BUFORD — Buford City Schools has been ranked the No. 1 school district in Georgia for the 12th consecutive year and climbed to No. 6 nationally in Niche’s 2027 Best School Districts rankings.
The district moved up 10 spots from its No. 16 national ranking last year.
Niche evaluates school districts using factors that include academics, teachers, college readiness, student experiences and extracurricular opportunities.
Superintendent Dr. Amy Chafin credited the district’s students, employees, families and community for the recognition while emphasizing that the ranking is not a reason to become complacent.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor, but it is not the destination,” Chafin said. “We are beyond proud of the accomplishments of our students and staff, and we are even more excited about what is ahead.”
The ranking follows a year in which Buford students and programs earned a number of academic, athletic and fine arts honors, including national-level achievements.
Chafin said the district’s focus heading into 2027 is on building on those accomplishments.
“My philosophy for getting to the next level is simple: stay hungry, get the right people in the right places, have a culture of discipline, and never stop chasing excellence,” she said. “Our success last year should not cause us to become comfortable. It should motivate us to work even harder, think bigger, and continue finding ways to provide our students with the very best educational experience possible.”
Buford City Schools Board of Education Chairman Phillip Beard, who is beginning his 52nd year on the board, said the ranking reflects support throughout the school system and community.
“To be recognized as the No. 1 school district in Georgia for the 12th consecutive year is an incredible accomplishment for the entire Buford community,” Beard said. “What makes this recognition so special is that it represents the dedication of people who believe in Buford and believe in our students.”
Beard also credited teachers, students and parents, as well as continued community investment in the school system.
“Our teachers work tirelessly, our students accept the challenge of high expectations, our parents support our schools, and our community continues to invest in excellence,” Beard said.
The 2027 ranking marks another year at the top of Niche’s Georgia district rankings for Buford City Schools while placing the district among the top 10 school systems nationally.
