Benjamin E. Mays High School is a public school located in southwest Atlanta, Georgia, United States, serving grades 9–12. It is a part of the Atlanta Public School System and is a Georgia School of Excellence.
Serving 1,338 students in grades 9-12, Benjamin E. Mays High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,338 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in GA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Mays High School serves the southwest part of Atlanta, GA, covering an attendance zone of approximately 11.5 square miles. Typically, families within this area are a short drive of 5-10 minutes from the school, with an average distance of 2.3 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 4.1 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Benjamin E. Mays High School's student population of 1,338 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 112 teachers has grown by 40% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,338 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
112 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1981
School Calendar
School Motto
Dedicated to Excellence in Education
School Rankings
Benjamin E. Mays High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin E. Mays High School is 0.17, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1917 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Black
91%
36%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90%
84.4%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)66.2%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
63%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Mascot
Raiders
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin E. Mays High School's ranking?
Benjamin E. Mays High School is ranked #1917 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Benjamin E. Mays High School often compared to?
Benjamin E. Mays High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Frederick Douglass High School, D. M. Therrell High School, Westlake High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Benjamin E. Mays High School?
The graduation rate of Benjamin E. Mays High School is 90%, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 84.4%.
How many students attend Benjamin E. Mays High School?
1,338 students attend Benjamin E. Mays High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Benjamin E. Mays High School students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Benjamin E. Mays High School?
Benjamin E. Mays High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Benjamin E. Mays High School offer ?
Benjamin E. Mays High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Benjamin E. Mays High School part of?
Benjamin E. Mays High School is part of Atlanta School District.
In what neighborhood is Benjamin E. Mays High School located?
Benjamin E. Mays High School is located in the Mays neighborhood of Atlanta, GA.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING
5 10/10/2025
very excellent teachers.
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