DeKalb County Schools & Education
DeKalb County, Georgia
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
75.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
75.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,411
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,405
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 50/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#124
of 159 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: DeKalb County
School Verdict
DeKalb County faces educational challenges with a school score of 38/100 and a graduation rate of 75.4%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
DeKalb County spends $8,411 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for DeKalb County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 24% below the Georgia average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 12.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 14% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in DeKalb County, Georgia
Massive Scale and Diverse Infrastructure
DeKalb County operates a massive infrastructure with 153 public schools serving over 103,000 students. This sprawling system includes 97 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, and 27 high schools.
Significant Investment Amid Performance Challenges
The county invests $8,411 per pupil—well above the Georgia average—to support its diverse student body. While the graduation rate of 75.4% trails the state average, the county provides extensive specialized education and alternative programs.
A Multi-District Educational Hub
Five different districts operate here, led by the DeKalb County district and the City Schools of Decatur. Charter schools are a significant factor, with 13 institutions representing nearly 9% of the total school landscape.
Suburban Environments with Large High Schools
This is a predominantly suburban learning environment, featuring large high schools like Lakeside and Dunwoody that exceed 2,000 students. The average school size across the county is 677 students, reflecting its high-density population.
Finding Your Niche in DeKalb Schools
DeKalb County's vast size offers diverse options, from large suburban high schools to specialized city programs in Decatur. Researching specific school zones is essential for families looking to find the right academic fit.
School Overview
Total Schools
153
in DeKalb County
Total Enrollment
103,516
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
13
8% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in DeKalb County
DeKalb County
City Schools of Decatur
State Charter Schools- Ivy Preparatory Academy- Inc
State Charter Schools II- DeKalb Brilliance Academy
State Charter Schools II- Georgia Fugees Academy Charter Sc
153 Public Schools in DeKalb County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 2,141 |
| Dunwoody High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 2,040 |
| Decatur High School | City Schools of Decatur | 9–12 | High | 1,853 |
| Chamblee High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,776 |
| Sequoyah Middle School | DeKalb County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,763 |
| Cross Keys High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,714 |
| Tucker High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,579 |
| Lithonia High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,483 |
| Martin Luther King- Jr. High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,440 |
| Clarkston High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,413 |
| Henderson Middle School | DeKalb County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,411 |
| Druid Hills High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,358 |
| Stephenson High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,354 |
| Beacon Hill Middle School | City Schools of Decatur | 6–8 | Middle | 1,323 |
| Southwest DeKalb High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,307 |
| Peachtree Middle School | DeKalb County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,288 |
| Lithonia Middle School | DeKalb County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,214 |
| Stone Mountain High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,202 |
| Tucker Middle School | DeKalb County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,197 |
| Miller Grove High School | DeKalb County | 9–12 | High | 1,188 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,411
State avg $7,405
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in DeKalb County rate?
What is the graduation rate in DeKalb County?
How much does DeKalb County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in DeKalb County, Georgia — FAQ
What does the school system look like in DeKalb County, Georgia?
DeKalb County operates a massive infrastructure with 153 public schools serving over 103,000 students. This sprawling system includes 97 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, and 27 high schools.
How do schools in DeKalb County perform academically?
The county invests $8,411 per pupil—well above the Georgia average—to support its diverse student body. While the graduation rate of 75.4% trails the state average, the county provides extensive specialized education and alternative programs.
What are the major school districts in DeKalb County, Georgia?
Five different districts operate here, led by the DeKalb County district and the City Schools of Decatur. Charter schools are a significant factor, with 13 institutions representing nearly 9% of the total school landscape.
What is the school experience like in DeKalb County?
This is a predominantly suburban learning environment, featuring large high schools like Lakeside and Dunwoody that exceed 2,000 students. The average school size across the county is 677 students, reflecting its high-density population.
How can I find homes near good schools in DeKalb County, Georgia?
DeKalb County's vast size offers diverse options, from large suburban high schools to specialized city programs in Decatur. Researching specific school zones is essential for families looking to find the right academic fit.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.