Gaines Elementary School

Gaines Elementary sits in Athens, a college town with a lot of energy and a tight-knit community feel, but families here will want to know that the school faces significant academic challenges across the board — particularly in English and Science, where scores fall in the bottom tier statewide. It may be a good fit for families who are deeply embedded in the local community and plan to supplement with outside resources, tutoring, or the enrichment opportunities that come with living near the University of Georgia. Athens has a lot to offer culturally and socially, but parents prioritizing academic performance in the elementary years may want to explore all available options within the district.