Garden Hills Elementary School

Summary:

Garden Hills Elementary School is a public elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia, serving 468 students in grades PK-5 and part of the Atlanta Public Schools district.

Garden Hills Elementary consistently outperforms the Atlanta Public Schools district and the state of Georgia in English Language Arts and Mathematics test scores across grades 3-5. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 59.2% of 5th-grade students at Garden Hills Elementary were proficient or better in ELA, compared to 41.9% for the district and 48.2% for the state. The school also has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at 57.91%, significantly more than nearby schools like Morningside Elementary (6.13%) and Jackson Elementary (12.53%).

Despite having a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, Garden Hills Elementary outperforms the nearby schools in academic achievement, suggesting the school is effectively addressing the needs of its student population. The school also has higher per-student spending of around $15,300 and a lower student-teacher ratio ranging from 10.5 to 11.9, which may contribute to its stronger performance compared to the surrounding schools in the Atlanta Public Schools district.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 285 Sheridan Dr NE
       Atlanta, GA  30305


(404) 802-7800

District: Atlanta Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
519th of 1,248 Georgia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,332 Help


Students who attend Garden Hills Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Willis A. Sutton Middle School
High:    North Atlanta High School

Student/teacher ratio:  11.4 Help
Number of students:  470

Racial breakdown:

African American:
41.5%
Hispanic:
35.5%
White:
18.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  66% Help


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 Compare Garden Hills Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Garden Hills Elementary School ranks better than 58.4% of elementary schools in Georgia. It also ranks 13th among 53 ranked elementary schools in the Atlanta Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 54.03. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Garden Hills Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (41.5%), Hispanic (35.5%), White (18.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 66% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Garden Hills Elementary School is 11.4. 28 elementary schools in the Atlanta Public Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Garden Hills Elementary School employs 41.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Garden Hills Elementary School is $15,332. 37 elementary schools in the Atlanta Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Garden Hills Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Atlanta Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Atlanta Public Schools 149th of 203 Georgia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Garden Hills Elementary School?

Rank History for Garden Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools GA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 20.30 955th 1101 13.3%
2007 41.40 755th 1125 32.9%
2008 53.07 608th 1134 46.4%
2009 69.19 353rd 1133 68.8%
2010 63.31 487th 1183 58.8%
2011 35.23 902nd 1212 25.6%
2012 47.00 767th 1201 36.1%
2013 46.84 783rd 1225 36.1%
2014 62.06 548th 1231 55.5%
2015 47.65 599th 1240 51.7%
2016 55.45 489th 1233 60.3%
2017 49.77 555th 1205 53.9%
2018 56.98 469th 1209 61.2%
2019 57.23 494th 1234 60.0%
2021 50.19 555th 1214 54.3%
2022 54.06 520th 1244 58.2%
2023 58.31 466th 1242 62.5%
2024 54.03 519th 1248 58.4%
See the entire list of Georgia Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Georgia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Garden Hills Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    





Data source: Georgia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, May 6, 2021

Open Quote The school structure is old enough that my wife's grandmother attended here, but the excellence focus is growing as the demographics shift and parents have the means to invest in the school at a discount from private school tuition costs. The school as a whole may receive middling marks, but the DLI program is tops. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, March 5, 2020

Open Quote This is a gem of a neighborhood school. I know my children are in good hands and that the school faculty is invested in their education. Families can choose the traditional school track or apply for DLI, dual language immersion. We're very happy with the school. Close Quote


by a teacher
Saturday, April 13, 2019

Open Quote Garden Hills is truly a special place. I feel valuable and appreciated as an educator by the whole community - adminstration, staff, parents and students. I have been able to learn and grow and in such a positive environment. Close Quote


by a citizen
Thursday, May 3, 2018

Open Quote Wonderful staff, beautifully maintained and decorated building, lots of special resources for the children. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, January 15, 2016

Open Quote My son has been here since Kindergarten and he is now a fourth grader. This school is truly a gem. The leadership and staff truly care about the students and plans accordingly to help them succeed. My son has flourished here and i am so thankful to have had him at such a special school! I am looking forward to my daughter starting in a couple years. We love Garden Hills! Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, December 30, 2013

