For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 4,929 students in Athens, GA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Athens, GA are Classic City High School, Clarke Central High School and Foothills Regional High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Athens, GA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Georgia public high school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 43% statewide average). High schools in Athens have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Georgia public high schools.
Athens, GA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 31%, which is less than the Georgia average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Clarke Central High School, with 80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Georgia or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Georgia public high school average of 65% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Athens, GA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Classic City High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
440 Dearing Ext
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 353-2323
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 353-2323
Gr: 9-12 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #22.
Clarke Central High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
350 S Milledge Ave
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 357-5200
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 357-5200
Gr: 9-12 | 1,907 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
Foothills Regional High School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2415 Jefferson Rd Ste B
Athens, GA 30607
(706) 795-2191
Athens, GA 30607
(706) 795-2191
Gr: 9-12 | 1,475 students Student-teacher ratio: 51:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #44.
Cedar Shoals High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Cedar Shoals Dr
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 546-5375
Athens, GA 30605
(706) 546-5375
Gr: 9-12 | 1,489 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Athens, GA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Athens, GA include Classic City High School, Clarke Central High School and Foothills Regional High School.
How many public high schools are located in Athens?
4 public high schools are located in Athens.
What is the racial composition of students in Athens?
Athens public high schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Georgia public high schools average of 65% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Athens are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Athens include: Cedar Shoals High School vs. Clarke Central High School, Classic City High School vs. Clarke Central High School, Clarke Central High School vs. Cedar Shoals High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.