Cross Keys High School opened its doors in 1958. In 1965, following the integration of schools in DeKalb County, students from the all-Black Lynwood Park High School were transferred to Cross Keys High School.[1] This transition was part of the district's efforts to comply with desegregation mandates.
In June 2024, the DeKalb County School Board approved changing the school's mascot from the Indians to the Phoenix, in response to concerns about cultural sensitivity.[2]
Demographics
For the 2016–2017 school year the student body was 86% Hispanic, 6% Black, 7% Asian, and 1% White.[3] It is the most culturally diverse high school in the state, with students from 65 countries who speak 75 different languages.[4]
1,547 students were in attendance for the 2016–2017 school year.[5] Of those, 1,330 were reported to be economically disadvantaged.[5]
As of the 2023–2024 school year, Cross Keys High School had an enrollment of approximately 1,796 students, exceeding its capacity by 500 students.[6]
Academics
Cross Keys High School's overall performance is higher than 62% of schools in the state, with academic growth higher than 99% of schools in Georgia.[7]
The school's athletic teams compete as the Phoenix.[8][6] The football team plays at Adams Memorial Stadium. Cross Keys offers a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, and track and field.
