Summary:
Zip code 30518, covering the Buford and Sugar Hill areas of Georgia, is home to six elementary schools serving approximately 5,244 students across two districts: the top-ranked Buford City district (2nd in the state) and the solid Gwinnett County district (66th in the state).
For parents, this area offers exceptional educational options. White Oak Elementary School is the standout academic leader, ranking in the 92nd percentile statewide with a 5-star rating, and its 5th graders post remarkable proficiency rates of 76% in math and 80% in science—roughly 32-36 points above state averages. Buford Senior Academy is a close second, ranking in the 90th percentile with consistent year-over-year performance. Sycamore Elementary School is the most improved, jumping 167 spots in statewide rankings over two years despite having the highest economic disadvantage rate (61.65%) and highest chronic absenteeism (10.6%) in the group. Sugar Hill Elementary School performs solidly above state averages in all subjects. The Buford City schools use a unique grade configuration: Buford Elementary School serves PK-K, Buford Academy serves grades 1-2, and Buford Senior Academy serves grades 3-5.
All six schools exceed state averages in every tested subject, and chronic absenteeism is remarkably low across the board—ranging from 3.4% at Buford Elementary to 10.6% at Sycamore, all well below the state's 17.7% average. Interestingly, per-student spending does not correlate with performance: Buford Senior Academy spends the least ($12,081 per student) yet achieves the second-highest ranking, while Buford Elementary spends nearly double ($23,993) serving its youngest learners. The Buford City schools consistently outperform their Gwinnett County counterparts, with Buford Senior Academy leading Sugar Hill by 8-10 percentage points in most subjects. Families in this zip code have access to a strong educational corridor, with schools ranging from the 74th to 92nd percentile statewide.
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