The mission of the high school teaching and learning department in the DeKalb County School District is to provide students with the curricular opportunities required for success in post-secondary options which will prepare students for ensuing careers. The department pledges purposeful teaching directed toward the development and enhancement of communication and critical thinking skills.

High school teaching and learning includes instructional programs in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, career technology, physical education, health, visual arts, choral music, and instrumental music.

All units of study essential to high school graduation must be earned in grades nine through twelve, with the exception of Accelerated Math I and world language, which may be earned in grade eight. Students who entered ninth grade in the 2004–2005 school year or in subsequent years will be required to earn twenty-four units for graduation, including four units in each of the core areas.

Martin Luther King Jr. High School offers both the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Program.  

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Advanced Placement Program

Martin Luther King Jr. High School seeks to make AP courses available to all well-qualified students with the goal of all college-bound student taking at least one AP course before graduation. Part of the fulfillment and the culmination of that course is the Advanced Placement exam. It is required that all students in an AP course take the AP exam in May. Students in AP courses are held to a high level of academic expectations. Because AP courses are at the college level, appropriate student behavior and maturity are required.