By Eddie Franklin Finding the right private school in Atlanta can be an important decision for parents who want strong academics, supportive learning environments, extracurricular opportunities, and a clear educational philosophy for their children.
Atlanta has a wide selection of private schools, including independent college-preparatory schools, Christian and Catholic schools, international schools, Montessori-style programs, and institutions with specialized approaches to education. Admission requirements also vary considerably. Some schools require standardized tests and interviews, while others place greater emphasis on student observations, teacher recommendations, academic records, and family involvement.
In this article, we highlight 20 private schools in Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area, along with the admission requirements prospective students and their parents should expect.
Top Private Schools In Atlanta And Requirements
1. The Westminster Schools
The Westminster Schools is a private, independent college-preparatory school in Atlanta serving students from the lower school through Grade 12. The school combines rigorous academics with athletics, arts, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Westminster is particularly suitable for families looking for a traditional college-preparatory education with a broad range of opportunities outside the classroom.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Parent or guardian information
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- Grade-specific assessments
- Student evaluation or observation
- Standardized testing where applicable
- Additional school-specific forms
Requirements can differ considerably depending on the grade for which the student is applying.
2. The Lovett School
The Lovett School is an independent, coeducational school serving students from the early years through Grade 12. Its program combines academics, athletics, arts, leadership, and experiential learning.
The school looks at several aspects of an applicant rather than relying solely on academic performance.
Common Admission Requirements
Prospective students may need:
- Online application
- Parent questionnaire
- Student questionnaire for older applicants
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- School evaluations
- Grade-specific testing
- Student interview where applicable
- Application fee
Younger applicants may have different assessment requirements from middle- and upper-school applicants.
3. Pace Academy
Pace Academy is an independent college-preparatory school in Atlanta serving students from Pre-First through Grade 12. The school offers academic, athletic, artistic, and leadership opportunities.
Some grades are particularly important entry points, so parents should check availability before beginning an application.
Common Admission Requirements
The admissions process may include:
- Online application
- Parent statement
- Student statement for older applicants
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- Principal or counselor evaluation
- JATP or other age-appropriate testing
- SSAT for certain grades
- Student observation
- Interview
- Application fee
The exact combination depends on the student’s grade.
4. The Galloway School
The Galloway School is an independent school in Atlanta offering education from the early years through upper school. Its educational philosophy places emphasis on student development, academic curiosity, creativity, and community participation.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may be expected to submit:
- Online application
- Parent information
- Student information
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- Principal or counselor evaluation
- Age-appropriate assessment
- JATP for younger applicants
- SSAT, ISEE, MAP, IOWA, or other accepted assessments for older students
- Interview where applicable
Families should carefully check the requirements for their child’s specific grade.
5. Atlanta International School
Atlanta International School is one of the city’s prominent international educational institutions. It serves students from early childhood through Grade 12 and offers an international curriculum with strong language-learning opportunities.
The school can be particularly attractive to families interested in international education and multilingual learning.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may need:
- Online application
- Previous school records
- Academic information
- Applicant screening
- Age verification
- Admissions assessment
- Interview or school engagement where applicable
- Additional documentation for international applicants
Older students may also be asked to provide additional academic or English-language documentation.
6. The Paideia School
The Paideia School is an independent school in Atlanta known for its emphasis on intellectual curiosity, student participation, creativity, and community.
Its admissions process evaluates students and families through several components rather than depending entirely on test results.
Common Admission Requirements
Requirements may include:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Parent questionnaire
- Student questionnaire
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- Principal or counselor evaluation
- Student interview
- Parent interview
- Student writing or graded assignment for certain applicants
High-school applicants should expect more extensive academic documentation.
7. Woodward Academy
Woodward Academy is one of the larger private college-preparatory schools serving the Atlanta metropolitan area. It offers education from the early years through Grade 12 and provides opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, technology, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
Because it serves a broad age range, admission requirements vary significantly by grade.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may need:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- School evaluations
- Grade-specific assessments
- Student interview where applicable
- Birth certificate
- Health documentation
- Additional documents for international applicants
International applicants may have additional English-language and academic requirements.
8. Wesleyan School
Wesleyan School is a private Christian school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. In addition to academics, the school incorporates Christian education, athletics, arts, leadership, and community service.
Common Admission Requirements
Depending on grade, applicants may need:
- Online application
- Parent information
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- School recommendations
- JATP for younger applicants
- SSAT for older applicants
- Student assessment
- Interview
- Birth certificate
- Other enrollment documents
Families should also understand the school’s Christian educational philosophy before applying.
9. Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is an independent Episcopal school serving students from the early years through Grade 12. Its educational program combines academics with athletics, arts, service, and spiritual development.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Online application
- Parent questionnaire
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- JATP for younger applicants
- SSAT for certain older grades
- Student assessment
- Interview or admissions activity
- Application fee
The requirements depend on the grade being entered.
