Head Elementary School

Head Elementary School in Lilburn, GA, is a PK-5 school in the Gwinnett County School District serving about 720 students. It has earned a 5-star rating and ranks in the 92nd percentile statewide—97th out of 1,219 Georgia elementary schools—with a decade of consistent top-tier performance.

Head Elementary’s academic results are striking. In the most recent testing cycle, 5th grade science proficiency hit 80.4%, compared to 44.2% statewide, and math proficiency ranged from 68.6% to 77.0% across grades 3-5—roughly 25-35 points above state averages. The school also stands out for its support of specific student groups: it ranks 13th in the state for African American students (98th percentile) and 27th for special education students (94th percentile). Chronic absenteeism is just 6.5%, less than half the district rate of 15.0%, and has improved steadily over the past few years. Notably, Head achieves these results while spending less per student ($14,015) than nearby schools with weaker outcomes—for example, Shiloh Elementary spends $17,392 but ranks in the 64th percentile, and Britt Elementary spends $17,094 but ranks in the 33rd percentile.

Head Elementary is part of a cluster of high-performing schools in this area, including Brookwood Elementary (93rd percentile) and Gwin Oaks Elementary (92nd percentile), all serving similar demographics with 44-50% free/reduced lunch rates. The school’s performance is remarkably stable across grade levels, and its science program is a particular strength, with scores ranging from 77-83.5% over the past four years. With a student-teacher ratio of 13.8:1 and a 44.2% poverty rate, Head Elementary demonstrates that high achievement is achievable even with economic diversity—making it a standout choice for families in the Lilburn area.