Open Quote We have had two children at GHES for five years and recommend it wholeheartedly. It is small. Teachers are dedicated. The neighborhood supports it's school. The rankings and scores are excellent - even considering the high Hispanic population where readers struggle with the language. We are impressed with the school's priority on supporting learners as they are....and differentiating instruction based on need. ESOL kids get the pull-outs they need. It is an IB school - and has held that designation longer than any elementary school in Atlanta. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Open Quote I am the proud parent of a second semester kindergartener who has absolutely flourished at Garden Hills. Admittedly, when my wife and I started our initial research on the school - test scores, etc. - we were more than a bit concerned. However, after scheduling a tour of the school, meeting with other parents, meeting the teachers and the principal our concerns quickly went away. Garden Hills is a teaching school that provides a rigorous curriculum. I do not want my child to be taught how to take an exam.

If you are a prospective parent of a kindergartener, please take advantage of the kindergarten camp, which is typically offered just before the school year kicks-off. It is a great way for your child(ren) to get acclimated to what could be an intimidating environment.

Great campus, fantastic teachers and principal coupled with very active and involved parents, and a rigorous curriculum makes for a winning recipe of success for the wonderful and deserving students. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Garden Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 347 347
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 370 370
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 389 389
1993 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 430 430
1994 139 175 30 112 1 n/a n/a 0 457
1995 126 139 34 144 1 n/a n/a 0 444
1996 126 139 34 144 1 n/a n/a 0 444
1997 100 104 31 157 1 n/a n/a 0 393
1998 107 99 23 174 0 n/a n/a 0 403
1999 105 86 27 191 1 n/a n/a 0 410
2000 78 106 30 227 2 n/a n/a 0 443
2001 77 107 33 235 3 n/a n/a 0 455
2002 74 89 32 265 2 n/a n/a 0 462
2003 74 89 32 265 2 n/a n/a 0 462
2004 73 69 26 315 3 n/a n/a 0 486
2005 75 84 27 371 1 n/a n/a 20 578
2006 80 90 26 368 0 n/a n/a 20 584
2007 72 67 17 409 0 n/a n/a 17 582
2008 70 54 20 409 1 n/a n/a 17 571
2009 63 69 17 416 1 n/a n/a 13 579
2010 77 72 15 427 2 0 11 0 604
2011 84 95 15 489 2 0 15 0 700
2012 92 94 16 485 1 0 8 0 696
2013 93 107 14 408 0 0 6 0 628
2014 96 97 19 401 0 0 11 0 624
2015 98 89 21 392 0 0 11 0 611
2016 96 88 17 273 0 0 14 0 488
2017 102 92 20 280 1 0 21 0 516
2018 116 89 9 278 0 1 22 0 515
2019 113 122 12 279 1 2 19 0 548
2020 115 129 11 246 0 2 11 0 514
2021 109 125 10 206 0 0 11 0 461
2022 100 169 10 163 1 1 9 0 453
2023 88 200 13 156 0 0 11 0 468
2024 85 195 10 167 0 0 13 0 470

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Garden Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 347 24.0 14.4 n/a
1991 370 25.0 14.8 30
1992 389 28.0 13.8 31.4
1993 430 29.0 14.8 38.6
1994 457 32.8 13.9 38.1
1995 444 35.0 12.7 58.6
1996 444 35.0 12.7 58.6
1997 393 34.2 11.5 64.4
1998 403 34.7 11.6 84.6
1999 410 34.4 11.9 70
2000 443 35.1 12.6 57.8
2001 455 36.9 12.3 73.4
2002 462 38.9 11.9 78.1
2003 462 38.9 11.9 78.1
2004 486 36.0 13.5 72.6
2005 578 50.4 11.5 76
2006 584 49.4 11.8 81
2007 582 49.4 11.8 82.7
2008 571 48.0 11.9 86.1
2009 579 50.0 11.6 85.5
2010 604 52.0 11.6 82.5
2011 700 51.0 13.7 81.3
2012 696 50.0 13.9 78.2
2013 628 48.0 13.0 79
2014 624 47.6 13.1 75.3
2015 611 50.0 12.2 74.6
2016 488 41.0 11.9 64.3
2017 516 40.0 12.9 61.4
2018 515 40.0 12.8 65.8
2019 548 42.0 13.0 60.2
2020 514 44.0 11.6 78.6
2021 461 43.5 10.5 45.3
2022 453 42.5 10.6 n/a
2023 468 39.2 11.9 57.9
2024 470 41.1 11.4 66

