County Graduation Rate Rises; Exceeds State

Georgia’s graduation rate increased again in 2020, rising to 83.8 percent—an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation now required by federal law, and up from 82 percent in 2019, according to an announcement from the Georgia Department of Education.

Georgia’s graduation rate has increased by 14.1 percentage points since 2012, with steady increases each year.

In 2020, 105 Georgia school districts and 230 schools recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent. Twenty-nine districts and 89 schools recorded rates at or above 95 percent.

“I’m very proud today of the class of 2020,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These students were faced with difficulties none of us could have imagined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have shown over and over again—in ACT and SAT results, in their personal accomplishments, and now in this graduation rate—that they were able to rise above.

While these results are positive, we cannot stop here. We must provide tailored and personalized pathways to ensure every student sees the relevance in their education, stays in school, and receives a high-school diploma that prepares them for their future.”

Jasper County Charter School Superintendent Kenny Garland sent the following release:

Dear JCCS Community,

It is my honor and privilege to announce the Jasper County Charter System four-year cohort graduation rate for the graduating class of 2020 is 94.58%.

In a breakdown of the various subgroups identified with our system, Jasper County exceeded the state overall average in all areas.

JCCS State of Georgia

Overall

94.58% 83.8%

Economically Disadvantaged

93.8% 79.7%

Students with Disabilities

75.0% 70.2%

White

93.5% 87.3%

Black

100% 81.4%

“I want to thank EVERYONE in their efforts for making this happen for the students of JCCS. During the educational career of these students, many of you have assisted a student or students in some measure to propel them across the stage at graduation. No good deed goes unnoticed. Somewhere along the journey, YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE.