DeKalb School of the Arts

DeKalb School of the Arts

Public Middle, High School | Grade 8-12
1192 Clarendon Ave,  Avondale Estates, GA
Dekalb County Schools
4.0
3.9
327 Students
A
Niche Grade
Educating the artists of the new generation, the DeKalb School of the Arts is a prestigious and highly selective public magnet school serving students in eighth to twelfth grades. Meeting the criteria to attend this institution marks successful applicants for future success in their careers. Situated south of Avondale Estates, the school's extensive curriculum completes standardized public education requirements while also offering rigorous instruction on creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, media and film studies, vocal music, technical theater and visual art. Though all students who pass the selection process are already counted as top achievers, additional special courses are in place for gifted and advanced placement students. Academics are not the only source of enrichment at the Dekalb School; students can partake in beta club, fashion club, mock trial and National Honors Society as well as athletics including baseball, basketball, soccer and lacrosse. The Dekalb School of the Arts holds numerous accolades including its status as a Blue Ribbon School and as a recipient of the Grammy Signature School Award. Laying claim to an impressive graduation rate and a high average SAT score, the Dekalb School is one of the most success-oriented educational institutions in the Avondale Park area.

School Details

Head of School
Susan Mccauley
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Average SAT Score
1210
Average ACT Score
25
Math Proficiency
42%
Reading Proficiency
87%
Average GPA
3.66
Graduation Rate
95%
Annual Tuition
$0

Niche Grade

A
Academics
A-
Teachers
A-
College Prep
B+
Administration
C+
Resources/Facilities
A-
Clubs and Activities
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.66
Reading Proficiency
87%
Math Proficiency
42%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Teachers
24
Full Time Teachers
24
Teachers in First or Second Year
9.7%
College Prep
Average SAT
1210
Math
580
Verbal
630
Average ACT
25
Math
22
English
26
Reading
27
Science
24
Number of AP Courses
17
AP Pass Rate
69.8%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low

GreatSchools Rating

9
Equity
10
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
10.3%
State Average
15.6%
Science
7.1%
State Average
10.6%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
462:1

Student Diversity

Female
80.8%
Male
19.2%
Black
56.6%
White
31.8%
Hispanic
4.6%
Two or more races
3.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
3.3%
Native American
<1%

School Rankings

#1 Best HS for the Arts in Georgia
#6 Best Magnet HS in Georgia
#33 Best Public HS in Georgia
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Georgia State University 197 Students
University of Georgia 187 Students
Emory University 128 Students
New York University 92 Students
Savannah College of Art and Design 91 Students
Kennesaw State University 86 Students
Howard University 85 Students
Georgia Institute of Technology 79 Students
Spelman College 69 Students
Columbus State University 62 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Psychology 69 Students
Biology 46 Students
Dance 46 Students
Drama and Theatre Production 44 Students
Film and Video Studies 41 Students
Creative Writing 36 Students
Music Performance 35 Students
Business 33 Students
Nursing 30 Students
Communications 28 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 181 Reviews
4.0 Alum
6/2/2022
At DSA you are encouraged to be yourself and it really helps you with expressing your art and coming into yourself. I had a safe space to do the things I wanted to and I appreciated that. They only things I will say are that the stress they put on students is really unhealthy and our work load really affected our mental state. I would like to see a change in that in the future
5.0 Junior
12/13/2021
I've had A great experience at Dekalb School of the Arts. This school is a safe haven where every student belongs. With a warm, inclusive, and respectful environment I would recommend this school. They are a wonderful magnet program with dedicated staff. The only thing I wish could be changed was their finances, the program requires more than the county allowed them.
5.0 Senior
11/8/2021
It is a choice school, so all of the students are there because they want to be. You are allowed to express yourself in the Arts, as Arts will rule the world.
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GreatSchools Reviews
3.9 7 Reviews
1.0 other
11/24/2024
My nephew was yelled at by one of the teachers in front of all the other students for something she couldn't control. I expect better from teachers who have attended Florida State University!
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5.0 parent
5/28/2023
We have a great new principal (Dr. Jones) and the school is flourishing. We have great faculty (old and new) and the students are challenged and supported in their learning. I am so happy that I sent my child to DSA.
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1.0 parent
3/11/2018
Deeply disappointed with this school and quality of education especially academic teachers. Administration is awful. Do your research and talk to parents and students before sending your kids here. Students are leaving in droves.
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5.0 parent
7/17/2017
This really is a great school. To get in you have to audition and it's a stiff competition but once in you'll find that the teachers are great, the students are motivated and because of the small size of the school the kids are nice to each other. I think also that the nature of a performing arts sc...
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Georgia DeKalb County Avondale Estates 30002
DeKalb School of the Arts

DeKalb School of the Arts is a public school for students in grades 8-12 in Avondale Estates, GA, in the Avondale Estates neighborhood, and is served by the Dekalb County Schools in Georgia. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 327 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Academic records show that 42% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 87% are proficient in reading. DeKalb School of the Arts has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.66, the graduation rate is 95%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1210 and an ACT score of 25. The average home value in this area is $572,335. Discover additional schools in the area, like Decatur High School, Columbia High School, Academe of the Oaks, and more. Learn more about what Avondale Estates has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near DeKalb School of the Arts.

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