Elementary School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Atlanta's elementary school landscape spans 78 ranked schools, with composite scores ranging from well below average to Mary Lin Elementary School's leading 9.6 out of 10. That top-to-bottom spread gives parents real choices — and real differences to weigh. Burgess-Peterson Elementary and Parkside Elementary round out the upper tier, both scoring above 9.0 alongside Bolton Academy and Benteen Elementary. The metro average sits at 6.9 out of 10, but 47 schools — roughly 60% of the ranked pool — clear the 7.0 mark, meaning strong options are distributed across the city rather than concentrated in a single pocket. Scores, student-to-teacher ratios, and other key indicators are all sortable in the table below. Filter by what matters most to your family to quickly identify schools worth a closer look.
Mary Lin Elementary School
Heards Ferry Elementary School
Jackson Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Atlanta's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Georgia so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 104 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Georgia education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Georgia. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Atlanta
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Atlanta's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Atlanta
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Atlanta's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Georgia, with 119 schools spanning 16 school districts, plus 17 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Mary Lin Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Atlanta with a composite score of 9.6/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta has 119 elementary schools, including 17 charter schools. Of these, 105 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Atlanta?
The average composite score for Atlanta elementary schools is 6.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Georgia).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Georgia, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Georgia, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Atlanta elementary school rankings?
Yes. Atlanta has 17 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.