10. The Walker School
The Walker School is an independent school serving students in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It provides a college-preparatory education with opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, leadership, and student activities.
Common Admission Requirements
Parents may need to submit:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- School evaluations
- Student assessment
- Student visit or shadow experience
- Interview where applicable
- Parent information
- Financial-aid documents if requesting assistance
The school considers several aspects of an applicant’s background rather than relying exclusively on test results.
11. Marist School
Marist School is a Catholic college-preparatory school in Atlanta serving students in Grades 7 through 12. It combines academic preparation with Catholic education, athletics, arts, service, and extracurricular activities.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may need:
- Online application
- Parent questionnaire
- Student questionnaire
- Academic transcripts
- Teacher evaluations
- SSAT
- School-specific forms
- Application fee
- Additional documentation requested by the school
Families should also review the school’s Catholic educational environment and expectations.
12. Mount Vernon School
Mount Vernon School is an independent school serving students from the early years through high school in the Atlanta area. The school emphasizes innovation, creativity, collaboration, and personalized learning.
Common Admission Requirements
The application process may require:
- Online application
- Parent information
- Student information
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student assessment
- Interview or school visit
- Age verification
- Additional grade-specific documentation
Testing and assessment requirements can vary according to the student’s age.
13. The Trinity School
The Trinity School is an independent school serving younger students through Grade 6. Its program focuses on academics, character development, creativity, and community.
Because it serves younger students, the admissions process can involve observations and age-appropriate assessments rather than extensive standardized testing.
Common Admission Requirements
Parents may need:
- Online application
- Parent questionnaire
- School-specific forms
- Academic or developmental records where applicable
- Teacher evaluation
- Student observation
- Age verification
- Application fee
Families should apply early because entry points can be competitive.
14. The Friends School of Atlanta
The Friends School of Atlanta is a Quaker independent school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Its educational philosophy emphasizes community, inquiry, cooperation, and personal development.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may need:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Parent questionnaire
- School records
- Teacher evaluation
- Student assessment or observation
- Additional learning-support documentation where applicable
- Financial-aid information if assistance is requested
Parents should familiarize themselves with the school’s Quaker educational principles.
15. Atlanta Academy
Atlanta Academy is a private school serving students in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The school provides a structured academic environment with opportunities for extracurricular participation and student development.
Common Admission Requirements
Prospective students may be required to submit:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Parent information
- Student assessment
- Interview or school visit
- Age verification
- Enrollment documents
Admission requirements may vary depending on the grade level.
16. Holy Spirit Preparatory School
Holy Spirit Preparatory School is a Catholic school serving students in the Atlanta area. Its educational program combines academic preparation with Catholic faith formation.
Common Admission Requirements
Families may be required to provide:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student assessment
- Family information
- Interview
- Birth documentation
- Health records
- Religious or church information where applicable
Parents should review the school’s religious expectations before applying.
17. Greater Atlanta Christian School
Greater Atlanta Christian School is a private Christian school offering education from the early years through high school. The school combines academics with Christian education, athletics, arts, leadership, and service.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may need:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student assessment
- Parent information
- Interview
- Birth documentation
- Health and enrollment records
Families should also review the school’s statement of faith and educational philosophy.
18. Pinecrest Academy
Pinecrest Academy is a Catholic college-preparatory school in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It provides academic education alongside Catholic formation, athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities.
Common Admission Requirements
Prospective students may need:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student assessment
- Parent information
- Interview or school visit
- Birth documentation
- Health records
- Other school-specific forms
Catholic families may also want to investigate sacramental and religious expectations before applying.
19. The Children’s School
The Children’s School is an independent school in Atlanta focused primarily on younger learners. Its educational environment is designed around children’s developmental, academic, social, and creative needs.
For young applicants, admissions can be quite different from those for teenagers applying to high school.
Common Admission Requirements
Parents may be asked to provide:
- Online application
- Parent questionnaire
- Child’s developmental or school records
- Student observation
- Family meeting or interview
- Age verification
- Health documentation
- Other enrollment forms
The child’s readiness and developmental needs may be important parts of the process.
20. Atlanta Jewish Academy
Atlanta Jewish Academy combines Jewish education with a college-preparatory academic program. It serves students across multiple grade levels and offers both general academic and Jewish studies.
Common Admission Requirements
Applicants may need:
- Online application
- Academic records
- Teacher evaluations
- Parent information
- Student assessment
- Interview
- Age verification
- Health and enrollment documentation
Families should also examine the school’s Jewish studies curriculum, religious environment, language programs, and community expectations.
Common Requirements for Private Schools in Atlanta
Although every private school has its own admissions policy, several requirements appear repeatedly.
1. Online Application
Most private schools require parents to complete an online application. Some Atlanta independent schools use centralized admissions platforms, while others operate their own application systems.
