The Road to Graduation 2027
It is always a proud moment when the evening of 8th-grade graduation arrives. At the start of the year, the road to graduation can appear long but with a little help, it does not need to be arduous!
In a typical year about half of the students go to Private High Schools and the other half Public. Our students attend a range of schools including St Pius X, Marist, Heritage Prep, Wesleyan, Lakeside High, Chamblee High and Dunwoody High.
Key Dates for 2026–27
Late September 2026 – Marist applications for the 2027–28 school year become available through Ravenna.
November 1, 2026 – St. Pius X Open House.
December 6, 2026 – Marist Open House
January 15, 2027 – Deadline for Marist ninth-grade applications. Apply early!
January 22, 2027 – Deadline for all Marist supplemental materials, including questionnaires, recommendations, transcripts, test results and required forms.
St. Pius X application deadline – The precise date has not yet been published. Applications are expected to remain open from October 2026 through February 2027. Families are strongly encouraged to apply early.
April 2, 2027 – AAAIS acceptance notifications mailed.
April 3, 2027 – AAAIS electronic acceptance notifications released.
April 13, 2027 – Deadline for families to respond to AAAIS offers.
ADS, St. Pius X, Marist, Atlanta International School, Heritage Preparatory School and Greater Atlanta Christian School are all AAAIS member schools. Therefore, Heritage Prep and GAC should not be described as non-AAAIS schools. Some schools may consider later applications on a space-available basis after the regular admissions cycle.
Schools Profiles
Established in 1958, St. Pius X is an archdiocesan, coeducational Catholic high school serving students in grades 9–12. Its rigorous college-preparatory program supports the formation of each student’s mind, body and spirit in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Students can pursue a broad selection of academic courses while participating in extensive faith, service, fine arts, athletics and extracurricular programs.
Founded in 1901, Marist School is an independent, coeducational Catholic college-preparatory day school serving approximately 1,120 students in grades 7–12. Open to families of all faiths, Marist combines a rigorous academic curriculum with experiential learning and extensive opportunities in faith, service, leadership, fine arts, athletics and extracurricular activities. Guided by the traditions of the Society of Mary, the school prepares students to thrive in college and become compassionate leaders who serve others.
Admissions road map and key dates.
Founded in 1984, Atlanta International School is a private, nonprofit International Baccalaureate World School serving approximately 1,350 students from 3K through Grade 12 across its Buckhead and Sandy Springs campuses. AIS offers the full IB curriculum alongside immersive and multilingual programs in Chinese, French, German and Spanish. Its intentionally inclusive and intercultural community represents approximately 90 nationalities and more than 65 languages. The school’s mission is to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better through joyful learning, purposeful effort, mutual respect and intercultural understanding.
Heritage Preparatory School is a private, Christ-centered classical school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in Atlanta. Its academically rigorous program develops critical thinking, effective communication, wisdom, virtue and strong Christian character. Partnering closely with families, Heritage seeks to form students who think with excellence, believe with confidence and live with character—preparing them for college, purposeful leadership and lives of service to God and others.
Founded in 1961, Greater Atlanta Christian School is an independent, faith-centered college-preparatory school serving approximately 1,800 students from infancy through Grade 12 on its Norcross campus. GAC offers an extensive academic program that includes 30 Advanced Placement courses, 32 honors courses, 19 dual-credit courses, eight world languages and more than 60 STEM courses. Students also benefit from broad opportunities in fine arts, athletics, leadership, service, global study and experiential learning, all within a diverse Christian community.
Public
Apply for Charter/Magnet Schools in DeKalb county
Lakeside High School is a diverse public high school serving students in grades 9–12 within the DeKalb County School District. Located in Atlanta’s Northlake community, Lakeside offers a broad college- and career-preparatory education, including Advanced Placement, gifted, dual-enrollment, and career and technical learning opportunities. The school is committed to supporting every student’s academic, social, and emotional growth while preparing graduates to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
Founded by Emory University in 1919 as a school for faculty members’ children, Druid Hills High School is one of the oldest schools in the DeKalb County School District. The school moved to its current Haygood Drive campus in 1928 and now serves a diverse community of students in grades 9–12. Alongside its traditional college- and career-preparatory curriculum, Druid Hills offers Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The school seeks to develop knowledgeable, confident, and responsible citizens prepared to participate in an evolving global society.
Decatur High School is a comprehensive public high school located approximately five miles east of downtown Atlanta. It is part of City Schools of Decatur, an independent public school district serving the City of Decatur, and has a diverse student body of approximately 1,900 students. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Decatur High offers the IB Middle Years, Diploma, and Career-related programs, together with Advanced Placement, honors, dual-enrollment, and career-focused opportunities. Its programs promote academic excellence, inquiry, global awareness, and preparation for higher education and future careers.
Shadow Days
Most schools run a series of shadow days to give an experience and feel of the school. It is well worth booking on 2-3. More information here:
SSAT
Private schools typically require applicants to complete the SSAT. This can be done at a number of High Schools and online.
The cost of the tests depends on accommodations and location, approximately $200 each time you sit the exam. There isn’t a limit to how many time you can sit it.
Applications
Please note schools typically charge $100 per application and they will also request references from ADS. This is usually from academic members of staff (homeroom teacher plus ELA & Math) plus a member of the administration. They will also request grade transcripts for Middle School.
Applications typically open in late September/early October.
Private schools require you to have a Ravenna account to apply.
Application check-list:
Create application accounts and register for admissions events.
Schedule tours and shadow days early.
Review testing requirements and request accommodations promptly.
Ask ADS about its process and deadlines for transcripts and recommendations.
Complete parent and student questionnaires.
Submit financial-aid applications separately from admissions applications.
Monitor application portals for missing materials.
Compare transportation, tuition, additional fees and daily schedules.
Respond to offers by the stated AAAIS deadline.
Graduation Day
This year’s graduation is May 27, 2027, in the Cathedral. The event starts at 5:30pm with photos before and a reception following the event organized by the graduating class parents. The 8th grade students will also have a celebration day at Stone Mountain as well as the chance to wear their new school spirit wear in the final week and get yearbooks signed. Cap and gowns are provided by the school. Please note 8th grade do not have school on May 27th. Their final day in school is May 26th for Field Day.