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High Schools in DeKalb County: Discover Academic Excellence

photo of a group of high school students studying together for high schools in dekalb county

Dekalb County Public High School Guide

Trying to find the right public high school in DeKalb County, Georgia opens a world of possibilities for a personalized education. Choosing among the various high schools in DeKalb County shapes the academic future for your student. As parents deliberate on the best fit for their family, researching the right high schools for your student’s needs becomes paramount. From outstanding athletic departments to academic excellence, DeKalb County’s high schools offer a diverse spectrum of opportunities. This guide will help you navigate through the array of options, ensuring the perfect match for your child’s education.

Academic Excellence at High Schools in DeKalb County

Among the high schools in DeKalb County, Lakeside High School, Dunwoody High School, and Chamblee High School stand as pillars of academic excellence. These schools epitomize a dedication to providing a robust academic curriculum through AP and honors programs, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. All three schools boast a wide array of advanced and honors courses for students to take.

Lakeside High School

Lakeside High School offers a diverse range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, covering subjects from calculus to literature. Students have the opportunity to choose from 22 AP courses, as well as the option for dual enrollment credits and a work study program.

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Dunwoody High School

Dunwoody High School offers students 28 AP courses to choose from. In addition, students can choose Career and Technical Education pathways and work study programs to get a career head start before graduating high school.

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Chamblee High School

Similarly, Chamblee High School offers 19 AP courses as well as a dual enrollment partnership with local colleges. Students that partake in this program can earn college credit while still in high school.

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Exceptional Test Scores in DeKalb County

DeKalb Early College Academy and DeKalb School of the Arts demonstrate remarkable standardized test scores, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence. DeKalb Early College Academy excels in state-administered assessments such as the Georgia Milestones, showcasing students’ proficiency in core subjects like math, science, and language arts. Additionally, the school’s success in College Board assessments, including Advanced Placement (AP) exams, demonstrates an emphasis on high achievement. Similarly, DeKalb School of the Arts boasts impressive scores on Georgia Milestones, SAT, and ACT exams, underscoring students’ preparation for higher education. Both schools exceed state averages on these assessments.

photo of SAT and ACT standardized exam booklets

Perfect Graduation Rates in DeKalb County Schools

The DeKalb School of the Arts and the DeKalb Early College Academy boast an incredible graduation rate. Both schools achieved a perfect graduation rate in 2022. For DeKalb Early College Academy, it was the second year in a row earning a 100% graduation rate. In addition, these two schools and Arabia Mountain High School all achieved graduation rates of over 95% for the sixth year in a row. These remarkable accomplishments highlight their dedication to student success and post-secondary readiness.

group of students holding their caps and diplomas after graduation from high schools in cherokee county

Extensive Foreign Language Offerings

Dunwoody High School and Lakeside High School stand out for their exceptional foreign language programs. Both schools offer a wide array of difficulty levels, from beginner courses to Advanced Placement (AP) versions. These high schools prioritize comprehensive language education, promoting diverse linguistic skills and fostering an appreciation for different cultures. Dunwoody High School provides students with classes in Spanish, French, and Latin, creating multi-language proficiency among students. Similarly, Lakeside High School boasts an extensive language department, offering AP courses in languages including German, French, Latin, and Spanish.

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Multi Level Fine Arts Courses

DeKalb School of the Arts and Stephenson High School provide students with exceptional fine arts educations. These high schools in DeKalb County prioritize a comprehensive fine arts education, providing students with opportunities to explore and excel in their artistic passions. The DeKalb School of the Arts offers its students chorus, drama, dance, band, and orchestra. This high school stands out as the best high school for the arts in Georgia. Stephenson High School also offers students dance, band, chorus, drama, and orchestra, as well as opportunities to take advanced versions of each.

close up photo of a girl playing the violin in a school orchestra

High School Athletics in DeKalb County

Among the high schools in DeKalb County, Cedar Grove High School and Chamblee High School stand out for their exceptional sports offerings. These high schools offer students a diverse range of sports and sports clubs to participate in. Cedar Grove High School boasts a robust athletic program, excelling in various sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Cedar Grove is ranked highly in their region in football and baseball. Chamblee High School maintains a vibrant sports culture, with an array of 18 sports offerings spanning from competition cheer to wrestling. The school’s commitment to sports diversity and team achievements reflects a dedication to fostering a well-rounded athletic experience for students.

image of various sports balls on a grassy field

Diverse Club Offerings in DeKalb County

In DeKalb County, Chamblee High School, Dunwoody High School and Lakeside High School all shine brightly with their diverse and extensive extracurricular offerings. DeKalb County school clubs and extracurricular activities appeal to students’ diverse needs and interests. These high schools have clubs and interest groups that range from service based to STEM oriented to fine arts-focused.

Chamblee High School

Chamblee High School offers students 64 diverse clubs to choose from, including 7 national academic honor societies.

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Dunwoody High School

Dunwoody High School offers students 79 clubs and activities to choose from, including 9 national academic honor societies.

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Lakeside High School

Lakeside High School caters to students’ interests with 53 clubs to choose from, including 7 national academic honor societies.

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Incredible Teachers and Faculty

Within DeKalb County, the DeKalb School of the Arts and the DeKalb Early College Academy boast exceptional faculty and teachers. These teachers have earned recognition for their dedication to their students. The DeKalb School of the Arts’s educators have received prestigious awards such as the Teacher of the Year accolade, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence and student support. Similarly, DeKalb Early College Academy’s faculty members have been commended for their innovative teaching methods and contributions to academics. These high schools in DeKalb County prioritize having dedicated faculty, fostering an environment that encourages student success.

Biology High School Teacher helping student with class work

Contagious School Pride in DeKalb Schools

Chamblee High School and Lakeside High School are renowned for fostering student involvement and school pride. Chamblee High School promotes a positive and engaged culture. This is made evident by students’ active participation in clubs, sports, and community initiatives. Similarly, Lakeside High encourages student involvement through school activities and community service. The school’s spirited atmosphere extends to sporting events where enthusiastic student attendance creates an electrifying ambiance. These high schools in DeKalb County create an environment that promotes student participation and united school spirit.

Multiracial group of cheerful teenage friends taking selfie at high school.

DeKalb County’s Great Neighborhoods

Among the high schools in DeKalb County, Columbia High School, Cross Keys High School, DeKalb School of the Arts, Towers High School, Southwest DeKalb High School, Dunwoody High School and Druid Hills High School are all located in sought-after neighborhoods. The variety of schools located in various areas around DeKalb demonstrate the numerous quality neighborhoods in DeKalb County. These high schools are all located in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Druid Hills, Brookhaven, and Dunwoody. Dunwoody and Decatur, known for their well-maintained properties and infrastructure, as well as excellent walkability, are popular areas of metro Atlanta. Brookhaven and Druid Hills are both renowned for their beautiful historic homes and access to beautiful parks. Avondale Estates is known as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta and boasts high-end living and amenities

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Choose DeKalb County for Your Family!

In DeKalb County’s high schools, a commitment to academic excellence, vibrant extracurriculars, and spirited sportsmanship fosters holistic student growth. These schools create an environment where involvement and success thrive, cultivating a vibrant student culture that celebrates achievements and individual passions.