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Garden Hills Elementary School

Q: Is Garden Hills Elementary School a good school?

Garden Hills Elementary School ranks 573 rd of 1238 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

573^rd

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,238 Georgia Elementary Schools

Better than 54% of Georgia elementary schools

Summary

Garden Hills Elementary School is a public elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia, serving 470 students in grades PK-5 as part of the Atlanta Public Schools district.

While Garden Hills Elementary has a relatively low student-teacher ratio and higher per-student spending compared to the state average, the school consistently underperforms its nearby peers on standardized tests. For example, in the 2024-2025 school year, the school's 3rd grade English Language Arts proficiency rate was just 28.2%, compared to 34.9% for the Atlanta Public Schools district and the state. Additionally, Garden Hills has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 57.91% to 65.96% in recent years, significantly higher than nearby schools like Virginia-Highland Elementary (15.69%), Jackson Elementary (17.85%), and Morningside Elementary (9.87%).

The data suggests that Garden Hills Elementary has room for improvement, particularly in aligning its academic outcomes with the higher-performing schools in the area. Identifying and addressing the root causes of the performance gap, such as instructional practices, curriculum, and support for economically disadvantaged students, could be crucial for the school's future success.

494

Students ?

11.3

Student/teacher ratio ?

$27,197

Per pupil spending ?

72.5%

Free/discounted lunch ?

285 Sheridan Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

(404) 802-7800

District: Atlanta Public Schools

Students who attend Garden Hills Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Willis A. Sutton Middle School
High:	North Atlanta High School

Racial breakdown:

African American:

42.7%

Hispanic:

36.2%

White:

14.8%

See top rated Georgia elementary schools

Compare Garden Hills Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 52nd percentile in 2015 → 54th in 2025

Strengths

✓Above the Georgia median (54th percentile)

✓Small classes — about 11 students per teacher

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school40%

District avg38%

Georgia avg42%

573^rd of 1,238

Georgia public elementary schools ?

Top 46%▲ up 2 pts since 2015

See the entire ranking list of Georgia Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

16^th of 55Elementary Schools in the Atlanta Public Schools

139^th of 206Atlanta Public Schools among Georgia districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2025	49.4	573 of 1238	53.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	54.0	519 of 1248	58.4%	★★★☆☆
2023	58.3	466 of 1242	62.5%	★★★☆☆
2022	54.1	520 of 1244	58.2%	★★★☆☆
2021	50.2	555 of 1214	54.3%	★★★☆☆
2019	57.2	494 of 1234	60.0%	★★★☆☆
2018	57.0	469 of 1209	61.2%	★★★☆☆
2017	49.8	555 of 1205	53.9%	★★★☆☆
2016	55.5	489 of 1233	60.3%	★★★☆☆
2015	47.6	599 of 1240	51.7%	★★★☆☆
2014	62.1	548 of 1231	55.5%	★★★☆☆
2013	46.8	783 of 1225	36.1%	★★☆☆☆
2012	47.0	767 of 1201	36.1%	★★☆☆☆
2011	35.2	902 of 1212	25.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	63.3	487 of 1183	58.8%	★★★☆☆
2009	69.2	353 of 1133	68.8%	★★★☆☆
2008	53.1	608 of 1134	46.4%	★★☆☆☆
2007	41.4	755 of 1125	32.9%	★★☆☆☆
2006	20.3	955 of 1101	13.3%	★☆☆☆☆

By subject vs Georgia (2024-2025) ?

