The Best Private Schools in Alpharetta, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alpharetta. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pinecrest Academy
Pinecrest Academy
Pinecrest Academy is a premier PreK-12 private Catholic school located just minutes from Alpharetta in Cumming. The school offers a classical education model integrated with Catholic values and rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include state-of-the-art STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Pinecrest emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence through its House System and extensive extracurricular offerings including championship athletics, fine arts, and community service programs.
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Fellowship Christian School
Fellowship Christian School
Located in nearby Roswell and serving Alpharetta families, Fellowship Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education from PreK through 12th grade. The school features a robust college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement and honors courses, complemented by strong STEM programs and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, fine arts facilities, and athletic complexes. FCS maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes spiritual development through daily Bible classes and chapel services. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, drama, and championship sports teams.
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The Davis Academy
The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy
The Davis Academy is a nationally recognized Reform Jewish day school serving students from PreK through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Alpharetta. The school offers an innovative curriculum blending rigorous academics with Jewish values and traditions. Notable programs include comprehensive STEAM education, Spanish language immersion, and project-based learning. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated science and innovation labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The Davis Academy emphasizes whole-child development through small class sizes, individualized attention, and extensive enrichment programs including robotics, music, athletics, and community service initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alpharetta, Georgia
What are the primary types of private schools available in Alpharetta, Georgia, and how do they differ?
Alpharetta offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as faith-based, independent, and specialized institutions. For example, Pinecrest Academy is a private, Catholic, classical liberal arts school, while Fellowship Christian School is an interdenominational Christian school with a college-prep focus. The Davis Academy is Atlanta's largest Reform Jewish day school. Additionally, there are secular independent schools and specialized programs in the area. This variety allows parents in Alpharetta to choose a school that closely aligns with their family's educational philosophy, values, and academic goals, from classical to progressive models.
How does tuition for top private schools in Alpharetta, GA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in Alpharetta varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at top schools like Pinecrest Academy, Fellowship Christian, and The Davis Academy typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $25,000 annually. Beyond standard need-based financial aid offered by individual schools, Georgia provides two key state programs that Alpharetta families can utilize: the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which offers tax-credit scholarships for students to attend participating private schools, and the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS), for students with an IEP. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their participation in these programs and their own aid deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in Alpharetta, given its tech-industry presence?
Reflecting Alpharetta's identity as the "Technology City of the South," many local private schools have developed robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and business entrepreneurship programs. Schools often feature advanced robotics teams, coding classes, engineering labs, and partnerships with local tech firms for internships or mentorship. Furthermore, schools like Pinecrest Academy integrate a classical humanities core with strong sciences, while others may offer specialized tracks in digital arts or communications. This blend ensures students are prepared for both the local high-tech economy and a well-rounded liberal arts education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Alpharetta, Georgia?
The admission process for Alpharetta's sought-after private schools is highly structured and often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps generally include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, completing student assessments and interviews, and receiving decisions by March. Many schools have limited spaces, especially in entry-level grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. Sibling and legacy applicant policies are common. We strongly recommend visiting school websites in the early fall to mark critical dates, as deadlines are firm and waiting lists can form quickly.
For families moving to Alpharetta, how do the top-rated public schools in North Fulton compare with the private school options?
Alpharetta is served by the highly acclaimed Fulton County Schools district, with public high schools like Alpharetta High and Milton High consistently ranked among Georgia's best. The choice between public and private often comes down to specific family priorities. Private schools in Alpharetta typically offer smaller class sizes, a distinct mission or religious education, specialized curricular approaches (like classical or project-based learning), and often more flexibility in program customization. Public schools provide a diverse, tuition-free education with extensive AP course offerings and large-scale athletic and arts programs. Many families in Alpharetta make their choice based on desired educational philosophy, community values, and the specific learning needs of their child, rather than academic quality alone, as both sectors are strong.