DeKalb School District Graduation Rate Slightly Down, But Making Gains: Superintendent

DEKALB COUNTY — The Georgia Department of Education released data Thursday that tracks the four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2021 in DeKalb County. In the district, the overall graduation rate for this year’s seniors is 75.41 percent, a slight decrease of less than 1 percent from the 2020 rate, according to a news release.

Last year the graduation rate was 75.97 percent, but it decreased by 0.56 percent.

“Under normal circumstances, increasing a school graduation rate is not an easy feat. In light of the pandemic and the continued remote learning environment, we applaud our students, families, teachers and school administrators for their efforts,” said Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris in the release.

This is the fourth consecutive year the school district has had annual district gains for the following student groups: Asian/Pacific Islander, English Learners, and students who need special accommodations.

Most Notable School Gains

The most notable school gains occurred at Towers High School and Clarkston High School, according to the district. Both schools demonstrated double-digit gains of more than 10 percent in their four-year graduation rate:

• Towers High School increased by 14.50 percent
• Clarkston High School increased by 12.85 percent

Clarkston High School has met exit criteria and has been removed from the state-identified CSI Graduation Rate improvement list.

“The tremendous gains in the graduation rates at Towers High School and Clarkston High School are an outstanding accomplishment in the face of adversity," said Watson-Harris. We commend and celebrate both schools and their communities!”

Graduation Rates Above 95 Percent

Four high schools have graduation rates above 95 percent.

• Arabia Mountain High School – 98.81 (Title I School)
• DeKalb Early College Academy – 98.51 (Title I School)
• DeKalb School of the Arts – 97.53
• Tapestry Public Charter School – 93.75

Additional graduation rate increases were observed at the following six (6) high schools:

• Chamblee High School (+8.55)
• Tapestry Public Charter School (+7.54)
• Cross Keys High School (+1.17)
• Druid Hills High School (+1.11)
• Miller Grove High School (+2.42)

Students Graduate 'College-Ready'

The ACT average composite score increased to 22.7 and the SAT total mean score increased to 1037, indicating that district students are graduating college-ready.

School district officials said they aim to connect families and students to the appropriate wrap-around support and services to ensure all students graduate and are prepared for their preferred futures, including college, military, or a self-sustaining career.