DCSD Gifted Program Overview

DCSD Gifted Program Overview
The DeKalb County School District gifted program is part of the Division of Student Services and funded by the State of Georgia. Our program follows the Georgia Department of Education guidelines as outlined in SBOE Rule 160-4-2-38, focusing on developing cognitive learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills.
At Lithonia High School, we're committed to bringing gifted students together to experience challenging activities that stimulate their exceptional abilities. Our program provides comprehensive support for teachers specializing in gifted education and offers valuable guidance for parents and guardians of gifted students.
Tracking Gifted Participation
DeKalb County School District is committed to transparency in gifted education participation data:
The Division of Research and Accountability manages public-facing data dashboards available at www.dekalbschoolsga.org/datadashboards/
DCSD plans to publicize the District's gifted participation data in the near future on that site
There is no cap for the number of students who can become eligible for gifted services each year
School leaders routinely conduct learning walks and observations to ensure appropriate implementation of gifted instruction
School Choice and Gifted Education
It's important for families to understand the relationship between gifted services and school placement options:
Gifted Services at Home School
Being identified for gifted services has no bearing on a child's school placement within DeKalb County School District. Each DCSD school provides gifted education services for eligible students.
Students remain at their zoned school unless parents choose to participate in other programs. Gifted services do not require changing schools.
Optional School Choice Programs
Some parents may choose to participate in the School Choice Enrollment Program, which is optional and not synonymous with gifted identification.
While magnet programs often serve gifted-identified students, gifted education services are not tied to magnet schools or programming. For more information on magnet options, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/school-choice/.