About Us
DeKalb County School District
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is Georgia’s third-largest school system. Under the leadership of the Superintendent and the Board of Education, we prepare students for college and careers through a laser focus on rigorous, relevant classroom instruction related to each child’s needs.
The District serves over 92,000 students, 138 schools and centers, and 14K employees, including 6,600 teachers. Students and parents speak over 172 languages and represent over 155+ nations. With a laser focus, DCSD is a leader in STE(A)M curriculum with 32 certified STE(A)M schools and programs. School choice options are available in nearly 50 schools, including theme, magnet, IB, charter, and Montessori options.
VISION – To prepare students for success as lifelong learners and responsible global citizens
MISSION – To promote the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student by fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment
History
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) was established in 1873 when residents raised $4,200 to launch public education in the county. Named after Baron Johann de Kalb—a German officer who supported the American Revolution—the district's first schools were small, rural institutions serving local communities.
A notable milestone in DCSD’s early history was the creation of the Bruce Street School in Lithonia, the first public school for African American/Black students in DeKalb County and likely one of the first in Georgia. Although the stone school building, often referred to as "the old school building," was constructed in the late 1930s, the school’s roots in community-led education date back to the 1880s.
DeKalb High School, the district’s first high school, was established before 1900 and eventually became part of what is now Decatur High School (currently part of City Schools of Decatur). In 1952, Druid Hills High School and Tucker High School opened their doors. The first elementary school in the district was Doraville, and the first middle school was Stone Mountain.
Historically, Decatur was part of DCSD. However, in 1993, Decatur voters approved a referendum to create an independent city school system, resulting in the formation of City Schools of Decatur. Despite the separation, both districts continue to collaborate to meet the educational needs of the region’s students.
Over the years, DCSD has grown in step with the county's development and is now the 30th-largest school district in the U.S. Today, it stands as the third-largest school district in Georgia, serving more than 91,000 students across 138 schools and centers.
The district employs over 14,000 staff members, including 6,600 teachers, and spans 257 square miles. Students and families in the district speak more than 172 languages and represent over 155 nations. DCSD offers a wide array of traditional schools and six school choice areas: Dual Language Immersion (DLI), Montessori early learning, International Baccalaureate (IB), Theme, Magnet, and other selections. Visit the elementary, middle, high, and centers for more information.
Picture of Druid Hills High School (main building, 1952)