The top reported proficiency rate is 35% in English language arts. The lowest is 25% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on State Specialty Schools Ii- International Academy of Smyrna
State Specialty Schools II operates a single school, International Academy of Smyrna, serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Cobb County. The school is small, enrolling students across six grades, with a student body that is predominantly Black, and a substantial share who identify as Hispanic. The school is tuition-free and operates as a state charter, governed under a five-year contract through mid-2029.
Academic performance across the school is below the midpoint among Cobb County's districts. In English Language Arts, proficiency ranges from low in third grade to less than half in fifth. In math, proficiency is modest across all tested grades, with fourth-grade results particularly low. Fifth-grade science proficiency is also low. The district reports no prior-year data, so trend information is unavailable. A parent may want to look into the school's curriculum and instructional approach in math, especially at the fourth-grade level, and to ask the school directly about the academic support structures in place.
Attendance is a relative strength. The school's chronic absenteeism rate places it in the top quartile among Cobb County districts, suggesting strong engagement or effective attendance practices compared to peers.
Per-pupil spending sits in the middle range, lower half, compared to other districts in the county. Whether IAS offers English learner services or special education support is not disclosed in public data.
Two recent operational changes merit attention for families considering enrollment. The school waived its admissions lottery for the 2025-2026 school year, opening enrollment to all applicants rather than running a competitive selection process. Previously, families had to enter a lottery for placement. Additionally, the school now operates only through fifth grade, even though its state charter authorizes service through eighth grade. Families who enroll should plan for a transition to middle school after fifth grade; in prior years, some students could have remained at IAS longer. The school's charter is renewed through mid-2029, providing operational continuity.
The school describes itself publicly as focused on international studies and global perspectives, though the academic data provided does not detail curriculum content or how that focus translates into instruction. Parents interested in the school's approach to language instruction, cultural programming, or the specific international curriculum components should contact the school directly.
See more original research from School Decision →