Reach for Excellence empowers bright, motivated students from metro Atlanta and surrounding communities to thrive in the city’s most rigorous college preparatory high schools—including top magnet, charter, public, independent day, and boarding schools.

The program is open to current 6th grade students, and admission is highly selective, with only 35 students accepted each year. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and significant financial need. As part of the admissions process, Reach carefully considers family income and financial assets to ensure that opportunities are extended to students who need them most.

 Reach supports both students and families throughout the high school application and financial aid process, offering family workshops, individual guidance, and hands-on support every step of the way.

This approach works: in 2025, 96% of Reach students who applied to private or independent schools were admitted, and 77% enrolled.