Southwest DeKalb High School is a thriving learning community, displaying superior balance in Academics, Athletics, School Pride, and Community Engagement. Southwest DeKalb houses the High Achievers Magnet Program for the south end of the county, the Freshman Academy, and hosts a combined student enrollment of over 1200 well rounded students. As a result, Southwest DeKalb students have been awarded millions of dollars in academic and athletic scholarships.
More than half of the faculty and staff have advanced degrees. Several of the teachers are veteran educators with more than ten years of experience. This instructional team is deeply vested and highly committed to educating all students who enter their classrooms. Many of the extraordinary faculty extends themselves beyond the normal school day by serving as coaches or sponsors of extracurricular activities. Tutorial help is offered to all students on a daily basis. Teachers also dedicate at least two days per week before or after school tutorials and participate in concentrated tutorial learning and enrichment offerings in preparation for End of Course and Georgia Milestone Assessments. Ongoing, weekly professional learning provides opportunity for professional growth and development. Additionally, departmental and team meetings allow teachers to meet and collaborate with their colleagues to provide guidance and support among one other.
Southwest DeKalb offers a plethora of programs designed to increase the rigor of course work and academic excellence of students. One of the most successful academic programs is the highly acclaimed, Magnet Program for High Achievers. This specialized learning pathway allows students the opportunity to participate in advanced and accelerated courses, based upon their academic performance and standardized test scores. Additionally, Southwest Dekalb offers thirteen Advanced Placement Courses for students to experience college-level content and instruction. Southwest Dekalb boasts in the steadily increasing numbers and performance of students benefitting from AP courses, and has received recognition by the College Board as both an AP Model of Excellence School and an AP Honor School, for doing so.
The adoption of the High Schools That Work initiative allowed for the adoption and implementation of a Freshman Academy, two Career Academies, an Advisement Program. These efforts have greatly contributed to the consistent progress and acceleration of students through transitional programs, providing students a firmer foundation for success. The Freshman Academy also increases student attendance and school spirit by creating a sense of belonging. Southwest Dekalb also offers a Summer Bridge Program for eighth grade students entering the ninth grade which eases the transition into the high school setting.
Southwest Dekalb hosts specialized academic programs such as: The Study Table, Departmental Tutorial, Saturday School, and Kaplan SAT Review. All of these efforts greatly contribute to increase performances on standardized tests, including the End of Course Test, Advanced Placement Exams, the SAT, and the Georgia Milestone Assessments.
Additionally, Southwest DeKalb offers a variety of extracurricular activities for all students, including community service organizations, honor societies, athletic teams, Marching, Jazz, and Concert Bands, debate team and academic clubs. Southwest DeKalb continues the reputation of receiving top athletic honors for excelling in all sports. The Football Team boasts wins as both 2018 and 2019 Region Champions. The explosive Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team has reigned as Region Champions in years 2016-2019, the Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team are 2019 Region Champions, both The Girls’ and Boys’ Junior Varsity Basketball Teams are the 2020 Region Champions. The Wrestling Team consistently performs as a formidable force reigning as 2019 and 2020 Regional Champions, and the Baseball Team dominates as 2019 Region Champions.
The athletic program continues to expand in teams and superior programs. In 2019, the Girls’ Lacrosse Team made history by becoming the first all-black team in GHSA history to reach the state playoffs. The Marching Panthers of Southwest DeKalb study and perform in stellar excellence and have earned ratings of superior at District Level Competitions. The Mighty Marching Panthers also were leading characters in Dallas Austin's highly acclaimed hit T.V. Show called "Drum Roll."
Our faculty and staff members sacrifice many hours to nurture students inside and outside the classroom. Our PTSA, business and community leaders work closely with the teachers and administrative staff to help us achieve our academic and financial goals. We believe that all students can be successful at Southwest DeKalb High School, and the administration, the faculty, and staff of Southwest DeKalb High School are here to help our students excel and achieve in all of their endeavors be it academically or athletically.