DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is a large public school district headquartered in Stone Mountain, Georgia, in the eastern Atlanta metro area. The district serves a large and diverse community across more than 140 schools and educational centres, with an enrollment of over 92,000 students supported by more than 14,000 staff members, including approximately 6,600 teachers.
DCSD offers a wide range of programs designed to meet diverse student needs, including special education services, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, gifted and talented programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and career and technical education (CTE) pathways. The district’s mission centres on empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Community Engagement
DCSD’s approach to district leadership is shaped through structured focus groups consisting of students, parents, teachers, and community members. These groups provide direct feedback that informs district policies and programmes, ensuring initiatives remain aligned with community needs and expectations.
District Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 |
| Phone | (678) 676-1200 |
| Website | dekalbschoolsga.org |
| Employment Inquiries | employmentapplications@dekalbschoolsga.org / (678) 676-0005 |
DeKalb County Schools Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates (Official)
The following dates are sourced directly from the official, board-approved DCSD 2026-2027 calendar PDF.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Workdays (Classroom Prep) | Mon 3 – Tue 4 August 2026 |
| Professional Development Days | Wed 5 – Thu 6 August 2026 |
| Students’ First Day | Friday, 7 August 2026 |
| Labor Day (Holiday) | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| End of 1st Grading Period | Friday, 9 October 2026 |
| Fall Break | Monday 12 – Tuesday 13 October 2026 |
| End of 2nd Grading Period | Friday, 18 December 2026 |
| Winter/Christmas Holiday | Wednesday 23 – Thursday 31 December 2026 |
| New Year’s Holiday | Friday, 1 January 2027 |
| PD Days (Students return) | Monday 4 – Tuesday 5 January 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday) | Monday, 18 January 2027 |
| End of 3rd Grading Period | Friday, 12 March 2027 |
| Spring Break | Monday 22 – Friday 26 March 2027 |
| End of 4th Grading Period / Students’ Last Day | Wednesday, 26 May 2027 |
| PD Day | Thursday, 27 May 2027 |
| Summer Vacation Begins | Friday, 28 May 2027 |
Grading Periods (Terms)
| Term | Dates | Instructional Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Term | 7 August – 9 October 2026 | 44 days |
| 2nd Term | 14 October – 18 December 2026 | 42 days |
| 3rd Term | 6 January – 12 March 2027 | 45 days |
| 4th Term | 15 March – 26 May 2027 | 46 days |
Total instructional days: 177 | Employee Work/PD Days: 10
Note: Several third-party calendar aggregator websites list slightly different dates for this district (some citing an August 5 start, others an April spring break) — these appear to be inaccurate or based on draft/unrevised calendars. The dates above are taken directly from DCSD’s official, board-approved PDF calendar.
Last verified: 30 June 2026. Official source: DeKalb County School District — Official School Calendars (2026-2027 Official Calendar PDF)
Registration and Enrollment
DCSD offers year-round online registration for new students. Required documents include:
- Proof of birth
- Proof of residency
- Immunization record (GA Form #3231)
- Health screening (GA Form #3300)
- Parent identification
- Child’s Social Security card or waiver
Current students complete annual verification through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Families can also explore School Choice programmes during the open enrollment period each October.
Transportation
DCSD operates over 1,100 buses, transporting more than 65,000 students daily. Parents can access route and schedule details through the district website, with real-time bus tracking and notifications available via the Edulog Parent Portal app. Satellite bus services are available at designated locations for students attending magnet or choice programmes.
School Nutrition
The district provides free breakfast and lunch to all students through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, serving over 16 million meals annually, including after-school snacks and summer meals. Meals are designed to meet federal nutrition standards as part of the district’s broader commitment to student health and academic success.
Careers at DCSD
DCSD offers career opportunities across teaching, administration, and support services, with initiatives including the Higher to Hire programme for high school seniors. The district emphasises professional growth, inclusivity, and innovation, with current openings available through the DCSD recruitment portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026-2027 school year start for DeKalb County Schools?
The official first day for students is Friday, 7 August 2026, according to the district’s board-approved calendar.
When is Fall Break for DCSD in 2026?
Fall Break is Monday 12 – Tuesday 13 October 2026.
When is Spring Break for DCSD in 2027?
Spring Break is Monday 22 – Friday 26 March 2027.
How many instructional days are in the 2026-2027 calendar?
The calendar includes 177 instructional days across four grading periods.
How large is DeKalb County School District?
DCSD serves over 92,000 students across more than 140 schools, making it one of the largest districts in Georgia.
Who do I contact for school-specific queries?
Contact the DCSD main office at (678) 676-1200, or visit dekalbschoolsga.org for individual school directories.
