The Best Private Schools in Decatur, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Decatur. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Howard School
Independent School for Students with Learning Differences
Located just minutes from Decatur in the Druid Hills area of Atlanta, The Howard School specializes in serving bright students with language-based learning differences and learning disabilities. The school serves students from elementary through high school with a highly individualized approach. Features include small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio), specialized instruction in reading and writing, comprehensive college counseling, and robust arts and athletics programs. The school's research-based methodologies and expert faculty have earned it exceptional parent satisfaction ratings and recognition as one of the top schools for students with learning differences in the Southeast.
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The Waldorf School of Atlanta
Waldorf Education
The Waldorf School of Atlanta is a highly-regarded independent school offering education from early childhood through 8th grade. Located directly in Decatur, the school emphasizes holistic education with a strong focus on arts integration, hands-on learning, and developmental appropriateness. The curriculum balances academic rigor with artistic expression and practical skills. The school features beautiful campus facilities including dedicated classrooms, art studios, music rooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and the well-rounded education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
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The Paideia School
Independent Progressive Education
The Paideia School, located adjacent to Decatur in the Emory University area, is a prestigious independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its progressive educational philosophy, Paideia offers a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and individual growth. The school features extensive facilities including science labs, art studios, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong commitment to diversity and community engagement, Paideia graduates consistently gain admission to top colleges and universities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, earning high marks from parents for academic excellence and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Decatur, Georgia
What are the main types of private schools available in Decatur, Georgia, and how do they differ?
Decatur, GA, offers a diverse range of private schools, each with distinct educational philosophies. Notable options include The Paideia School, known for its progressive, student-centered approach with a strong emphasis on arts and humanities; The Howard School, which specializes in serving bright students with language-based learning differences; and The Waldorf School of Atlanta (located just south in Mableton), offering a holistic, arts-integrated Waldorf curriculum. Additionally, Decatur hosts several faith-based institutions, such as Decatur First United Methodist Church Children's Community School and St. Thomas More Catholic School. This variety allows parents to match their child's learning style and family values with a specific pedagogical approach.
How does the tuition for private schools in Decatur, GA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Decatur's premier private schools is often at or above the Georgia state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Paideia can range from approximately $30,000 to $35,000 for K-12. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Many Decatur-area private schools use the Clarity Application to assess need and award significant aid packages. Additionally, Georgia offers the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, a state tax-credit scholarship that provides needs-based awards for students to attend participating private schools, which can be a valuable resource for qualifying families in Decatur.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Decatur, Georgia?
The enrollment process for top Decatur private schools like Paideia and The Howard School is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps generally include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting an application by January or February for the following academic year, student assessments and/or classroom visits, and parent interviews. Admissions decisions are typically communicated in March. Due to limited space and high demand, especially in early childhood and lower school grades, applying by the priority deadline is crucial. Many schools also maintain waitlists, so early planning is strongly advised.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Decatur's private schools leverage the resources of the greater Atlanta area?
Private schools in Decatur, GA, strategically utilize Atlanta's rich cultural, scientific, and corporate landscape to enhance their programs. Schools often integrate field trips to institutions like the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the CDC, Emory University, and the Atlanta History Center into their curricula. Partnerships with local universities provide advanced research opportunities for high school students. Extracurricularly, students may participate in city-wide athletic conferences, performing arts collaborations at venues like the Schwartz Center, and community service projects throughout Metro Atlanta. This connectivity provides students with unparalleled experiential learning and networking opportunities beyond the classroom walls.
For families considering both options, what are the key distinctions between the highly-rated Decatur City Public Schools and the private school landscape?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Decatur City Schools (DCS) is a nationally ranked, tuition-free public system known for its strong academics and community feel. In contrast, Decatur's private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), more specialized pedagogical approaches (like Waldorf or learning difference support), and greater flexibility in curriculum design without state testing mandates. Private schools may also have more extensive arts, language, or independent study programs. While DCS is excellent, some families choose private options for a specific educational model, a more intimate setting, or tailored support that aligns precisely with their child's profile.