Choosing the right elementary school is one of the biggest decisions for parents — because it’s not just about academics, it’s about giving children a place where they feel seen, safe, supported, and inspired. While searching online, families often look for the best elementary schools in Atlanta, hoping to find a single resource that gives them everything — rankings, student data, educational programs, parent experience, teacher ratios, and community culture. This blog is created exactly for that purpose — so you won’t need to open another tab.
Atlanta, Georgia is home to some of the strongest K–12 institutions in the Southeast — where quality public schools and magnet programs give students access to STEM, IB curriculum, gifted programs, and leadership development.
Atlanta Education Spotlight – A Parent Value Fact
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students have one of the highest growth rates in literacy in the Southeast, with many elementary schools outperforming national averages in math and reading.
This shows that enrolling in the right school doesn’t only depend on test scores — growth and learning support matter just as much.
Top 8 Best Elementary Schools in Atlanta – 2026 Ranked List
1. Virginia-Highland Elementary School – Atlanta, GA
Address: 774 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306
Ranking: #1 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 561
👉 Learn more about this school here
✨ Why families choose it:
Opened in Fall 2023, this modern school serves the Morningside and Springdale Park communities. Families love its brand-new facilities, fresh curriculum model, and a strong community-integrated learning environment. As a newly established school, it quickly rose to the top because of its academic performance and strong district support.
2. Bolton Academy – Atlanta, GA
Address: 2268 Adams Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Ranking: #2 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 553
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
👉 Explore full details about this school here
Why parents trust Bolton:
Bolton is an IB World School — offering an International Baccalaureate education that builds global-minded leaders. Its STEAM-focused programs and leadership development activities give students hands-on confidence and creativity.
3. Lin Elementary School (Mary Lin Elementary)
Address: 586 Candler Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Ranking: #3 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 628
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
See more information about this school here
What makes it unique:
Mary Lin is well-known for exceptional math performance, a strong parent community, and healthy academic culture. Parents often describe it as supportive, structured, and socially positive — a school where children feel both challenged and cared for.
4. Brandon Elementary School
Address: 2741 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Ranking: #4 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 861
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
👉 Get more insights about this school here
Why Brandon stands out:
Featuring two campuses, Brandon Elementary uses the IB Primary Years Program and project-based learning to empower students. Its large student population allows for specialized programs, clubs, and enrichment, giving children a balanced academic and extracurricular experience.
5. Heards Ferry Elementary School – Atlanta, GA
Address: 6151 Powers Ferry Rd, Atlanta, GA 30339
Ranking: #5 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 730
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Find additional details about this school here
School culture:
Located within Fulton County Schools, Heards Ferry is recognized for its inquiry-based teaching, high test performance, and tight-knit school community. Parents appreciate strong communication and family involvement.
6. Morningside Elementary School – Atlanta, GA
Address: 1053 E Rock Springs Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Ranking: #6 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 816
Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
👉 Discover more about this school here
Why families love it:
Morningside is frequently rated the best public school choice in the Midtown Cluster, combining excellent teacher support, community engagement, and student culture that encourages confidence and academic ambition.
7. Jackson Elementary School – Atlanta, GA
Address: 1325 Mount Paran Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Ranking: #7 Elementary School in GA
Grades: Pre-K – 5
Students: 471
Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
👉 Check the full school overview here
🏅 Awards & Recognition:
✔ National Blue Ribbon School
✔ Georgia School of Excellence
Jackson is known for innovative thinking tools, student-centered classrooms, and enrichment programs, making it a popular choice among families focused on academic rigor.
8. Kittredge Magnet School – Atlanta, GA
Address: 2383 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Ranking: #8 Elementary School in GA
Grades: 4 – 6 (Advanced Gifted Program)
Students: 502
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
👉 View the school’s complete information here
Kittredge Magnet serves high-achieving students through gifted programming designed to challenge advanced learners. This school is known for academic excellence, structured critical-thinking curriculum, and highly engaged teachers.
What Parents Should Consider Before Choosing
Here’s a quick checklist for parents to choose the best elementary school:
| Factor | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Smaller classes = more personalized support |
| Academic Growth | Shows how well students improve year over year |
| Community Reviews | Indicates safety, belonging, and culture |
| Curriculum Style | IB, STEAM, inquiry-based, or traditional |
| Extracurricular Offerings | Shapes creativity, leadership & confidence |
📌 Quick Atlanta Statistic – Why This City Wins for Education
📊 Fulton County & APS elementary students have shown over 12% improvement in reading comprehension between Grades 3–5, and schools like Jackson & Lin consistently perform above state averages.
This shows that choosing the best elementary schools in Atlanta can significantly impact long-term academic success — especially during the learning-foundation years.
Final Thoughts – Which School Is Best for Your Child?
The right choice is not just the highest-ranked school.
It is the school where your child:
✔ Feels encouraged
✔ Receives enough teacher attention
✔ Has opportunities to explore
✔ And wakes up excited to learn
Each of these eight Atlanta schools offers something remarkable — whether it’s strong academics, gifted programs, IB-based learning, or exceptional community warmth.
So before deciding, visit, tour, meet teachers, and most importantly — choose the place where your child feels like they belong.
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