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Dekalb County Schools

Southwest DeKalb High School

  • C+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Decatur, GA
  • 400 reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    C+
  2. Diversity
    C+
  3. Teachers
    C+
  4. College Prep
    C+
  5. Clubs & Activities
    A-
  6. Health & Safety
    C
  7. Administration
    C
  8. Sports
    A
  9. Food
    C-
  10. Resources & Facilities
    C+
View Full Report Card
Southwest DeKalb High School is a public school located in Decatur, GA. It has 1,222 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 22% of students are at least proficient in math and 32% in reading.
Address
2863 Kelley Chapel Rd
Decatur, GA 30034
Telephone
(678) 874-1902
Website
dekalb.k12.ga.us

Southwest DeKalb High School Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading
32%
Percent Proficient - Math
22%
Average Graduation Rate
74%
Average SAT
1020
243 responses
Average ACT
21
126 responses
AP Enrollment
27%
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Living in the Area
A-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Cost of Living
    B-
  2. Good for Families
    B
  3. Housing
    C
Area Feel
Suburban
Median Household Income
$55,876
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$1,062
National
$949
Median Home Value
$176,000
National
$184,700

Culture & Safety

Health & Safety
C
Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
Poll
78%
of students agree that they feel safe at their school.37 responses
Poll
78%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.37 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 143 responses
Report
  • I enjoy the talent, fashion and step shows
    17%
  • Pep Rally
    15%
  • I always look forward to spirit week
    13%
  • Football and basketball games
    13%
  • The Black History program is always very good
    13%
  • I love the volleyball games and gymnastics meets
    7%
  • Senior walk
    6%

Students

Diversity
C+
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,222
Free or Reduced Lunch
63%
88%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.41 responses
85%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.41 responses
90%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.41 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
$51,977
Teachers in First/Second Year
13.3%
73%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.63 responses
63%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.63 responses
73%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.63 responses

Clubs & Activities

Clubs & Activities
A-
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Low
Expenses Per Student
$10,399/ year
National
$12,239
90%
of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.69 responses
36%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.69 responses
70%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.69 responses
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Southwest DeKalb High School Reviews

400 reviews
All Categories
I love SWD. We have the very BEST marching band in the land! Oue football team was undefeated this year. We also have great parent participation. The teachers are good, tough, and dedicated (especially the magnet teachers). We have good, fun organizations offered after school.
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What I like about Southwest DeKalb High School is the school spirit that it obtains and the push for academic achievement that is held among all students. Everyone is given the opportunity to succeed and graduate on time, however it's up to you to take hold of such beneficial opportunities. I like that the counselors within the building are always willing to help students and support them by making sure they're on task. I also admire the teachers within the building who take the time to educate the students with meaningful subjects; specifically the AP teachers. The clubs provided at the school are never taken for granted and give many students the chance to earn community service experiences. The sports teams have gained many region championship awards, and our band is known to be the best in the region; which is simply a few things I also admire about my school. I wouldn’t change anything about my school because I love it so much.
My experience with Southwest DeKalb was average. With every general teacher you had an AP teacher that taught to a higher standard. However, the AP classes are taught very well by experienced teachers who love their field instead of being there for a paycheck. With this being said, the AP classes are the best part of Southwest DeKalb. In addition, the band program is stellar and is another good thing about Southwest DeKalb that everyone should hear about. One change I would like to see is an increase in diversity with students so that teachers and students alike can see a much larger part of their world.