#1 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
The Waldorf School of Atlanta
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The largest independent school in Decatur
Decatur, GA
A+Overall grade192 students5 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Dekalb County, GA. Top 8 of 8 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Midtown International School
Independent school · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 80% of independent schools in Georgia
Atlanta, GA
A+Overall grade141 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Cliff Valley School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 133% since 2011–12
Atlanta, GA
A+Overall grade392 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Hess Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The smallest classes of any independent school in Decatur
Decatur, GA
A+Overall grade79 students4 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Academe of the Oaks
Independent school · Grades 9–12
90% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Decatur, GA
B+Overall grade80 students10 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Laurel Heights Academy (Hospital)
Independent school · Grades 3–12
One of 22 independent schools in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
BOverall grade88 students10 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Ben Franklin Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
Small classes: about 5 students per teacher
Atlanta, GA
BOverall grade100 students5 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Dekalb County, GA
Philmore Academy for Science & Arts
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain, GA
BOverall grade95 students8 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.