Best High Schools
in Atlanta, Georgia
We ranked all 42 high schools in Atlanta. The top 25 scored between 6.1 and 8.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Georgia education data
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.
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Georgia so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 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 8.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.3/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.