Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Private High Schools in Atlanta
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Private High Schools in Atlanta
Direct Answer
The Best Overall private high school in metro Atlanta is The Westminster Schools, whose elite academics, deep college counseling, and Ivy-and-flagship matriculation make it the standard for the region. The Best Value pick is Marist School, a Catholic college-prep school whose strong outcomes and lower tuition deliver excellent results per dollar against the highest-priced independents.
This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll among Atlanta-area private schools, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the schools, Niche, and Private School Review.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against what families paying tuition actually care about, drawing on published figures from Niche, Private School Review, each school's profile and college matriculation reports, and accreditation sources. The weighting:
- Academic performance and rigor - 25%
- College matriculation outcomes - 20%
- Value relative to tuition - 15%
- Teachers and resources - 15%
- Environment and culture - 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit - 10%
A school with a famous name but weak outcomes per dollar drops; the winners balance rigor, results, and fit.
1. The Westminster Schools 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Private (Nondenominational Christian) | Tuition: ~$38,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting the region's most rigorous independent academics
The Westminster Schools in Buckhead, Atlanta, enrolls roughly 1,900 students across its divisions and is widely regarded as the premier independent school in Georgia. Westminster offers a deep AP and advanced curriculum, a renowned college counseling office, and matriculation that regularly includes the Ivies, Stanford, Duke, Georgia Tech, and UGA's honors programs.
Average SAT scores are among the highest in the state, and the school's arts, athletics, and research programs are exceptional. Its large endowment funds robust need-based aid.
Pros:
- Premier independent academics in Georgia
- Elite college counseling and Ivy matriculation
- Among the highest SAT averages in the state
- Strong endowment and need-based aid
Cons:
- High tuition near $38,000
- Highly competitive admissions
Verdict: Westminster wins on balance - the deepest independent academics in Atlanta with elite college outcomes.
2. The Lovett School
Type: Private (Episcopal-affiliated) | Tuition: ~$37,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting rigorous academics on a scenic riverside campus
The Lovett School in Buckhead, Atlanta, enrolls about 1,650 students on a large campus along the Chattahoochee River. Lovett pairs a strong AP and honors curriculum with standout arts and athletics, and its college counseling sends graduates to selective universities nationwide.
Average SAT scores are high, and the school is known for a supportive, well-resourced environment with small classes and a low student-teacher ratio.
Pros:
- Strong AP and honors curriculum
- Standout arts and athletics
- Selective-college matriculation
- Scenic, well-resourced riverside campus
Cons:
- High tuition near $37,000
- Competitive admissions
Verdict: A top independent choice - rigorous academics and rich programs in a beautiful setting.
3. Pace Academy
Type: Private (Independent) | Tuition: ~$36,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a rigorous, close-knit Buckhead independent school
Pace Academy in Buckhead, Atlanta, enrolls about 1,200 students and is known for combining academic rigor with a tight-knit community. Pace offers a deep AP catalog, a strong global education program, and competitive athletics and arts. Its college counseling produces strong matriculation to selective universities, and the smaller size supports close student-teacher relationships and individualized support.
Pros:
- Deep AP catalog and global education program
- Close-knit, supportive community
- Competitive athletics and arts
- Strong selective-college matriculation
Cons:
- High tuition near $36,000
- Smaller size limits some program scale
Verdict: A close-knit independent leader - rigor and individualized support in a smaller community.
4. Marist School 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Private (Catholic) | Tuition: ~$26,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting elite college prep at a lower tuition
Marist School in Brookhaven, a Catholic college-preparatory school enrolling about 1,100 students in grades 7-12, delivers outcomes that rival the priciest independents at a noticeably lower tuition near $26,000. Marist offers a strong AP program, well-regarded college counseling, and a tradition of excellent matriculation to UGA, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, and selective national universities.
Its athletics and service programs are standouts, making it an exceptional value.
Pros:
- Elite college prep at ~$26,000 tuition
- Strong AP program and college counseling
- Excellent matriculation to selective schools
- Standout athletics and service programs
Cons:
- Catholic identity may not fit all families
- Includes middle-school grades on the same campus
Verdict: The value champion - independent-level outcomes at a meaningfully lower Catholic-school tuition.
5. Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
Type: Private (Episcopal) | Tuition: ~$33,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a strong Episcopal college-prep program
Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Sandy Springs enrolls about 1,400 students and is the largest Episcopal day school in the country. It offers a strong AP and honors curriculum, robust arts and athletics, and well-regarded college counseling with strong matriculation to selective universities.
The school's values-based culture and broad program offerings make it a well-rounded choice.
Pros:
- Strong AP and honors curriculum
- Robust arts and athletics
- Values-based Episcopal culture
- Strong college matriculation
Cons:
- High tuition near $33,000
- Large enrollment for a private school
Verdict: A well-rounded Episcopal leader - strong academics and programs in a values-driven community.
6. Woodward Academy
Type: Private (Independent) | Tuition: ~$33,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a large, diverse independent school
Woodward Academy in College Park, the largest independent school in the continental U.S., enrolls roughly 2,800 students across its divisions. Woodward offers an exceptionally broad AP and advanced curriculum, extensive arts, athletics, and STEM programs, and strong college counseling.
Its size supports unusual program breadth and one of the most diverse student bodies among Atlanta independents, with strong matriculation to selective universities.
Pros:
- Exceptionally broad AP and program catalog
- One of the most diverse independent student bodies
- Extensive arts, athletics, and STEM
- Strong college matriculation
Cons:
- Very large enrollment for a private school
- High tuition near $33,000
Verdict: The breadth leader - unmatched program range and diversity at scale.