2. Academic Records
Students transferring from another school will generally need report cards, transcripts, or other academic records.
For high-school applicants, schools may request multiple years of transcripts.
3. Teacher Recommendations
Teacher evaluations can help schools understand a student’s academic performance, classroom behavior, participation, communication, and learning habits.
4. Entrance Testing
Testing requirements differ by school and grade. Some schools may use assessments such as the JATP, SSAT, ISEE, MAP, or other standardized assessments.
Not every private school requires an entrance examination.
5. Student Interviews
Interviews are particularly common among middle-school and high-school applicants. They can allow the school to learn more about the student’s interests, goals, personality, and educational expectations.
6. Student Observation
For younger children, schools may use observation rather than traditional entrance examinations. This allows admissions teams to evaluate age-appropriate skills and readiness.
7. Application Fee
Many private schools charge an application fee. Families should check whether the fee is refundable before submitting an application.
8. Birth Certificate and Proof of Age
Schools serving younger children commonly request documentation confirming the student’s age.
9. Financial-Aid Documents
Families seeking financial assistance may need to submit a separate financial-aid application along with supporting financial information.
How to Apply to a Private School in Atlanta
The private-school application process can be easier when parents begin preparing several months ahead.
Step 1: Identify Suitable Schools
Start by considering your child’s grade, academic interests, location, budget, extracurricular interests, and preferred educational environment.
Step 2: Check Entry Grades
Some schools accept students at multiple grade levels, while others have specific entry points.
Step 3: Review Admission Requirements
Create a checklist of the required documents, tests, recommendations, interviews, and application deadlines.
Step 4: Prepare Academic Records
Request transcripts, report cards, teacher recommendations, and other records early.
Step 5: Prepare for Assessments
If the school requires JATP, SSAT, ISEE, or another assessment, give your child enough time to understand the test format and prepare appropriately.
Step 6: Complete the Application
Submit the application and all required supplementary materials before the deadline.
Step 7: Attend Interviews and School Visits
If invited, attend the required interview, student assessment, open house, or school visit.
Step 8: Apply for Financial Aid
If tuition assistance is necessary, complete the financial-aid application separately and submit all required financial documents.
Private Schools in Atlanta Comparison Table
| School | School Type | Grade Range | Possible Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Westminster Schools | Independent | Lower–12 | Application, records, evaluations, assessment |
| The Lovett School | Independent | K–12 | Application, records, evaluations, testing |
| Pace Academy | Independent | Pre-First–12 | Application, JATP/SSAT, evaluations, interview |
| The Galloway School | Independent | Early years–Upper School | Application, testing, evaluations, observation |
| Atlanta International School | International | 3K–12 | Application, records, screening, assessment |
| The Paideia School | Independent | Early years–12 | Application, records, evaluations, interviews |
| Woodward Academy | College Preparatory | Pre-K–12 | Application, records, evaluations, assessment |
| Wesleyan School | Christian | K–12 | Application, JATP/SSAT, records, interview |
| Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School | Episcopal | Pre-K–12 | Application, JATP/SSAT, evaluations |
| The Walker School | Independent | Early years–12 | Application, records, recommendations |
| Marist School | Catholic | 7–12 | Application, SSAT, transcripts, evaluations |
| Mount Vernon School | Independent | Early years–12 | Application, records, assessment |
| The Trinity School | Independent | Early years–6 | Application, observation, evaluations |
| Friends School of Atlanta | Quaker | K–8 | Application, records, evaluation, assessment |
| Atlanta Academy | Independent | Elementary–Middle | Application, records, assessment |
| Holy Spirit Preparatory School | Catholic | Early years–12 | Application, records, assessment |
| Greater Atlanta Christian School | Christian | Early years–12 | Application, records, recommendations |
| Pinecrest Academy | Catholic | Early years–12 | Application, records, assessment, interview |
| The Children’s School | Independent | Early childhood–Elementary | Application, observation, family meeting |
| Atlanta Jewish Academy | Jewish/College Preparatory | Multiple grades | Application, records, assessment, interview |
Related
Conclusion
Atlanta provides families with a broad range of private-school options, from traditional independent schools and college-preparatory institutions to Christian, Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Quaker, and international schools.
The admission requirements for private schools in Atlanta vary significantly according to both the school and the student’s grade. While academic records, teacher recommendations, applications, and assessments are common, some schools also require standardized tests, interviews, observations, student essays, or family meetings.
Parents should therefore avoid waiting until the application deadline to begin the process. Start by identifying schools that fit your child’s academic needs, interests, family values, location, and budget. Then review the school’s current admissions checklist and prepare the required documents well in advance.
For families applying to Atlanta private schools for the upcoming academic year, early preparation can make the process more organized and give students enough time to prepare for any required assessments, interviews, or school visits.
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