Summary:
International Academy of Smyrna is the sole elementary school (grades K-5) in the State Specialty Schools II- International Academy of Smyrna district, serving 328 students in Smyrna, GA, where 100% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
This school stands out for its exceptional attendance and strong resource investment. The chronic absenteeism rate is just 6.6%, dramatically lower than the state average of 17.7%, which is especially notable given the high-poverty student population. The school also spends $16,103 per student and maintains a favorable 11.7:1 student-teacher ratio, suggesting a well-supported learning environment. However, these advantages have not yet translated into consistent academic success. The school's statewide ranking has slipped from the 37th percentile (2 stars) in 2024-2025 to the 29th percentile (1 star) in 2025-2026. In the current year's math scores, 4th grade showed a remarkable improvement, jumping from 21.3% to 39.0% proficiency, but 3rd grade (28.1%) and 5th grade (23.3%) both declined and remain well below state averages. Science performance in 5th grade improved significantly to 36.6%, though still trailing the state's 44.2%.
In the most recent English Language Arts (ELA) data from 2024-2025, the school showed a bright spot: 5th grade ELA proficiency reached 47.5%, exceeding the state average of 43.0%, while 3rd and 4th grades trailed the state. This suggests literacy may be a relative strength in upper elementary grades. Despite the positive attendance, investment, and pockets of improvement, the school consistently trails state averages in most subjects, with the largest gaps in 3rd and 5th grade math (roughly 20 points below state). The combination of high resources and modest results raises questions about instructional effectiveness, but the strong attendance and notable gains in 4th grade math and 5th grade science offer hope for continued progress.
Thank you for your feedback!