7. The Galloway School
Type: Private (Progressive Independent) | Tuition: ~$32,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a progressive, student-centered approach
The Galloway School in Buckhead, Atlanta, enrolls about 750 students and is known for its progressive, student-centered educational philosophy. Galloway emphasizes critical thinking, discussion-based classes, and individualized learning over standardized rigidity, while still offering advanced coursework and strong college counseling.
Its small size and distinctive culture appeal to families seeking an alternative to traditional prep schools, with solid matriculation to selective colleges.
Pros:
- Progressive, student-centered philosophy
- Small, discussion-based classes
- Individualized learning approach
- Solid selective-college matriculation
Cons:
- Progressive model is not for every student
- Smaller program scale
Verdict: The progressive choice - a student-centered alternative with strong individualized support.
8. Wesleyan School
Type: Private (Christian) | Tuition: ~$30,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a Christian college-prep school in the northern suburbs
Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners enrolls about 1,200 students and is a well-regarded Christian college-preparatory school. Wesleyan offers a strong AP and honors curriculum, competitive athletics, and active arts and service programs, with strong college counseling and matriculation to selective universities.
Its faith-based culture and northern-suburb location appeal to many Gwinnett and north Fulton families.
Pros:
- Strong AP and honors curriculum
- Competitive athletics and arts
- Faith-based, community-oriented culture
- Strong college matriculation
Cons:
- Christian identity may not fit all families
- Tuition near $30,000
Verdict: A northern-suburb Christian leader - strong academics and athletics in a faith-based community.
9. Atlanta International School
Type: Private (International, IB) | Tuition: ~$35,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a full IB and multilingual program
Atlanta International School in Buckhead, Atlanta, enrolls about 1,300 students and is the metro's premier International Baccalaureate (IB) and multilingual school, offering full immersion programs in several languages. AIS delivers the complete IB Diploma Programme, draws a globally diverse student body, and posts strong matriculation to selective universities worldwide.
Its international focus is unmatched in the region.
Pros:
- Full IB Diploma Programme
- Multilingual immersion in several languages
- Globally diverse student body
- Strong worldwide college matriculation
Cons:
- High tuition near $35,000
- IB-only pathway may not suit all students
Verdict: The international leader - a full IB and multilingual program unmatched in Atlanta.
10. The Paideia School
Type: Private (Progressive Independent) | Tuition: ~$31,000/yr | Best for: Families wanting a progressive in-town independent school
The Paideia School in Druid Hills, Atlanta, enrolls about 1,000 students and is a respected progressive independent school known for its discussion-based, interdisciplinary approach and strong sense of community. Paideia offers flexible advanced coursework, robust arts, and a distinctive culture that emphasizes student voice, with strong matriculation to selective liberal arts colleges and universities.
Its in-town location and progressive ethos draw families seeking an alternative to traditional prep.
Pros:
- Progressive, interdisciplinary curriculum
- Strong arts and student-voice culture
- In-town Druid Hills location
- Strong liberal arts college matriculation
Cons:
- Progressive model is not for every student
- Less emphasis on standardized rigor
Verdict: An in-town progressive standout - interdisciplinary learning and community in a distinctive culture.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Private High School
- College matriculation outcomes - Look at where graduates actually enroll, not just the school's reputation or test averages.
- Academic rigor and fit - A traditional AP-heavy program suits some students; a progressive, discussion-based model suits others.
- Tuition and financial aid - Value picks like Marist deliver strong outcomes at lower cost; ask about need-based aid at every school.
- Culture and values - Faith-based, international, and progressive schools offer very different environments; visit to gauge fit.
- Program breadth - Large schools like Woodward offer more electives and activities; smaller schools offer closer relationships.
- Class size and support - Low student-teacher ratios and strong counseling matter more than a marquee name.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's tuition tier, a single SAT average, or its prestige alone. Cultural fit, program access, and counseling drive a student's outcome far more.
FAQ
Which private high school is the best overall in Atlanta? The Westminster Schools earns the top spot for the region's most rigorous independent academics, elite college counseling, and strong Ivy-and-flagship matriculation.
What is the best value private high school in Atlanta? Marist School is our best value - a Catholic college-prep school delivering outcomes that rival the priciest independents at a lower tuition near $26,000.
Which Atlanta private school is best for an IB program? Atlanta International School is the premier choice, offering the full IB Diploma Programme alongside multilingual immersion and a globally diverse student body.
Are there progressive private high schools in Atlanta? Yes - The Galloway School and The Paideia School are well-regarded progressive independents emphasizing discussion-based, student-centered learning.
Do Atlanta private high schools offer financial aid? Most, including Westminster, Lovett, and Marist, offer need-based financial aid; ask each admissions office about aid availability and net cost for your family.
Which Atlanta private school has the most program breadth? Woodward Academy, the largest independent school in the continental U.S., offers exceptional breadth in AP courses, arts, athletics, and STEM, plus a diverse student body.
Bottom Line
For Atlanta families, The Westminster Schools is our Best Overall private high school - its rigorous academics, elite college counseling, and strong selective-college matriculation set the standard. Marist School is our Best Value, delivering independent-level outcomes at a meaningfully lower Catholic-school tuition.
If your priority is a full IB program, a progressive model, or unmatched program breadth, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Atlanta International, Galloway, or Woodward instead. Choose on cultural fit, outcomes, and counseling, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- Niche - Best Private High Schools in the Atlanta Area
- Private School Review - Atlanta Private Schools
- The Westminster Schools
- The Lovett School
- Pace Academy
- Marist School
- Woodward Academy
- Atlanta International School
- The Paideia School
- Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
*Private high schools in Atlanta review - best private high schools Atlanta, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families in 2027.*