Established in 2006, DeKalb Early College Academy is the only early college model high school for the DeKalb County School District. Along with our educational partner – Georgia State University at Perimeter College – our students take some of their upper-division courses on a college campus. Students receive high school units toward graduation and post-secondary credits simultaneously. Upon completion of the program, students will earn their high school diploma, at least 30 hours of college credit hours, and likely a CTAE Pathway certification. Since these 30 hours of college courses are paid with Dual Enrollment state funding, there are minimal costs incurred by scholars and their families. However, about 70% of our scholars have chosen to continue past the 30 allotted hours and we continue to provide them will world-class educational support.

In keeping with the fundamental principles of the national early college high school initiative, we strive to maximize college exposure to young people who can excel in this rigorous academic environment, namely underrepresented populations such as low-income (Title I school), first-generation college goers, female scholars, and students of color. The increased academic rigor, compressed time frame for beginning post-secondary work, and required commitment to community service; leads to tremendous successes as a school as numerous graduates have gone on to highly esteemed universities to pursue bachelor’s degrees and so much more.

• Grades: 9—12

• Eligibility
  • Reside within any DeKalb County School District Attendance Zone
  • 75 or higher overall GPA as of the previous semester.
  • Entering freshman must be matriculating to 9^th grade for the first time.
  • Entering sophomores must have earned at least 6 credits toward graduation (3 core and 3 elective) and a 2.75 grade point average.
  • Current year baseline MAP Total Reading Score of 75th percentile (or higher).
  • Current year baseline MAP Total Math Score of 75th percentile (or higher).
  • Completed DECA’s online application found here by October 31, 2024.
  • Submission of previous year’s final report card and/or transcript
  • Submission of the previous year’s attendance report
  • Submission of behavior transcript
  • Submit Interest Video
  • 2 Teacher Recommendations are required.

• Selection Process
  • Rubric-based evaluation of application components (including the transcript, attendance, behavior, and video, and teacher recommendations)
  • 100 offered admissions, waitlist for remaining qualifying applicants.
• Continuation Guidelines
  • Students must maintain an overall unweighted 2.75 or higher GPA.
  • Promotion to the next grade level.
  • Meet all parent and scholar agreements per DECA’s handbook and application.