| DeKalb Early College Academy |
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The DeKalb Early College Academy is an early college initiative in joint partnership with Georgia Perimeter College. The focus of this dual enrollment program is on those students who may be the first in their families to attend college and/or who may be more successful in a smaller learning community, instead of a large traditional high school. In addition to the college preparatory curriculum, the program’s design makes it possible for the students to receive up to 60 hours of college credit. Within a four year period of time (grades 9-12), it is possible to earn a high school diploma and possibly a two-year Associate’s of Arts degree from the college.
Enrollment is limited each year and students must apply for consideration. DECA generally accepts students as rising 9th graders from any DeKalb middle school, charter school and we also accept students from area private schools. In some cases, we have been able to accept students into the 10th grade from other high schools, however admission is generally preferred in grade 9.
College tuition and textbooks are subsidized through the P-16 Office of the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents and the DeKalb County School System. Tuition is paid through the ACCEL grant. Textbooks are subsidized on a year-to-year basis through grants. Any year that grants are not received, parents will be responsible for the cost of college textbooks.
What is the DeKalb Early College Academy (DECA)?
DECA is a program in partnership with Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) that is designed for high school students to complete their high school diploma while receiving up to 60 hours of college credits toward an Associate of Arts degree. The goal of DECA is to improve the high school graduation rates of DeKalb County high schools, and subsequently, the opportunity to complete college. Early colleges were created as a school reform initiative and a viable alternative to large, comprehensive high schools.
Who is Eligible For This Program?
Eligible students will be selected from a pool of applicants who meet eligibility guidelines. Rising 9th Grade Students from any DeKalb middle school, charter school or private school may apply. Parents and students should be fully aware that those accepted into the program will graduate from the DECA program, not with the 9th grade class from the community high school. Continuation in the program throughout grades 9-12 is based on academic performance, self-discipline and exemplary attendance.
Transportation
Door to door transportation is not provided. Parents are responsible for getting students to school as car riders, students may ride MARTA or they can be transported via DCSS school buses to DECA from an official Dekalb County School System shuttle location.
How Are Students Selected?
A selection committee will review each student’s application, a letter of interest, transcripts, attendance and discipline records, teacher/counselor recommendation, and standardized test scores. All decisions of the selection committee are final.
What Type of Curriculum is Offered to DECA Students?
In grades 9 and 10, the school functions on a 4x4 block schedule similar to the one already being utilized in DCSS high schools. In grades 11 and 12, students will follow Georgia Perimeter’s schedule solely at GPC’s campus. Entrance into the GPC portion of the program is based on Compass Examination passing scores in Math, Reading and Writing at the end of the 10th grade year. Program support for all students is maintained through DECA. Students will be expected to adhere to all state and graduation requirements.
What is Expected of Parents/Students?
- Students are expected to maintain 100% attendance at school and in all classes
- Students must perform 20 hours of community service over the course of two years
- Students will be expected to commit to remaining in the program for the duration of their matriculation at DECA and GPC
- Students are expected to adhere to an established uniform dress code
- Parents must agree to volunteer a required number of hours each school year and be actively involved in supporting their child’s education
- Parents must agree to pay class dues based on grade level
What Student Support Services Are Available at DECA?- Smaller class sizes compared to traditional high schools
- Academic plans charted for a variety of college majors/career plans
- Academic assistance toward completing an Associate’s degree and earning college credit thus guaranteeing a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities within the University System (provided all other admission criteria are met)
- Access to computer-based personality inventories and career exploration profiles
- College Tours, Peer Tutoring, Mentor-Mentee Programs, as well as Clubs and Activities
- Guest lecturers
- Guidance && Counseling services
Additional information about Early College High Schools can be obtained at: www.gaearlycollege.org
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