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Test scores delayed: 2026 rankings for Georgia do not yet include English Language Arts scores, which will not be released by the Georgia Department of Education until winter 2026.

Garden Hills Elementary School

Q: Is Garden Hills Elementary School a good school?

Garden Hills Elementary School ranks 366 th of 1222 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

366^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,222 Georgia Elementary Schools

Better than 70% of Georgia elementary schools

Summary

Garden Hills Elementary School in Atlanta, GA, serves 494 students from Pre-K through 5th grade in the Buckhead area and is part of Atlanta Public Schools.

Garden Hills is a school that stands out for its strong results with a diverse student body. While many nearby schools like Morningside Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School, and Morris Brandon Elementary School have fewer than 20% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, Garden Hills has a 72.47% rate—yet still earns a solid 4-star rating and ranks in the 70th percentile statewide. This is a significant jump from the previous year, when the school ranked in the 54th percentile. The school is particularly effective with specific groups: it ranks in the 96th percentile statewide for African American students and the 84th percentile for English Language Learners. In math, 3rd and 4th graders outperform both district and state averages, with proficiency rates of 55.7% and 64.2% respectively. However, 5th-grade math proficiency (41.4%) dips below the state average (44.1%), suggesting a possible area for continued focus.

Garden Hills also invests heavily in student support, spending $27,197 per student—more than nearby Virginia-Highland Elementary School ($22,466)—and maintaining a low student-teacher ratio of 11.3:1. Chronic absenteeism has dropped dramatically from 29.7% in 2022-2023 to 13.8% in 2025-2026, which is better than the state average. The contrast with some DeKalb County schools is striking: schools like Montclair Elementary School and John Robert Lewis Elementary School have similar economic demographics but rank in the bottom 10% of the state, while Garden Hills achieves math proficiency rates that are often double or triple theirs. For families looking for a school that delivers strong academic growth while serving a diverse community, Garden Hills is a compelling option that stands apart from its more affluent neighbors.

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: Improving — 60th percentile in 2016 → 70th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Georgia average (53% vs 47% meeting standards)

✓Ranking is trending up — up 10 percentile points since 2016

✓Above the Georgia median (70th percentile)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school53%

District avg44%

Georgia avg47%

366^th of 1,222

Georgia public elementary schools ?

Top 30%▲ up 10 pts since 2016

From top 40% (2016) to top 30% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Georgia Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

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

119^th of 202Atlanta 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
2026	66.3	366 of 1222	70.0%	★★★★☆
2025	49.4	573 of 1238	53.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	54.0	519 of 1236	58.0%	★★★☆☆
2023	58.3	465 of 1223	62.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	54.1	518 of 1220	57.5%	★★★☆☆
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%	★☆☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	94.6	34 of 829	95.9%	★★★★★
2025	73.3	172 of 892	80.7%	★★★★☆
2024	62.0	268 of 879	69.5%	★★★☆☆
2023	67.6	202 of 870	76.8%	★★★★☆
2022	71.9	201 of 876	77.1%	★★★★☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	67.3	35 of 215	83.7%	★★★★☆
2025	50.8	113 of 317	64.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	62.6	69 of 304	77.3%	★★★★☆
2023	53.8	96 of 286	66.4%	★★★☆☆
2022	49.7	114 of 283	59.7%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	68.5	321 of 1189	73.0%	★★★★☆
2025	51.4	546 of 1224	55.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	53.3	515 of 1223	57.9%	★★★☆☆
2023	58.8	448 of 1212	63.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	49.9	547 of 1206	54.6%	★★★☆☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	41.4	282 of 504	44.0%	★★☆☆☆
2025	28.1	440 of 583	24.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	36.5	364 of 565	35.6%	★★☆☆☆
2023	36.7	338 of 535	36.8%	★★☆☆☆
2022	25.1	430 of 516	16.7%	★☆☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2026	62.5	400 of 1186	66.3%	★★★☆☆
2025	47.0	606 of 1225	50.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	53.9	517 of 1220	57.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	55.8	494 of 1210	59.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	57.0	480 of 1209	60.3%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Georgia percentile	Rating
2022	93.5	27 of 779	96.5%	★★★★★

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

White (2022)97th percentile+39 vs school

African American (2026)96th percentile+26 vs school

English Language Learner (2026)84th percentile+14 vs school

Female (2026)73rd percentile+3 vs school

Male (2026)66th percentile-4 vs school

Hispanic (2026)44th percentile-26 vs school

By subject vs Georgia (2025-2026) ?

Mathematics54%+7 vs state

Science48%+4 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 (2026)				Ranking (2025)				Milestones Assessment Mathematics (2026)			Milestones Assessment Science (2026)	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 (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	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%)	66.3	366^th of 1222 public elementary schools	70.0%		49.4	573^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	53.7%	207	55.7	64.2	41.4	48.5	$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%)	74.2	283^rd of 1222 public elementary schools	76.8%		68.6	342^nd of 1238 public elementary schools	72.4%	59	63.0	59.6	50.0	55.5	$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%)	67.1	355^th of 1222 public elementary schools	70.9%		72.4	303^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	75.5%	52	51.8	55.3	48.4	56.4	$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%)	94.6	79^th of 1222 public elementary schools	93.5%		93.3	97^th of 1238 public elementary schools	92.2%	18	83.4	82.9	68.6	70.7	$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%)	12.3	1121^st of 1222 public elementary schools	8.3%		13.4	1125^th of 1238 public elementary schools	9.1%	4	22.4	25.0	17.2	20.7	$19,368	$1,884	$17,484
Briar Vista Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1131 Briar Vista Ter NE	Atlanta	30324	Fulton 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%)	66.9	360^th of 1222 public elementary schools	70.5%		59	449^th of 1238 public elementary schools	63.7%	89	61.3	43.3	53.7	57.4	$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%)	98	21^st of 1222 public elementary schools	98.3%		96.9	43^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	96.5%	22	85.3	89.0	81.8	81.8	$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%)	97.2	32^nd of 1222 public elementary schools	97.4%		97	40^th of 1238 public elementary schools	96.8%	8	83.1	80.2	84.5	83.2	$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%)	11	1143^rd of 1222 public elementary schools	6.5%		10	1183^rd of 1238 public elementary schools	4.4%	40	26.9	21.3	20.5	8.9	$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%)	96	53^rd of 1222 public elementary schools	95.7%		94.3	79^th of 1238 public elementary schools	93.6%	26	81.1	83.3	77.6	72.4	$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 366^th of 1222 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

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

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.

Rate Garden Hills Elementary School!

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Latest Georgia data All new data »

2025–26 attendance dataAug 6, 2026

2025–26 Milestones Assessment scoresAug 6, 2026

2021–22 through 2024–25 Milestones Assessment scores (updated)Aug 6, 2026

2024–25 dropout ratesFeb 19, 2026

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.