Georgia, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Two high schools in Georgia have achieved notable rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s evaluation of America’s best high schools. The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology ranks 13th nationally, while Columbus High School is 78th. Both schools demonstrate strong academic performance, high Advanced Placement participation rates, and a commitment to serving diverse student populations. With impressive scores, these institutions highlight Georgia’s educational strengths and ongoing pursuit of improvement in the academic realm.
Atlanta, Georgia – Two high schools in Georgia have achieved national recognition in the U.S. News & World Report’s latest ranking of America’s best high schools for 2025. The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GSMST) is ranked 13th nationally, while Columbus High School comes in at 78th. The rankings underscore the academic prowess of these institutions and their commitment to serving a diverse student body.
The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology received a commendable score of 99.3 out of 100 and is noted for its impressive 98% Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate. The student demographics reveal an 86% minority enrollment, with 40% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. Additionally, GSMST has been recognized as the 11th best STEM school in the nation, further highlighting its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Meanwhile, Columbus High School also performed exceptionally well, attaining a score of 99.56 and boasting a 100% AP participation rate. The demographics of Columbus High show 58% minority enrollment and 29% of students classified as economically disadvantaged. This school has managed to maintain its position within Georgia’s top five high schools for over a decade and routinely exceeds district and state academic averages.
These rankings are the result of an evaluation of more than 24,000 public high schools across the country. About 18,000 of these were ranked based on criteria including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, underserved student performance, state assessment proficiency, and overall performance. In Georgia alone, 433 high schools were assessed for this evaluation.
To graduate in Georgia, students must complete a minimum of 23 course credits and successfully pass mandated Georgia Milestones assessments. For those aspiring to attend a University System of Georgia institution, students are required to complete two consecutive foreign language credits.
Academic performance metrics indicate that Georgia holds a respectable position, ranking 17th nationally in K-12 achievement, as noted by Education Week. The results of the recent U.S. News rankings not only reflect the educational strengths in Georgia but also point towards areas that may benefit from further development.
Overall, the impressive standings of GSMST and Columbus High School contribute to Georgia’s reputation for academic excellence and raise awareness for the continuous pursuit of improvement within the state’s educational system.
Key Features of Georgia’s Top High Schools
| High School | National Rank | Score | AP Participation Rate | Minority Enrollment | Economically Disadvantaged |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology | 13 | 99.3 | 98% | 86% | 40% |
| Columbus High School | 78 | 99.56 | 100% | 58% | 29% |
FAQ
What is the ranking criteria used by U.S. News & World Report?
The rankings are based on college readiness, college curriculum breadth, underserved student performance, state assessment proficiency, and overall performance.
How many public high schools were evaluated in the latest ranking?
Over 24,000 public high schools were evaluated, with approximately 18,000 receiving rankings.
What percentage of students at GSMST is economically disadvantaged?
At GSMST, 40% of students are classified as economically disadvantaged.
What are the graduation requirements for high school students in Georgia?
Students in Georgia must complete a minimum of 23 course credits and pass required Georgia Milestones assessments to graduate.
How long has Columbus High School been recognized among Georgia’s top high schools?
Columbus High School has maintained its position in Georgia’s top five high schools for over a decade.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Best Public High Schools
- Sports Illustrated: Georgia High School Football Rankings
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Top U.S. High Schools
- Ledger-Enquirer: Georgia Education News
- MSN: Georgia High School Football News
- Wikipedia: Education in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Google Search: Georgia High Schools
- Google Scholar: Georgia Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Georgia High Schools
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.