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Garden Hills Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 347 24.0 14.4 n/a
1991 370 25.0 14.8 30
1992 389 28.0 13.8 31.4
1993 430 29.0 14.8 38.6
1994 457 32.8 13.9 38.1
1995 444 35.0 12.7 58.6
1996 444 35.0 12.7 58.6
1997 393 34.2 11.5 64.4
1998 403 34.7 11.6 84.6
1999 410 34.4 11.9 70
2000 443 35.1 12.6 57.8
2001 455 36.9 12.3 73.4
2002 462 38.9 11.9 78.1
2003 462 38.9 11.9 78.1
2004 486 36.0 13.5 72.6
2005 578 50.4 11.5 76
2006 584 49.4 11.8 81
2007 582 49.4 11.8 82.7
2008 571 48.0 11.9 86.1
2009 579 50.0 11.6 85.5
2010 604 52.0 11.6 82.5
2011 700 51.0 13.7 81.3
2012 696 50.0 13.9 78.2
2013 628 48.0 13.0 79
2014 624 47.6 13.1 75.3
2015 611 50.0 12.2 74.6
2016 488 41.0 11.9 64.3
2017 516 40.0 12.9 61.4
2018 515 40.0 12.8 65.8
2019 548 42.0 13.0 60.2
2020 514 44.0 11.6 78.6
2021 461 43.5 10.5 45.3
2022 453 42.5 10.6 n/a
2023 468 39.2 11.9 57.9
2024 470 41.1 11.4 66

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Garden Hills Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2017 $929 (6.2%) $14,175 (93.8%) $15,104
2018 $696 (4.5%) $14,626 (95.5%) $15,322
2019 $734 (4.8%) $14,598 (95.2%) $15,332

Data source: Georgia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Garden Hills Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 494th of 1234 Elementary schoolsRanks 466th of 1242 Elementary schools
 2.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Garden Hills Elementary School)48.829.2
 19.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Atlanta Public Schools)36.934.5
 2.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4238.6
 3.4%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Garden Hills Elementary School)57.332.9
 24.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Atlanta Public Schools)45.136.7
 8.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Georgia)5245.6
 6.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Garden Hills Elementary School)5052
 2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Atlanta Public Schools)35.733.7
 2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4236.1
 5.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Garden Hills Elementary School)63.850.7
 13.1%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Atlanta Public Schools)42.335.9
 6.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4945.7
 3.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Garden Hills Elementary School)39.849.3
 9.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Atlanta Public Schools)38.735.9
 2.8%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Georgia)4541.6
 3.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Garden Hills Elementary School)30.145.6
 15.5%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Atlanta Public Schools)33.729.5
 4.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Georgia)4137.4
 3.6%
5th Grade Science (Garden Hills Elementary School)4137.7
 3.3%
   5th Grade Science (Atlanta Public Schools)37.729.7
 8%
   5th Grade Science (Georgia)4340
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students548468
 14.6%
African American122200
 63.9%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian1213
 8.3%
Hispanic279156
 44.1%
Pacific Islander20
 100%
White11388
 22.1%
Two or More Races1911
 42.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients60.2%57.9%
 2.3%


Schools Near Garden Hills Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Hills Elementary School

In the 2023-24 school year, 470 students attended Garden Hills Elementary School.

Garden Hills Elementary School ranks 519th of 1248 Georgia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at Garden Hills Elementary School are 41% African American, 36% Hispanic, 18% White, 3% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

Students who attend Garden Hills Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Willis A. Sutton Middle School
High : North Atlanta High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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