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CSD Continues to Outperform Metro and State on 2025-2026 GMAS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026
Contact Information:
Mikkal Hart Murunga
Chief Communications Officer
O: 404.371.3601 ext. 1098
C: 404.615.3070
mikkal.hartmurunga@csdecatur.
CSD Continues to Outperform Metro and State on 2025-2026 GMAS Achieves First-Place Ranking in the Metro in Math for Grades 3-7 and High School Algebra
DECATUR, Ga. — City Schools of Decatur (CSD) continues to demonstrate significant achievement, surpassing both Metro RESA and state averages in every content area. This is highlighted in the recent release of statewide results from the Georgia Department of Education's 2025-26 Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS). The GMAS includes assessments administered each spring for Social Studies, Science, Math, and English Language Arts (ELA). The 2025–2026 school year marked the first year students took the Georgia Milestones ELA assessment aligned to the state's new K–12 ELA Standards. As a result, the Georgia Department of Education must complete additional test validation before finalizing and releasing ELA scores.
CSD continues to demonstrate exceptional performance in mathematics, ranking among Georgia’s top four districts. The 2026 results reflect continued academic momentum across the district, highlighted by significant gains in Algebra and elementary mathematics. All grade levels 3-8 are performing at or above pre-pandemic achievement levels, demonstrating both academic recovery and sustained growth. The district achieved the highest mathematics performance in Metro Atlanta for grades 3–7 and high school Algebra, reinforcing the strength and consistency of our instructional program.
This systemwide success is matched by meaningful progress among historically underserved student groups. Black students achieved a 35-percentage-point increase in Algebra proficiency, while students receiving special education services demonstrated gains in mathematics across grades 3–6 and 8. The most significant improvement is in grade 3 mathematics proficiency, with the percentage of students receiving special education services increasing by 23 percentage points.
"Our commitment to continuous improvement for every learner remains at the heart of our mission as a district. Over the past three years, we have prioritized ensuring that every student has access to high-quality instruction, targeted support, and the opportunities necessary for success," stated Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker. "While we take pride in our overall performance, we are particularly encouraged by the ongoing progress made by our historically underserved student groups. These advancements indicate that our strategic focus, 'All In Decatur,' aimed at fostering positive outcomes for all learners, is truly making a tangible impact. Although our work is not finished, we are indeed moving in the right direction."
Based on the analysis of test scores, CSD students outperformed the State and Metro RESA in all areas. (see charts below).
Elementary Proficiency Levels
| Grade Level | Content Area | Proficient and Distinguished Learner | Metro RESA | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Mathematics | 77.4% | 50.7% | 48.3% |
| 4th | Mathematics | 79.2% | 53.1% | 50.1% |
| 5th | Mathematics | 80% | 47.8% | 44.1% |
| 5th | Science | 68.3% | 47.3% | 44.2% |
Middle School Proficiency Levels
| Grade Level | Content Area | Proficient and Distinguished Learner | Metro RESA | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th | Mathematics | 75.2% | 44.1% | 40.8% |
| 7th | Mathematics | 76.2% | 46.3% | 42.1% |
| 8th | Mathematics | 81% | 49.5% | 31.6% |
| 8th | Science | 68.1% | 30.5% | 29.7% |
| 8th | Social Studies | 64% | 44.9% |
40.2% |
High School EOC Proficiency Levels
| Content Area | Proficient and Distinguished Learner | Metro RESA | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 83.6% | 53.1% | 48% |
| Biology | 78.2% | 50.4% | 47.2% |
| US History | 56.1% | 40.1% | 38.6% |
Additional highlights of CSD's 2025-2026 results
Math
- Top 4 in the state for math in grades 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8
- Top 10 in the state in algebra
- #1 ranking in the Metro RESA for math in grades 3-7
- #2 ranking in the Metro RESA for math in grade 8
- #1 ranking in Metro RESA for Algebra: Concepts & Connections
Science
- Top 10 in the state for science in all tested grades (grades 5 & 8)
- Top 3 in the state for biology
- #1 ranking in Metro RESA for grade 8 science
- #2 ranking in Metro RESA for biology
Social Studies/History
- #2 ranking in Metro RESA for US history
- #3 ranking in Metro RESA for 8th-grade history
To view the statewide and district-level results, visit: GaDoe GMAS 2025-26 Statewide Scores.
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About City Schools of Decatur
Founded in 1901, City Schools of Decatur is a public charter school district in DeKalb County that consistently ranks among the top ten districts in Georgia. The school district supports approximately 5,500 students living within the city's four-square-mile area, offering public education from 0-3 to Pre-K and Kindergarten through 12th grade. CSD employs over 900 full- and part-time staff, including more than 443 teachers, and comprises four neighborhood elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, an Early Childhood Learning Center, and one virtual academy. With an impressive graduation rate of 96.04%, CSD students consistently outperform state and national averages on standardized tests across all grade levels, resulting in a long history of recognition and awards. The district's reputation for inspiring student growth through meaningful and engaging learning experiences is supported by highly qualified educators and strong community engagement.