Science41%~ state avg

English Language Arts40%~ state avg

Mathematics39%-6 vs state

5.0

8 ratings · 7 written reviews

5★8

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Thursday, May 6, 2021

The school structure is old enough that my wife's grandmother attended here, but the excellence focus is growing as the demographics shift and parents have the means to invest in the school at a discount from private school tuition costs. The school as a whole may receive middling marks, but the DLI program is tops. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, March 5, 2020

This is a gem of a neighborhood school. I know my children are in good hands and that the school faculty is invested in their education. Families can choose the traditional school track or apply for DLI, dual language immersion. We're very happy with the school. Close Quote

by a teacher
Saturday, April 13, 2019

Garden Hills is truly a special place. I feel valuable and appreciated as an educator by the whole community - adminstration, staff, parents and students. I have been able to learn and grow and in such a positive environment. Close Quote

by a citizen
Thursday, May 3, 2018

Wonderful staff, beautifully maintained and decorated building, lots of special resources for the children. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, January 15, 2016

My son has been here since Kindergarten and he is now a fourth grader. This school is truly a gem. The leadership and staff truly care about the students and plans accordingly to help them succeed. My son has flourished here and i am so thankful to have had him at such a special school! I am looking forward to my daughter starting in a couple years. We love Garden Hills! Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, December 30, 2013

We have had two children at GHES for five years and recommend it wholeheartedly. It is small. Teachers are dedicated. The neighborhood supports it's school. The rankings and scores are excellent - even considering the high Hispanic population where readers struggle with the language. We are impressed with the school's priority on supporting learners as they are....and differentiating instruction based on need. ESOL kids get the pull-outs they need. It is an IB school - and has held that designation longer than any elementary school in Atlanta. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, March 6, 2012

I am the proud parent of a second semester kindergartener who has absolutely flourished at Garden Hills. Admittedly, when my wife and I started our initial research on the school - test scores, etc. - we were more than a bit concerned. However, after scheduling a tour of the school, meeting with other parents, meeting the teachers and the principal our concerns quickly went away. Garden Hills is a teaching school that provides a rigorous curriculum. I do not want my child to be taught how to take an exam.

If you are a prospective parent of a kindergartener, please take advantage of the kindergarten camp, which is typically offered just before the school year kicks-off. It is a great way for your child(ren) to get acclimated to what could be an intimidating environment.

Great campus, fantastic teachers and principal coupled with very active and involved parents, and a rigorous curriculum makes for a winning recipe of success for the wonderful and deserving students. Close Quote

