Best High Schools
in Atlanta, Georgia
We ranked the 39 high schools in Atlanta with real test data. The top 25 scored between 6.1 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Georgia education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Atlanta for 2026 are Charles Drew Charter Ja/sr Academy (8.8/10), Midtown High School (8.3/10), and North Atlanta High School (8.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 39 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Atlanta?
Every high 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.
Charles Drew Charter Ja/sr Academy
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Midtown High School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
North Atlanta High School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Atlanta's 23 ranked high schools span a meaningful range of performance, with an average composite score of 6.0/10 across the metro. Charles Drew Charter JA/SR Academy leads the field at 8.4/10 — a full 1.3 points ahead of the next tier — followed by Carver High School Early College, Riverwood International Charter School, and B.E.S.T Academy, which all land at or above 7.1/10. Only 4 schools, or 17% of the ranked list, clear the 7.0 threshold, making the top of this table genuinely competitive. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the right fit. Charter and magnet options appear throughout the rankings, giving families real alternatives to traditional neighborhood assignments. Use the filters to narrow by what matters most — whether that's academic rigor, proximity, or program focus — then click any school for a deeper look at the data behind its score.
Charles Drew Charter Ja/sr Academy
Midtown High School
North Atlanta High School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Atlanta's High 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 39 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 high schools in Georgia.Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Georgia, with 42 schools spanning 16 school districts, plus 3 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 high school in Atlanta, Georgia?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Charles Drew Charter Ja/sr Academy is the top-rated high school in Atlanta with a composite score of 8.8/10. 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 high schools are in Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta has 42 high schools, including 3 charter schools. Of these, 39 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Atlanta?
The average composite score for Atlanta high schools is 6.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Georgia).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Atlanta has 3 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.