Devereux Ackerman Academy

Devereux Ackerman Academy is a small alternative school in Kennesaw, GA, serving 54 students in grades K-12 within the Cobb County School District, where 94.4% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

This school takes a highly individualized approach, with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 3.9:1—the lowest among nearby alternative schools like Margaret Harris Comprehensive School (4.4:1) and Hillside Conant School (6.7:1). However, academic outcomes remain a significant challenge. The school has reported a 0.0% graduation rate for five consecutive years, compared to the district average of 89.2% and state average of 87.2%. Test proficiency rates in Algebra I, Biology, and American Literature are also at 0%, while the district sees 55-59% proficiency in these subjects. The dropout rate of 16.7% is about seven times higher than district and state averages, though it has improved substantially from 29.3% in 2020-2021—a 43% reduction over four years. The school reports 0.0% chronic absenteeism for five straight years, which is unusual and may warrant a closer look.

It's important to understand the context. This is an alternative school designed for students who have not succeeded in traditional settings, often facing significant behavioral or academic challenges. Nearby Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence, another alternative school, shows a 67.8% graduation rate and 16-41% proficiency, but serves a much less economically disadvantaged population (28% free/reduced lunch). Meanwhile, Northwest Classical Academy, just 3.3 miles away, is also classified as alternative but operates as a classical charter with a 97.2% graduation rate. These comparisons highlight that "alternative" covers very different models. For families considering this school, the intensive staffing and support are clear strengths, but the persistent low graduation and test scores suggest that students here face profound obstacles that may require more than the current approach provides.