Schools Near Garden Hills Elementary School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				Milestones Assessment English Language Arts (2025)			Milestones Assessment Mathematics (2025)			Milestones Assessment Science (2025)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Milestones Assessment English Language Arts 3rd Grade	Milestones Assessment English Language Arts 4th Grade	Milestones Assessment English Language Arts 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 3rd Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 4th Grade	Milestones Assessment Mathematics 5th Grade	Milestones Assessment Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Garden Hills Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	285 Sheridan Dr NE	Atlanta	30305	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(404) 802-7800	494	44	11.3	72.5%	73 (14.8%)	211 (42.7%)	179 (36.2%)	8 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (4.7%)	49.4	573^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	53.7%		54	519^th of 1248 public elementary schools	58.4%	54	28.2	42.9	47.1	35.2	51.4	32.2	41.4	$27,197	$1,207	$25,990
E. Rivers Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	8 Peachtree Battle Ave NW	Atlanta	30305	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(404) 802-7050	699	57	12.2	41.6%	235 (33.6%)	227 (32.5%)	161 (23.0%)	30 (4.3%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	45 (6.4%)	68.6	342^nd of 1238 public elementary schools	72.4%		67.7	371^st of 1248 public elementary schools	70.3%	29	48.6	56.0	52.5	41.9	57.8	44.9	45.8	$24,962	$843	$24,118
Sara Rawson Smith Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	370 Old Ivy Rd NE	Atlanta	30342	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(404) 802-3850	851	60	14.2	34.7%	233 (27.4%)	282 (33.1%)	213 (25.0%)	52 (6.1%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	70 (8.2%)	72.4	303^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	75.5%		67.5	375^th of 1248 public elementary schools	70.0%	72	52.8	48.5	58.3	49.1	44.8	54.3	55.1	$24,243	$687	$23,556
Morris Brandon Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2741 Howell Mill Rd NW	Atlanta	30327	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(404) 802-7250	911	56	16.1	19.2%	527 (57.8%)	228 (25.0%)	78 (8.6%)	34 (3.7%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	43 (4.7%)	93.3	97^th of 1238 public elementary schools	92.2%		94.3	78^th of 1248 public elementary schools	93.8%	19	76.5	72.9	73.6	75.6	71.0	66.9	62.0	$23,756	$948	$22,808
Woodward Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3034 Curtis Dr NE	Brookhaven	30319	DeKalb County	DeKalb County	No	No	No	Yes	(678) 874-7802	553	46	12.0	84.6%	4 (0.7%)	38 (6.9%)	499 (90.2%)	3 (0.5%)	3 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (1.1%)	13.4	1125^th of 1238 public elementary schools	9.1%		17.9	1041^st of 1248 public elementary schools	16.6%	84	13.1	17.1	23.8	10.3	20.7	22.2	25.4	$19,368	$1,884	$17,484
Briar Vista Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1131 Briar Vista Ter NE	Atlanta	30324	DeKalb County	DeKalb County	No	No	No	Yes	(678) 874-5902	482	38	12.6	71.2%	98 (20.3%)	186 (38.6%)	137 (28.4%)	30 (6.2%)	1 (0.2%)	4 (0.8%)	26 (5.4%)	59	449^th of 1238 public elementary schools	63.7%		62.1	434^th of 1248 public elementary schools	65.2%	15	35.6	56.1	49.1	48.3	57.9	31.6	35.1	$20,990	$1,741	$19,249
Morningside Elementary School	Public	K-5	1053 E Rock Springs Rd NE	Atlanta	30305	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(404) 802-8950	722	50	14.5	7.6%	476 (65.9%)	57 (7.9%)	60 (8.3%)	45 (6.2%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	83 (11.5%)	96.9	43^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	96.5%		96.4	47^th of 1248 public elementary schools	96.2%	4	71.1	83.8	75.2	84.5	88.3	70.8	73.7	$22,517	$688	$21,829
Virginia-Highland Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	774 Virginia Avenue NE	Atlanta	30306	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(404) 802-3500	649	46	14.1	15.4%	358 (55.2%)	113 (17.4%)	67 (10.3%)	38 (5.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	73 (11.2%)	97	40^th of 1238 public elementary schools	96.8%					(n/a)	69.1	73.1	86.4	71.1	78.5	81.8	90.9	$22,466	$720	$21,747
Montclair Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1680 Clairmont Pl NE	Brookhaven	30329	DeKalb County	DeKalb County	No	No	No	Yes	(678) 874-7302	590	52	11.3	83.6%	10 (1.7%)	76 (12.9%)	494 (83.7%)	4 (0.7%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	4 (0.7%)	10	1183^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	4.4%		10.2	1183^rd of 1248 public elementary schools	5.2%		16.7	10.8	12.9	21.3	17.2	10.6	10.6	$19,749	$2,134	$17,615
Jackson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1325 Mount Paran Rd NW	Atlanta	30327	Fulton County	Atlanta Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(404) 802-8800	502	41	12.3	18.3%	267 (53.2%)	124 (24.7%)	39 (7.8%)	35 (7.0%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (6.8%)	94.3	79^th of 1238 public elementary schools	93.6%		96.2	51^st of 1248 public elementary schools	95.9%	28	78.1	74.2	76.1	75.3	74.2	77.5	59.2	$28,654	$1,281	$27,373

Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Hills Elementary School

Is Garden Hills Elementary School a good school?

Garden Hills Elementary School ranks 573^rd of 1238 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What district is Garden Hills Elementary School in?

Atlanta Public Schools

How many students attend Garden Hills Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 494 students attended Garden Hills Elementary School.

What is the racial makeup of Garden Hills Elementary School?

Students at Garden Hills Elementary School are 43% African American, 36% Hispanic, 15% White, 5% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

What schools do graduates of Garden Hills Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Garden Hills Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Willis A. Sutton Middle School
High : North Atlanta High School

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.