The 10 best GA high schools, US News & World Report says. A Columbus school is in US top 100

Georgia families have no shortage of strong choices when it comes to their K through 12 students. According to the latest rankings from US News and World Report, two Georgia high schools made the top 100 nationally and one is right here in Columbus.

Out of more than 24,000 schools surveyed across the country, Columbus High School once again scored very highly nationally and in the state rankings. The Columbus school ranked 78th nationwide.

Columbus High School is still among top schools in the US

Columbus High School has been a fixture in Georgia’s top five for more than a decade. The school consistently outperforms both district and state averages, earning a reputation as one of Georgia’s most reliable pathways to college success.

In 2025, it ranked #2 in Georgia and placed in the top 100 nationwide according to U.S. News & World Report.

• Graduation Rate: 99% (Top 1% in Georgia)
• Reading Proficiency: 92% (Top 1%)
• Math Proficiency: 70% (Top 10%)
• Science Proficiency: 91% (Top 1%)
• Minority Enrollment: 58%

How the rankings work

U.S. News & World Report evaluate schools based on several key measures. Each measure is weighted with a percentage toward the greater score and contributes to larger educational outcome for students.

• College readiness (30%): Based on how many students take and pass AP or IB exams.
• State assessment proficiency (20%) and performance (20%): How students perform on statewide tests compared to expectations.
• Underserved student performance (10%): Closing achievement gaps for low-income, Black, and Hispanic students.
• College curriculum breadth (10%): The number of AP/IB courses students complete successfully.
• Graduation rate (10%): The percentage of students graduating within four years.

Top schools in Georgia

According to Education Week, Georgia ranks 17th nationally in K-12 achievement, which contributes to its solid, above average academic standing.

Here are the top 10 in Georgia for 2025

• 1- Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology, Lawrenceville
• 2 - Columbus High School, Columbus
• 3- Alliance Academy for Innovation, Cumming
• 4 - Davidson Magnet School, Augusta
• 5 - Elite Scholars Academy, Jonesboro
• 6 - Walton High School, Marietta
• 7 - Northview High School, Duluth
• 8 -Academy for Classical Education, Macon
• 9 - Lambert High School, Suwanee
• 10 - DeKalb School of the Arts, Avondale Estates

With two schools ranking in the top 100 of schools nationally, the state boasts a solid track record for student achievement, and the rankings underscore both the state’s academic strength and its room for growth.

Do you have questions or ideas concerning education or schools you’d like to read? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.