When Korean families come to Atlanta, they often start by looking into public school districts. However, after a few weeks, many change their focus after hearing about The Westminster Schools in Buckhead.

Founded in 1951, Westminster currently has about 1,890 students from preschool through 12th grade. As of 2024, the day tuition is around $40,685. At first glance, this number can seem overwhelming. However, when you look at the school's college matriculation statistics, the story changes. Recent data shows that 32.5% of graduates go on to the top 50 colleges in the U.S., and 25% attend the top 25 colleges. The percentage of students attending elite universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT is also notable at 9.2%. The school offers 25 AP courses, with 91% of students scoring 3 or higher on the exams.

In the past, few Korean families considered schools like this. Now, that's changing. As more families move from other states for their children's education, there is a clear trend toward choosing schools with strong academic performance, even if it means paying higher tuition.

The issue lies in the cost of living near the school. Buckhead has significant variations in housing prices. According to Redfin data, the median home price in Buckhead over the last three months is around $770,000, which is a 5.3% decrease from the previous year. However, there are considerable differences between specific areas. As of February 2026, the median price near Lenox-Peachtree was $377,500, while North Buckhead's median price has risen to $1,356,000. This means that even within Buckhead, the budget can vary significantly depending on the street.

For families moving from out of state, another important factor to consider is property taxes. Georgia has relatively low property tax rates compared to other states, but the rates and exemptions vary by county. The Buckhead area, which falls under Fulton County, requires careful review of specific conditions.

Ultimately, to settle near a well-known school like Westminster, families need to calculate both tuition and housing costs. With tuition around $40,000 and adding a mortgage, annual expenses can become quite substantial. However, simply reducing tuition by moving to a lower-rated school district is not a solution either. It ultimately depends on the family's priorities.

It's also important to clarify what AP means. It stands for Advanced Placement, a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit based on their exam scores. Scores range from 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher typically considered passing. Westminster offers 25 subjects, with a passing rate of 91%, both of which exceed national averages. In Niche ratings, it ranks 3rd among private high schools in Georgia, receiving an overall grade of A+, and the average rating from 223 parent reviews is 4.4 stars. For families just starting to explore schools, these external evaluation metrics can make decision-making much easier.

Many families also choose to rent first to experience the area before buying. Buckhead is known for having high rental prices, similar to its home sale prices, and there can be significant variations depending on unit conditions and timing. If you want to check the exact rental prices, it's best to look up the latest rates on sites like Zillow or Apartments.com. If you need to make decisions about school assignments and housing simultaneously, keeping both buying and renting options open for comparison can be a good strategy.

School district boundaries change frequently, and private school admission policies also vary slightly each year. Before settling on an address, be sure to check the latest admission requirements and assignment status for the school. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with real estate professionals and school representatives before making any contracts or admission decisions.