Atlanta, GA, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Marshall Lopez, a former teacher at Pace Academy, has been arrested on multiple counts of sexual battery involving two teenage girls. Alleged incidents included inappropriate punishment during school hours, raising serious concerns about student safety. Following the allegations, Lopez was terminated from his position, and the investigation is ongoing. Pace Academy, a top-ranked private institution in Georgia, is cooperating with law enforcement efforts to address these claims.
Atlanta, Georgia – Former Pace Academy teacher Marshall Lopez, age 33, has been arrested on two counts of sexual battery involving two teenage girls. The alleged incidents occurring between March and May 2025 took place during school hours after classes, raising significant concerns about safety and conduct at the prestigious private institution.
According to reports, Lopez is accused of spanking one student on three occasions as a form of punishment for perceived underperformance. In a particularly distressing incident, he allegedly pulled down the student’s pants and struck her buttocks above her underwear. Another incident involved a second student whom Lopez reportedly disciplined for cheating on a test. In this case, he allegedly locked the classroom door and slapped the second student’s buttocks with his hand four times as part of the punishment, stopping only when another student knocked on the door.
Additionally, Lopez is accused of hugging another student and inappropriately touching her buttocks. The Atlanta Police became involved after another student informed an adult about Lopez’s actions, prompting an investigation into the claims.
Lopez was booked into Fulton County Jail on September 1, 2025, and was released two days later on September 3, 2025. Following the allegations, Pace Academy confirmed that Lopez was terminated from his position on May 1, 2025. The school expressed their appreciation to law enforcement for their support, but stated they cannot comment further due to the active investigation.
Pace Academy is known for its academic excellence and was recently ranked the best private high school in Georgia by Niche for 2026. The ranking evaluates approximately 30,000 private schools based on test scores, academic performance, and input from students, alumni, and parents. Within this evaluation, Pace Academy ranked 134th nationally in Niche’s 2026 Best Private High Schools in America ranking, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier educational institution.
In the wider context, the top ten private schools in Georgia according to Niche are:
- Pace Academy (134th nationally)
- Fulton Science Academy Private School, Alpharetta (139th nationally)
- The Westminster Schools, Atlanta (146th nationally)
- Atlanta International School, Atlanta (150th nationally)
- The Paideia School, Atlanta (214th nationally)
- The Walker School, Marietta (247th nationally)
- Athens Academy, Athens (277th nationally)
- Woodward Academy, College Park (278th nationally)
- Augusta Preparatory, Augusta (330th nationally)
- Pinecrest Academy, Cumming (336th nationally)
Alongside private institutions, Niche evaluated 93,000 public schools, with the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology being recognized as the highest-ranked public high school in Georgia. The situation surrounding Lopez’s arrest highlights serious issues of faculty misconduct within educational settings, and parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant regarding the safety of their children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Marshall Lopez?
Marshall Lopez is a former teacher at Pace Academy, who has been arrested on two counts of sexual battery involving two teenage girls.
What allegations have been made against Lopez?
The allegations include spanking one student multiple times and inappropriately touching another student, both incidents occurring between March and May 2025.
When was Lopez arrested?
Lopez was booked into Fulton County Jail on September 1, 2025, and released on September 3, 2025.
What action was taken by Pace Academy regarding Lopez?
Pace Academy confirmed that Lopez was terminated from his position on May 1, 2025, in response to the allegations.
What is Niche’s ranking of Pace Academy for 2026?
Pace Academy has been ranked the best private high school in Georgia by Niche for 2026 and is ranked 134th nationally in their evaluation.
What are the top ten private schools in Georgia according to Niche?
The top ten private schools in Georgia include Pace Academy, Fulton Science Academy Private School, The Westminster Schools, Atlanta International School, The Paideia School, The Walker School, Athens Academy, Woodward Academy, Augusta Preparatory, and Pinecrest Academy.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Marshall Lopez arrested for sexual battery. |
| Allegations | Inappropriate touching and spanking of students. |
| Pace Academy Actions | Lopez terminated from his position. |
| Niche Ranking | Pace Academy ranked best private high school in Georgia for 2026. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Torrin Mott Arrested for Multiple Sexual Assaults in Buckhead
Former Teacher Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges
Band Director Convicted of Sexual Misconduct in Atlanta
Additional Resources
- AJC: Former Pace Academy Teacher Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges
- Atlanta News First: Former Pace Academy Teacher Arrested
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Pace Academy Teacher Charged with Sexual Battery
- 11Alive: Ex-Pace Academy Teacher Arrested for Sexual Battery
- Patch: Top 10 Private High Schools in GA Revealed
- Wikipedia: Pace Academy
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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