Best Elementary Schools in Augusta, GA

The city of Augusta, Georgia is home to 23 elementary schools that serve students from pre-kindergarten through 5th or 8th grade. These schools are part of the Richmond County school district, which is ranked 177 out of 206 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. While the majority of the schools struggle to meet state standards, a few standout institutions are performing significantly better than the district and state averages.

Walker Traditional Elementary School consistently ranks among the top 10% of elementary schools in Georgia, with 4-5 star ratings from SchoolDigger. Its students significantly outperform the district and state on Milestones assessments across all subjects and grade levels. Belair K-8 School and Lake Forest Hills Elementary School also stand out, ranking in the top 20% and 50% of Georgia elementary schools, respectively, and outperforming the district and state on key metrics.

However, the majority of the elementary schools in Augusta struggle, with most having less than 25% of students proficient or better in core subjects. Many of these schools have very high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting a high level of economic disadvantage among the student populations. The data also indicates a correlation between increased funding and resources, such as higher per-student spending and lower student-teacher ratios, and better academic performance, highlighting the challenges faced by high-poverty schools in the district.