DeKalb County School District

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is Georgia's third-largest public school system, serving a diverse student population of over 92,000 students across more than 140 schools and centers. It is headquartered in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

DCSD encompasses areas of DeKalb County not within the city limits of Atlanta and Decatur, reflecting a broad geographic coverage.

Educational Focus

The district offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Instruction is rigorous and relevant, tailored to meet each student's individual needs.

The student body is notably diverse, representing over 185 languages and students from more than 170 nations.

Specialized Facilities

DCSD operates specialized facilities to support its educational mission, such as the Fernbank Science Center located in Atlanta. This center functions as a museum, classroom, and woodland complex.

It provides science education programs for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Its exhibits include:

• Dinosaur skeletons
• Rocks and minerals
• An authentic Apollo spacecraft
• A planetarium and observatory with public shows

Student Engagement Initiatives

For the 2025–2026 school year, the district expanded its "Disconnect to Reconnect" program across all elementary, middle, and high schools.

This program creates phone-free environments during instructional time to help students fully engage in their learning experiences.

Strategic Planning and Development

The district's strategic efforts include the 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, developed with extensive community input to guide student success and achievement.

Additionally, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) addresses facility needs, focusing on the design and construction of improvements to existing schools and building new facilities.

Accreditation and Budget

In 2017, DCSD received a full, five-year renewal of its accreditation from AdvancED, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

The district operates with a budget of $2.6 billion and employs over 14,500 staff members, including more than 6,000 teachers.

This workforce supports the district's goal of preparing students for college and careers through rigorous and relevant instruction.

Locations

• Atlanta, GA, USA
• Sandy Springs, GA, USA