Candler-McAfee’s public schools score below 83% of Georgia districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 24% of Candler-McAfee’s students scored proficient, below the Georgia average (37%). The grade covers the public school district serving Candler-McAfee, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Georgia, not nationally.
From Georgia state tests taken in spring 2022, when 97% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Candler-McAfee’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 262 Georgia towns with household incomes within a quarter of Candler-McAfee’s, its schools beat 9%, lower than their 17% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 31% of tested students were proficient in reading and 24% in math, against 40% and 37% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
76% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84% across Georgia. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $17,739 per student, against $15,800 across Georgia (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is McNair Middle School, then Columbia High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
PEACE Academy Charter School, St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School (private) and Kilombo Academic & Cult. Inst. (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Candler-McAfee’s grade
C−: better than 17% of Georgia school districts, #218 of 260 Georgia towns. Both inputs trail the Georgia average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Candler-McAfee, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Candler-McAfee
McNair Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 701 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
7th grade in Candler-McAfee
McNair Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 701 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
8th grade in Candler-McAfee
McNair Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 701 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
9th grade in Candler-McAfee
Columbia High School
Grades 9–12 · 877 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
10th grade in Candler-McAfee
Columbia High School
Grades 9–12 · 877 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
11th grade in Candler-McAfee
Columbia High School
Grades 9–12 · 877 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
12th grade in Candler-McAfee
Columbia High School
Grades 9–12 · 877 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Decatur
Candler-McAfee’s public schools are run by DeKalb County School District, which also serves Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee and Clarkston and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Candler-McAfee vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Georgia towns that share Candler-McAfee’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Candler-McAfee | C− | DeKalb County |
| Atlanta | C+ | Atlanta City |
Every school in Candler-McAfee
10 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Georgia’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Candler-McAfee’s schools
Are Candler-McAfee’s schools good?
On Georgia’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Candler-McAfee children attend score below 83% of Georgia’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #218 of 260 Georgia towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 9%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Candler-McAfee in?
DeKalb County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 91,752 students in 129 schools (2024–25).
Where do Candler-McAfee kids go to high school?
Columbia High School in Decatur, with 877 students; its own test results earn a D.
What is Candler-McAfee’s graduation rate?
76% of the class of 2023 in DeKalb County School District graduated in four years, against 84% across Georgia.
How much does Candler-McAfee spend per student?
$17,739 in DeKalb County School District (FY2024), against $15,800 across Georgia. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Candler-McAfee?
Yes: St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School (Catholic, grades K–8, 131 students) and Kilombo Academic & Cult. Inst. (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 34 students). Candler-McAfee also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Candler-McAfee families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Candler-McAfee → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Georgia. Stars are from neighbors.