High Schools in DeKalb County

The DeKalb County school district in Georgia contains 23 high schools serving students in grades 9-12. The schools vary significantly in size, performance, and student demographics, with a clear divide between the highest-performing and lowest-performing institutions. While the district as a whole is underperforming, ranking 131st out of 206 in the state, a few standout schools like DeKalb School of the Arts and Dekalb Early College Academy are excelling, ranking 11th and 10th respectively out of 452 high schools statewide.

The top-performing schools have exceptional test scores, with over 70% proficiency in core subjects, and relatively low rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. In contrast, many other schools in the district struggle with low test scores and high poverty rates, with some schools like Lithonia High School, Stone Mountain High School, and Cedar Grove High School having over 80% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Spending per student does not appear to be a reliable predictor of school performance, as some of the highest-spending schools are among the lowest-performing.

Overall, the data highlights significant disparities in educational outcomes within the DeKalb County school district. Addressing the systemic challenges and inequities will be crucial for improving performance across all schools and ensuring that all students in the county have access to a high-quality education.