Dunwoody and Brookhaven families at the DeKalb School of the Arts will have a new principal greeting them when classes begin Wednesday, August 5.
Antonia Strong, a 26-year educator, has been appointed to lead DSA, the district-wide performing arts magnet high school that draws students from across DeKalb County. She succeeds Dr. Keith Jones, who was promoted to Secondary Area 2 Executive Administrator after being named the district's 2025-26 Principal of the Year.
Strong spent most of her career with Fulton County Schools as a teacher and administrator. She also served two years in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as Head of Middle and High School at Nibras International School. She holds a bachelor's degree from Alabama A&M University and master's and specialist degrees from Cambridge College.
In a letter posted to the district website, Strong said she plans to "build upon the outstanding academic and fine arts programs already in place while fostering a school culture that reflects the excellence of a flagship high school in Georgia."
She added that she is committed to strengthening communication with parents and the broader community.
Who attends DSA
DSA is a public magnet school at 1192 Clarendon Avenue in Avondale Estates, serving about 302 students in grades 9-12, according to the school's application materials. Any DeKalb County resident can apply through the district's School Choice process, making it an option for Dunwoody and Brookhaven families seeking a performing arts focus alongside Advanced Placement and gifted academic courses.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to apply and an 80 numerical average each semester to stay enrolled. Arts concentrations include drama, dance, vocal and instrumental music, media and film, visual arts, creative writing, and theater design and production.
Leadership transition
Jones leaves DSA after earning the district's top principal honor for 2025-26. His new role as Executive Administrator for Secondary Area 2 oversees 22 schools, including high schools, middle schools, and specialty programs, according to the DCSD website.
Strong's exact start date has not been announced, but the district's official calendar shows registration on Monday, August 3, an administrative day for teachers on Tuesday, August 4, and the first student day on Wednesday, August 5.
Families interested in applying to DSA for the 2027-28 school year can monitor the district's School Choice page for enrollment windows. The school can be reached at 678-676-2502.
