DeKalb County School District achieves 81.4% graduation rate, 4 schools celebrate 100% rate

TONE MOUNTAIN, GA – The DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) graduation rate rose to 81.4 percent in 2025, marking a 2.7 point increase from the previous year and its highest rate in more than a decade.

Four schools—DeKalb Early College Academy, Arabia Mountain High School, DeKalb School of the Arts, and Tapestry Public Charter—celebrated a 100% graduation rate. 

Eighteen of 23 high schools (78%) improved their rates, with six schools showing remarkable double-digit gains, officials said. Elizabeth Andrews High School led with a 28.8-point increase, while Lithonia High School (+12.1) and Cross Keys High School (+9.4) also made historic progress. This progress allows Cross Keys to meet the criteria for removal from the federally-identified Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Graduation Rate Improvement list later this school year.

Subgroups also achieved record highs. Black students reached 83.4% (+3.8), Hispanic students 70.5% (+3.4), and Students with Disabilities climbed to 72.3% (+5.1), continuing an eight-year upward trend of more than 28 points.

“These results prove what’s possible when we stay focused on every student, every day,” said DCSD Superintendent Devon Q. Horton. “DCSD students are achieving at historic levels, and we are just getting started. Looking at a two-year view, our graduation rate has increased 5.6 points since 2023, placing our district in the 84th percentile statewide. This indicates that our improvement is not just a one-year gain but a sustained upward trend that positions DCSD among the top-performing districts for graduation rate growth. This is a strong indicator that our organizational structure, Operation Graduation Plan, strategies for credit recovery, and student engagement are moving us to ‘New Levels,New Heights’.”

DCSD credits its success to consistent monitoring through its “Post-Secondary Push Plan,” monthly Operation Graduation meetings, and dedicated support staff working closely with high schools. The district celebrates all principals, teachers, and staff for helping students cross the stage prepared for the future with the Four E’s plan: Enlistment, Employment, Entrepreneurship, or Enrollment.

Georgia State Schools Superintendent Richard Woods joined DeKalb Superintendent Horton, principals, and 2025 graduates at a press conference and recognition ceremony to celebrate. 

“To the DeKalb County School District, I congratulate you on your gains and that more students arewalking across the stage,” said State Superintendent Richard Woods. “Thank you for investing in and adding to students. You have elevated all of us as a state.”