Martin Luther King Jr. High School is a public high school located in unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, with a Lithonia postal address. It opened in August 2001 as the newest high school in the DeKalb County School System, and was named after the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Serving 1,431 students in grades 9-12, Martin Luther King- Jr. High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 7% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Georgia state average of 65% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,431 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 80% (Btm 50% in GA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School's student population of 1,431 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,431 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Year Founded
2001
Colors
Black, Crimson, Silver
School Calendar
School Motto
I AM KING...I am INTELLIGENT, I am ARTICULATE, I am MATURE, I am KNOWLEDGEABLE, I am INVOLVED, I am NON-VIOLENT, I am GOAL ORIENTED. I AM KING!!
School Rankings
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Martin Luther King- Jr. High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1930 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
4%
19%
Black
92%
36%
White
1%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lion
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martin Luther King- Jr. High School's ranking?
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School is ranked #1930 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Martin Luther King- Jr. High School often compared to?
Martin Luther King- Jr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lithonia High School, Miller Grove High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Martin Luther King- Jr. High School?
The graduation rate of Martin Luther King- Jr. High School is 80%, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 84%.
How many students attend Martin Luther King- Jr. High School?
1,431 students attend Martin Luther King- Jr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Martin Luther King- Jr. High School students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Martin Luther King- Jr. High School?
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Martin Luther King- Jr. High School offer ?
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Martin Luther King- Jr. High School part of?
Martin Luther King- Jr. High School is part of Dekalb County School District.
School Reviews
1 11/2/2017
The administration works on the buddy system instead of acting professional they choice to make it personal trying to intimidate and argue not only with the students but also the parents which takes away from what's really important the kids. Respect is earned and if you are displaying conduct like that In front of a parent I can only image what's done when parents aren't around
5 11/19/2013
MLK IS A WELL RUN SCHOOL, THE ADMINISTRATION PUTS A LOT OF EFFORT IN ENSURING THAT THE STUDENTS ARE SAFE, AND THE TEACHERS ARE GIVEN SUPPORT SERVICES WHEN NEEDED,
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