The Best Private Schools in Marietta, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Marietta. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount Paran Christian School
Independent Christian School
Mount Paran Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Marietta and greater Atlanta area. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience from preschool through 12th grade, featuring an International Baccalaureate program, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The 68-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
Episcopal School
Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, located in nearby Sandy Springs, serves families throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area including Marietta. As one of Georgia's largest independent schools, HIES offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features extensive Advanced Placement offerings, championship athletic programs, outstanding arts facilities, and a 43-acre campus with state-of-the-art learning environments. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic excellence and character development within an Episcopal tradition.
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The Walker School
Independent School
Located directly in Marietta, The Walker School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-first through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence with a comprehensive curriculum including 24 Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and robust arts education. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Walker is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Marietta, Georgia
What are the main types of private schools available in Marietta, GA, and how do they differ?
Marietta offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories: faith-based, independent college-preparatory, and specialized institutions. Notable examples include Mount Paran Christian School (interdenominational Christian with a comprehensive K-12 program), The Walker School (secular, independent, college-prep for grades Pre-K through 12), and Holy Innocents' Episcopal School (located just south in Sandy Springs but drawing many Marietta families, offering an Episcopal-affiliated education). You'll also find smaller parochial schools and Montessori options. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, campus culture, and specific program strengths, such as STEM or the arts.
How does the tuition for top private schools in Marietta, GA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Marietta's top-tier private schools like Walker, Mount Paran, and Holy Innocents' is generally at or above the Georgia state average for private education, often ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ annually for upper grades. Georgia offers the unique Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for students to attend participating private schools, and many Marietta schools actively participate. Additionally, most schools have substantial need-based financial aid programs funded through their endowments. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Marietta, GA, private schools?
Marietta-area private schools distinguish themselves with specialized programs that leverage local resources and partnerships. For instance, The Walker School has a renowned global studies program with extensive travel opportunities. Mount Paran Christian School emphasizes a "STEM+Faith" integration and offers robust engineering and fine arts pathways. Many schools also capitalize on Georgia's growing film industry, offering digital media and film production courses. Extracurricularly, competitive athletic conferences (like the Georgia High School Association for private schools) and proximity to Atlanta's cultural institutions allow for strong arts, robotics, and sports programs not always available in smaller districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Marietta, GA?
The timeline for Marietta private schools is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, the process typically starts in the summer or early fall (August-October) a full year prior to enrollment. Key steps include open houses, application submission (by January or February), standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, and teacher recommendations. Notification dates are often in March. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised. Sibling and legacy applicant policies are common and can influence timelines.
For families living in Marietta, what are the key considerations when choosing between a top-rated Cobb County public school and a local private school?
This decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Cobb County public schools, like Walton and Pope High Schools, are highly rated and offer a tuition-free education with extensive AP programs and large-scale athletics. Marietta private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a more tailored approach, and a consistent educational mission (e.g., religious or specific pedagogical focus). Considerations include: the desire for a faith-based environment, the need for more individualized attention, the value of a seamless Pre-K-12 community, and the flexibility of a curriculum not bound by state testing mandates. Transportation is also a factor, as Cobb County provides busing for public schools, while private schools may require carpooling.