Buckhead Schools Guide — Atlanta's Best Public & Private Schools

E. Rivers Elementary is one of the most sought-after public elementary schools in Atlanta and a cornerstone of the Buckhead educational landscape. Established in 1921, the school has a long tradition of academic excellence and community involvement. E. Rivers serves approximately 600 students in grades PreK-5 and is known for small class sizes, an engaged parent association, and enrichment programs in STEM, art, and music.

Warren T. Jackson Elementary serves the northern portion of Buckhead, drawing students from neighborhoods surrounding Chastain Park. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and science. Jackson Elementary benefits from strong parental involvement and proximity to Chastain Park's recreational facilities, including the nature trail, playground, and athletic fields that the school uses for outdoor learning.

Sarah Smith Elementary is a newer addition to the Buckhead public school landscape, experiencing growing enrollment and increasing popularity among families. The school serves a portion of the North Buckhead area and has benefited from significant investment in facilities and programming. Sarah Smith emphasizes project-based learning and has developed strong enrichment programs in technology and the arts.

The Westminster Schools is one of the most prestigious private schools in the Southeast and consistently ranked among the top day schools in the nation. Founded in 1951, Westminster sits on a stunning 180-acre wooded campus in the heart of Buckhead, complete with state-of-the-art athletic facilities, science centers, and performing arts spaces. The rigorous college preparatory curriculum produces National Merit Scholars at rates far exceeding national averages. Westminster graduates regularly attend Ivy League and top-tier universities, and the school's alumni network is one of the strongest in Atlanta.

Pace Academy is a highly regarded independent school located near Chastain Park, known for its strong balance of rigorous academics, exceptional arts programs, and competitive athletics. Founded in 1958, Pace serves approximately 1,100 students across three divisions. The school is particularly recognized for its visual and performing arts programs, including a professional-grade theatre, and its championship athletics teams. Pace's smaller size fosters close student-teacher relationships and a tight-knit community feel. The school's Buckhead location makes it especially convenient for families in Chastain Park, North Buckhead, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Lovett School occupies a beautiful 100-acre campus in North Buckhead and has educated Atlanta families since 1926. Lovett is especially well-regarded for its STEM programs, with dedicated innovation labs, robotics teams, and a comprehensive technology curriculum integrated from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school also excels in athletics, fielding competitive teams across more than 20 varsity sports. Lovett's campus includes a world-class aquatic center, multiple athletic fields, and a modern performing arts facility. The school's emphasis on community service and character development distinguishes it among Buckhead's private school options.

Atlanta International School (AIS) offers a fully immersive International Baccalaureate curriculum from PreK through 12th grade, making it one of the few schools in the Southeastern United States to provide the complete IB continuum. AIS is distinguished by its multilingual instruction, with students able to study in French, German, and Spanish language tracks alongside English. The school draws a diverse international student body representing more than 90 countries, creating a uniquely global learning environment within Buckhead. AIS is ideal for internationally mobile families, those seeking world-language fluency, or families who value a globally oriented education.

Christ the King School is a Catholic parish school on Peachtree Road that has served the Buckhead community since 1937. The school offers a faith-based education with strong academics, emphasizing the development of the whole child. Christ the King is known for its close-knit community, dedicated faculty, and family-centered values. With tuition significantly lower than Buckhead's other private schools, Christ the King provides an accessible private education option. Graduates typically go on to attend leading Atlanta-area high schools including Westminster, Pace, Lovett, and Marist.

Holy Innocents' Episcopal School sits on the northern boundary of Buckhead near Sandy Springs and provides an Episcopal-affiliated education from PreK through 12th grade. The school is known for strong college preparatory academics, competitive athletics, and a values-based approach to education. Holy Innocents' expansive campus features dedicated facilities for each division, including a state-of-the-art STEM center and fine arts building. The school is a popular choice for families in North Buckhead, Whitewater Creek, and the Chastain Park area who seek a faith-integrated educational environment.

The Galloway School follows a progressive education philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning, creative thinking, and student-led inquiry. Located adjacent to Chastain Park, Galloway leverages its natural surroundings as an outdoor classroom. The school is notably smaller than other Buckhead private institutions, which allows for highly individualized attention and a flexible curriculum that adapts to each student's learning style. Galloway is ideal for families seeking an alternative to traditional college preparatory models while still maintaining high academic standards and excellent college placement outcomes.