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Decatur Career Academy

The mission of the Decatur Career Academy (DCA) is to deliver authentic, technical education and training experiences that produce responsible and productive citizens of the world.

The Decatur Career Academy (DCA) offers pathways related to in-demand career fields. The training will prepare students for college and/or entry-level employment in a competitive market. Each classroom focuses on hands-on tasks and student-centered learning. The DCA provides students the training to excel in the workforce. An emphasis is placed on employability (soft) skills to prepare students to participate in work-based learning as a senior in high school.

A career academy includes the following essential elements:

  • A small learning community
  • A college-prep curriculum with a career theme
  • Partnerships with employers, the community, and higher education
Terra Smiley 
Career Academy Director
Terra Smiley headshot
Ms. Smiley began her educational career in 2001, teaching    computer applications, entrepreneurship, and CISCO Networking Systems courses at Cobb County’s Osborne High School. Later moving to DeKalb County, Ms. Smiley served in various roles, including a Business Education teacher, CTAE department chair, Smaller Learning Communities Site Coordinator, and new teacher mentor.  She is most proud of her work with students as the lead advisor of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America career-tech student organization.  During this time, Ms. Smiley began her intentional work within the community, building a network of industry partners who dedicated their time, expertise, and resources to ensure that her students from south DeKalb County were prepared and positioned to succeed well beyond the classroom. Since 2015, Ms. Smiley has served the Decatur High School community as the Work Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, facilitating students' appropriate placement in high-quality internships aligned with their desired career paths.  She finds joy in identifying opportunities for students to explore, experience, and EARN course credit, career credentials, and cash!!! She graduated from Savannah State University with a degree in Business Management, later earning a Master’s Degree in Instruction from Central Michigan University and her Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN.  

Georgia Career Academy Project 

Decatur Career Academy is part of the Georgia Career Academy Project, which connects high schools, technical colleges, and local industries to help students become college and career ready. These programs are designed around real-world career pathways that align with community needs.

What is a Career Academy?
Career academies combine a college-prep curriculum with hands-on, career-themed learning. Students gain exposure to industry through partnerships with employers, colleges, and community leaders. The goal is to help students make meaningful connections between academics and future careers.

How is DCA Different?
Unlike other programs that require students to leave their high school campus, DCA offers specialized training and career courses right at Decatur High School. Students can:

  • Earn college credit
  • Train in state-of-the-art labs
  • Participate in job shadowing and internships
  • Join national student organizations that offer travel, competition, and scholarships

DCA is affiliated with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and supported by the Technical College System of Georgia.