Wheeler High School is located in northeast Cobb County, Georgia, U.S. It is near the city of Marietta, about 15 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The school has been in operation since 1965. It is a public high school, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Serving 2,401 students in grades 9-12, Wheeler High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 51% (which is higher than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is higher than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Georgia state average of 66% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,401 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in GA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wheeler High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Wheeler High School's student population of 2,401 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 147 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,401 students
Total Classroom Teachers
147 teachers
Year Founded
1965
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering Cobb County high school students for over 20 years.
School Rankings
Wheeler High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wheeler High School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#464 out of 2192 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
14%
5%
Hispanic
26%
20%
Black
33%
36%
White
23%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
63%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcat
- Wheeler High School is located in northeast Cobb County, Georgia, USA. It is near the city of Marietta, about 15 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. Wheeler has been in operation since 1965. It is a public school of the State of Georgia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Georgia High School Association. It is most notable for its magnet program and nationally ranked boys basketball team.
- The Center For Advanced Studies Magnet Program: The program is a member of the National Consortium of Science, Math and Technology Magnet Schools (NCSSSMST), offering an advanced curriculum to highly motivated students. By 11th grade, Magnet students are taking college-level courses. Current students come from private, public and homeschool environments. The magnet offers an intimate, challenging education with like-minded peers. Admission is open to all qualified eighth graders who reside in Cobb County, Georgia. Admission is competitive and applications are due in early December. The Center for Advanced Studies is gaining national attention as a premier education opportunity.
- History: The Center for Advanced Studies opened in the fall of 2000 in a new 33,000 square foot facility designed especially for the program and located on the campus of Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia. It is currently receiving an expansion in the form of the construction of a new science wing. A more recent graduate of Wheeler high school, Andrew Marler, is currently the owner of several oil companies in India. He routinely visits Joseph Wheeler.
- Notable Achievements: Wheeler's basketball has been a nationally ranked program over the past few years, winning 3 State titles in 4 years. With wins over regional powerhouses from Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, Wheeler's national profile continues to grow. With a variety of players at the college and pro level in many sports, Wheeler's athletic programs continue to improve. The robotics club participates in the FIRST Robotics League and BEST Robotics Championships each year, earning the Chairman's Award three years in a row. The 2005 One-Act Play "Jerry Finnegan's Sister" won the Region and State Titles and received the awards for Best Actor and Actress in Region and Best Actor in State. The debate team is nationally competitive and rapidly growing. Participants from the school were semifinalists in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in 2006.
- Population: Wheeler Cluster Schools include: Middle School - East Cobb Middle; Elementary Schools - East Valley, Sope Creek, Sedalia Park, Brumby & Powers Ferry.
- Wheeler offers a wide range of courses including honors courses, more than 25 AP classes, many Post-AP courses; including Genetics and Internship. Wheeler also has technical/vocational courses for those seeking a vocational diploma. The Center for Advanced Studies offers dual college prep and technology seals on a participant's high school diploma.
- MASCOT: Scratch the Wildcat.
- COLORS: Navy Blue, Gold, and White.
- Notable Alumni: Shareef Abdur-Rahim; Jeremy Hermida; Jermareo Davidson; Bob Tway; Robby Ginepri; Dax Griffin; Ed Guthrie; Robert Shaw; Russel Clayton.
- The school is named after civil war general Joseph Wheeler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wheeler High School's ranking?
Wheeler High School is ranked #464 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Wheeler High School often compared to?
Wheeler High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Walton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wheeler High School?
The graduation rate of Wheeler High School is 91%, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 84%.
How many students attend Wheeler High School?
2,401 students attend Wheeler High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Wheeler High School students are Black, 26% of students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 14% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wheeler High School?
Wheeler High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Wheeler High School offer ?
Wheeler High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wheeler High School part of?
Wheeler High School is part of Cobb County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Absolutely incredible school! It keeps getting better. There are times Wheeler does not get the credit it deserves, but I have had one child go to another more affluent school about 2 miles away and we moved and now 2 children go through Wheeler. Wheeler far surpasses the other school and we no longer have to get tutors for everything due to sit and get teachers. Thank you Wheeler!
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