Buford, Georgia, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Buford City Schools has been recognized as the No. 1 school district in Georgia by Niche in their 2026 Best Schools rankings, marking the 11th consecutive year of this achievement. The district excels in various categories, including teacher quality, culture, and student performance. With over 6,100 students and a 95.06% graduation rate, Buford City Schools continues to lead in educational excellence, providing a quality learning environment across its five campuses.
Buford, Georgia is celebrating as Buford City Schools has been recognized as the No. 1 school district in Georgia in Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings. This marks the 11th consecutive year that the district has achieved this top position, reinforcing its reputation for educational excellence.
The district is praised not only for its overall ranking but also for being the best district for teachers and the best place to teach in the state. Niche’s rankings are based on comprehensive analyses of factors such as academics, culture and diversity, teacher quality, and feedback from parents and teachers.
The evaluation covered hundreds of school districts in Georgia and assessed data from over 10,000 school districts nationwide. The rankings were determined by utilizing data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from both parents and students.
Evaluation Criteria
The factors considered in the rankings included:
- Academics: 50%
- Teacher Quality: 20%
- Districtwide Performance: 15%
- Culture and Diversity: 10%
- Parent-Student Surveys: 5%
Student Overview
Buford City Schools serves over 6,100 students across five campuses, which include Buford Elementary, Buford Academy, Buford Senior Academy, Buford Middle School, and Buford High School. The district maintains an average student-teacher ratio of 18-to-1.
Recent state test results indicate that 70% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading. The graduation rate for the district stands impressively at 95.06%. SAT scores average at 1,155.5, and ACT scores average at 24.8, both surpassing state and national benchmarks.
School Achievements
Niche has also recognized Buford Senior Academy as the No. 1 elementary school in Georgia, while other schools in the district consistently rank within the top tier statewide.
Despite spending approximately $12,216 per student, which is below the national average, Buford City Schools is often noted as a model for efficient public education.
Facilities and Innovations
The district has recently enhanced educational opportunities by opening Phillip Beard Stadium and Dexter Wood Field. Superintendent Amy Chafin emphasizes a whole-child approach that integrates academic rigor with character development.
Buford City Schools is committed to maintaining high standards through innovative instructional practices, a focus on literacy, and personalized learning strategies.
Nationally, the district received a score of 9.31 out of 10 in a comprehensive analysis by Wiingy, ranking it as the best school district in the United States. It achieved perfect scores in eight out of nine categories related to academics, college preparation, and resources, along with a score of 11 out of 12 for diversity and an average review rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Additional Rankings
Other top districts featured in the Niche report include Scarsdale Union Free School District in New York and Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125 in Illinois.
Conclusion
With its continued recognition, Buford City Schools reinforces its position as a leader in educational excellence in Georgia and beyond, showcasing its commitment to fostering a quality learning environment for all students.
FAQ
What is the ranking of Buford City Schools?
Buford City Schools is recognized as the No. 1 school district in Georgia according to Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings.
How many students does Buford City Schools serve?
Buford City Schools serves more than 6,100 students across five campuses.
What is the graduation rate for Buford City Schools?
The district boasts a 95.06% graduation rate.
What is the average SAT score for students at Buford City Schools?
Students at Buford average a score of 1,155.5 on the SAT.
How much does Buford City Schools spend per student?
The district spent approximately $12,216 per student, which is below the national average.
Key Features of Buford City Schools
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ranking | No. 1 School District in Georgia (Niche 2026) |
| Number of Students | More than 6,100 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.06% |
| Average SAT Score | 1,155.5 |
| Spending Per Student | $12,216 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 18-to-1 |
| Proficiency in Math | 70% |
| Proficiency in Reading | 65% |
| School Locations | Buford Elementary, Buford Academy, Buford Senior Academy, Buford Middle School, Buford High School |
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Additional Resources
- North Gwinnett Voice: Buford City Schools Ranks No. 1 District in Georgia
- Wikipedia: Buford, Georgia
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Buford City Schools Ranked Best in the U.S.
- Google Search: Buford City Schools
- Patch: Best School Districts in Metro Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WSB TV: Georgia’s Top School Districts
- Atlanta News First: Buford High School Opens Football Stadium
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
