Augusta, August 18, 2025
News Summary
A recent ranking by Niche highlights the top private K-12 schools in the Augusta metropolitan area, assessing factors like academic performance and student-to-teacher ratios. Leading institutions such as Augusta Preparatory Day School and Saint Mary on the Hill Catholic School emerged with A+ grades, showcasing their commitment to quality education and student support. The ranking evaluates schools based on success in college admissions, diversity, and parental feedback, serving as a valuable resource for families exploring private education options in Augusta.
Augusta, GA – A recent ranking by Niche has outlined the top private K-12 schools in the Augusta metropolitan area, emphasizing key factors such as student-to-teacher ratios, enrollment numbers, and overall grades. The analysis identifies schools that excel in preparing students for college and fostering an inclusive environment.
Among the ranked institutions, the top private schools include a range of ratings, with several schools achieving grades of A and A+. Notably, Augusta’s private schools, in particular, stand out for their academic quality and teacher support:
- Augusta Preparatory Day School – Enrollment: 596, Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 10:1, Niche Grade: A+
- Saint Mary on the Hill Catholic School – Enrollment: 475, Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 6:1, Niche Grade: A+
- Aiken Christian School – Enrollment: 378, Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 6:1, Niche Grade: A
- Augusta Christian Schools – Enrollment: 324, Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 12:1, Niche Grade: A
- Fox Creek High School – Enrollment: 149, Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 11:1, Niche Grade: B
The ranking evaluated five weighted factors in total, which contributed to an overall assessment of each school’s performance. These factors include:
- Top Colleges Score: Indicating the success of graduates in gaining admission to prestigious universities.
- College Enrollment: The percentage of graduates who continue further education.
- Culture & Diversity Grade: Assessing the inclusiveness and representation within the school community.
- Parent/Student Surveys: Feedback provided by current students and parents regarding their experiences.
- Student-to-Teacher Ratio: A crucial measure reflecting the level of individual attention students receive.
Leading Schools in Augusta Area
Each school plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities within the Augusta area. For instance, Aiken Christian School demonstrates strong engagement with a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, exemplifying a supportive environment for its 378 students that contributes to its grade of A.
In contrast, schools in neighboring regions, such as Waynesboro, GA, and Johnston, SC, received grades that reflect their unique characteristics and smaller enrollments. For example, Waynesboro Academy has an enrollment of 347 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 and a grade of B-, indicating room for improvement in areas including college readiness and diversity.
Background on Rankings
The data for the rankings was meticulously compiled from various sources, emphasizing how private institutions cater to educational needs in the Augusta area. Niche employs a comprehensive evaluation approach that focuses on both qualitative and quantitative metrics, fostering competition among schools to enhance their programs and facilities.
This ranking serves as a resource for families considering private education options, helping them make informed choices that align with their educational goals and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the rankings for private K-12 schools determined?
The rankings are determined using five weighted factors, including top colleges score, college enrollment, culture and diversity grade, parent/student surveys, and student-to-teacher ratio.
Which school received the highest grade in Augusta?
Augusta Preparatory Day School achieved the highest grade of A+ in the rankings.
Why is the student-to-teacher ratio important?
A lower student-to-teacher ratio often allows for more individualized attention, enhancing the learning experience and fostering better academic outcomes for students.
The following chart summarizes key features of the top-ranked schools:
| School Name | Enrollment | Student-to-Teacher Ratio | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Preparatory Day School | 596 | 10:1 | A+ |
| Saint Mary on the Hill Catholic School | 475 | 6:1 | A+ |
| Aiken Christian School | 378 | 6:1 | A |
| Augusta Christian Schools | 324 | 12:1 | A |
| Fox Creek High School | 149 | 11:1 | B |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Times Georgian
- McDuffie Progress
- WFXG
- Wikipedia: Private School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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