Summary:
Zip code 30079 (Scottdale, GA) is home to just one elementary school, Robert Shaw Theme School, which serves grades PK through 5 within the DeKalb County School District.
Robert Shaw Theme School is an exceptional standout, ranking in the 94th percentile statewide (78 of 1,219) with a 5-star rating for 2025-2026, and it has maintained elite 5-star status for three consecutive years. This is particularly remarkable given that its district ranks in the bottom third of Georgia districts. The school serves a 100% free/reduced lunch population, yet achieves proficiency rates roughly double the state average in every subject and grade tested. In 2025-2026, math proficiency ranged from 70.8% to 84.2% across grades 3-5, while 5th grade science hit 81.6% — a +51.2 point advantage over the district average. The school also boasts an extraordinarily low chronic absenteeism rate of just 2.8%, compared to 26.7% district-wide and 17.7% statewide.
With a favorable 12.2:1 student-teacher ratio and per-student spending of $22,295, the school demonstrates consistent strength across all subjects and grade levels, with no subject falling below 69.8% proficiency. While there are minor year-over-year fluctuations — such as 4th grade math dipping from 78.6% to 70.8% and the state ranking slipping from 97th to 94th percentile — these are typical variations that do not indicate decline. For families in zip code 30079, Robert Shaw Theme School represents an outstanding educational option that defies expectations, proving that high-poverty schools can achieve exceptional academic results through effective instruction, strong attendance, and significant resource investment.
Thank you for your feedback!