DeKalb County School System, GA

DeKalb County School System District Profile

The DeKalb County School System (DCSS) is a metropolitan Atlanta public school system located in the second largest county in Georgia. DeKalb, one of the most culturally diverse counties in the nation, has a student enrollment of more than 102,000 students in 143 schools and centers, and 13,285 full-time employees.

   All DeKalb schools are dedicated to giving every student the best possible education through an intensive core curriculum and specialized, challenging instructional and career programs. DCSS is striving to become the premier K-12 school system of choice and is constantly improving and refining instruction and management to make it as effective, productive, and economical as possible. To this end, Superintendent Crawford Lewis, Ph. D., continues to lead the school district on a journey towards excellence by sharing his “Blueprint for Premier DeKalb.” The seven strategic pieces to this blueprint are leadership, data analysis to ensure quality decision making, customer service, accountability, access and equity for all students, training for all employees, and unity. With leadership being the capstone of this blueprint, Dr. Lewis has galvanized all employees with the rally cry of “Premier DeKalb … One Direction, All Schools, Every Student!”

   DeKalb offers essential instruction in the core curriculum areas, designed with academic rigor to meet the special needs and characteristics of the student. The instructional program is student-centered and content-driven. The SpringboardTM and High Schools That WorkTM model supply the framework for continuous school improvement in our middle and high schools.

   The district has many comprehensive programs and initiatives to support student learning. A sampling includes: International Baccalaureate Diploma, Magnet and Theme School Choice programs, Montessori, Advanced Placement and joint enrollment classes, nine Parent Centers, After School Extended Day programs, Driver Education, English Language Learner (ELL) Studies, Gifted Education, DeKalb Online Academy, The Early Intervention Program (EIP) for K-5 and the Remedial Education Program for grades 9-12, and the Dropout Roundup.

   All units of study essential to high school graduation in DeKalb County Schools must be earned in grades nine through twelve, with the exception of algebra and world language which may be earned in grade eight. In 2005, there were 5,199 high school completers in DeKalb County School System. Of those, 7.8% earned dual diplomas, 79.4% earned college prep diplomas, and 12.8% earned a vocational diploma. A total of 226 special education diplomas and 641 Certificates of Performance were issued in 2005. Of the district’s 2005 graduates, approximately 38.2% were enrolled in college or postsecondary options by June 1, 2005, with 62% qualifying for the HOPE Scholarship. The graduation classes of 2006 and 2007 may work toward a Technology/Career Prep Diploma, a College Prep Diploma, a College Prep/Technology Career Prep Diploma, or a Special Education Diploma. The diploma choices for the class of 2008 and subsequent years include a Basic Diploma, a Diploma with Specialization, or a Special Education Diploma.

   DeKalb’s Career Technical programs offer many opportunities for 11,428 students to refine their talents, skills, and abilities. Career Tech give students the opportunity to learn, grow, and work in industry certified programs in Business Education, Construction, Health Occupations, Graphic Arts, Marketing Education, and Technology Education. These students also participate in numerous JROTC units. Currently, there are nine Navy units, eight Air Force units, and two Army units offering courses such as Aerospace Science, Naval Science, and Army Leadership. These schools offer many student organizations such as DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FEA, HOSA, TSA, and VICA.

   Fernbank Science Center is a science and nature resource center for DeKalb Schools and for the entire community.

     The DeKalb County School System has a long history of care and concern for students with special needs and concerns. The internationally recognized Exceptional Education and Support Services Division provides services for these students and their parents that include: Guidance, Counseling, and Mentoring; Gifted and High Achievers Education; GLRS (Georgia Learning Resource System); Parent Mentoring; Prevention/Intervention; Psychological Services; and Social Work.

   The Athletic Program of DeKalb County has enjoyed a high level of success. DeKalb prides itself as being the home of champions. There have been a total of 182 state titles won among current schools.

   The motto, “The School cannot love apart from the community,” has always symbolized the relationship between the DeKalb County School System and the community it serves. A multitude of businesses and civic organizations serve as active partners to individual schools and as system wide partners through the Partners in Education Foundation Program and various advisory committees that consistently come together to dialogue with and give input to the school system.

   Applicants interested in a position with DeKalb County School System must apply online @ http://www.pats.dekalb.k12.ga.us/ . Our central office is located at 3770 N Decatur Road, Decatur GA 30032.