Top 10 Best Athens Public Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 21 public schools serving 14,569 students in Athens, GA (there are 9 private schools, serving 1,230 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Athens, GA are educated in public schools (compared to the GA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Athens, GA are Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School, Timothy Elementary School and Barrow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Athens, GA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Georgia public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 40% statewide average). Schools in Athens have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Georgia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Georgia public school average of 65% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Athens, GA (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
757 N Chase St
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 543-1081
Grades: PK-5
| 486 students
Rank: #22.
Timothy Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1900 Timothy Rd
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 549-0107
Grades: PK-5
| 595 students
Rank: #33.
Barrow Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
100 Pinecrest Dr
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 543-2676
Grades: PK-5
| 458 students
Rank: #44.
South Jackson Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1630 New Kings Bridge Rd
Athens, GA 30607
(706) 208-3552
Grades: PK-5
| 701 students
Rank: #55.
Clarke Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1235 Baxter St
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 543-6547
Grades: 6-8
| 652 students
Rank: #66.
Clarke Central High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
350 S Milledge Ave
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 357-5200
Grades: 9-12
| 1,842 students
Rank: #77.
Foothills Regional High School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2415 Jefferson Rd Ste B
Athens, GA 30607
(706) 795-2191
Grades: 9-12
| 2,157 students
Rank: #88.
Barnett Shoals Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3220 Barnett Shoals Rd
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 357-5334
Grades: PK-5
| 488 students
Rank: #99.
Whitehead Road Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
555 Quailwood Dr
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 548-7296
Grades: PK-5
| 667 students
Rank: #1010.
Judia Jackson Harris Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2300 Danielsville Rd
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 357-5203
Grades: PK-5
| 395 students
Rank: #1111.
Burney-harris-lyons Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1600 Tallassee Rd
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 548-7208
Grades: 6-8
| 718 students
Rank: #1212.
Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1150 Oglethorpe Ave
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 549-0762
Grades: PK-5
| 569 students
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Fowler Drive Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
400 Fowler Dr
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 357-5330
Grades: PK-5
| 392 students
Rank: #13 - 1413. - 14.
Whit Davis Road Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1450 Whit Davis Rd
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 369-1036
Grades: PK-5
| 402 students
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Cedar Shoals High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 Cedar Shoals Dr
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 546-5375
Grades: 9-12
| 1,537 students
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Hilsman Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
870 Gaines School Rd
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 548-7281
Grades: 6-8
| 606 students
Rank: #1717.
Howard B. Stroud Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
715 Fourth St
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 369-1893
Grades: PK-5
| 378 students
Rank: #1818.
Gaines Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
900 Gaines School Rd
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 357-5333
Grades: PK-5
| 545 students
Rank: #1919.
Coile Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
110 Old Elberton Rd
Athens, GA 30601
(706) 357-5318
Grades: 6-8
| 595 students
Rank: #2020.
Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
205 Alps Rd
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 548-2261
Grades: PK-5
| 324 students
Rank: #2121.
Classic City High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
440 Dearing Ext
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 353-2323
Grades: 9-12
| 62 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
440 Dearing Extension
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 546-7721
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
55 Beaverdam Road Extension
Athens, GA 30608
(706) 369-5605
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
440 Dearing Extension
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 357-5292
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
440-2 Dearing Ext
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 357-5239
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
1630 New Kings Bridge Rd
Athens, GA 30607
(706) 208-3552
Grades: 6-8
| 358 students
Oglethorpe Ave
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 649-3030
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
440 Dearing Ext
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 546-7721
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Athens, GA?
The top ranked public schools in Athens, GA include Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School, Timothy Elementary School and Barrow Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Athens?
21 public schools are located in Athens.
What percentage of students in Athens go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Athens are educated in public schools (compared to the GA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Athens?
Athens public schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Georgia public schools average of 65% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Athens are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.