Georgia High School Graduation Rates Reach Historic High

Georgia, October 2, 2025

News Summary

Georgia has achieved a notable increase in its four-year high school graduation rate, climbing to 87.2%. This marks a significant recovery from previous years, with 134 school districts achieving graduation rates of 90% or higher. However, several schools, such as Glenn Hills and Josey High School, experienced drops in their rates, highlighting ongoing challenges within specific areas. Community engagement and parental support have been emphasized as vital components in maintaining these educational improvements as notable growth spans across various demographics.

Atlanta – Georgia has reached a historic high with its four-year high school graduation rate climbing to 87.2% in 2025, a significant increase from 85.4% in 2024. This uptrend marks a notable recovery since the rate was at 79% just a decade ago in 2015. The improvement in graduation rates is observed across multiple school districts, with 134 school districts achieving graduation rates of 90% or higher in 2025.

However, some schools have seen declines amidst the overall progress. For instance, Glenn Hills High School‘s graduation rate has fallen to 69%, nearly 9% less than the previous year. Similarly, Josey High School recorded a graduation rate of only 66%, also down 9% from 2024. Concerns have been raised regarding these drops, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and community support to address these issues.

In Richmond County, recent statistics show that while overall graduation rates have improved, challenges persist. The average daily attendance rate for Richmond County high schools was recorded at 85.96% during the last school year. Despite approximately 47-48% of students in the county now deemed proficient in reading, there were 414 student dropouts reported between 2021 and 2025. These figures underline the importance of consistent community engagement and academic support for improving student outcomes.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods highlighted the importance of maintaining student engagement to sustain Georgia’s educational achievements. Improvement is reflected across various demographics, as graduation rates have risen among racial subgroups, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and English learners.

Augusta University’s Literacy Center director Betsy Vandeusen has pointed out that parental support and the removal of barriers to student success are crucial for maintaining this upward trajectory in graduation rates. While celebrating the overall growth, educational leaders recognize the importance of focusing on schools like Glenn Hills and Josey High School, which are falling behind.

On a broader scale, Clayton County demonstrated substantial growth, achieving the largest improvement in metro Atlanta with a graduation rate increase of 3.3 points to 86.3%. Notably, areas such as Atlanta Public Schools and Marietta City Schools exceeded graduation rates of 90%, showcasing successful educational strategies and community involvement. Despite these advancements, federal assessment data indicates that many high school seniors across the nation continue to face academic challenges, particularly amidst the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a slight decrease in graduation rates in 2021.

As Georgia’s education system continues to evolve and improve, ongoing collaboration among community members, educators, and parents will be essential in ensuring all students have the opportunity for success.

FAQ

Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Atlanta Prepares for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Georgia Students Excel on SAT with Record Mean Scores
Metro Atlanta School Districts Celebrate Graduation Rate Improvements
Atlanta Public Schools Achieves Historic Graduation Milestone
Georgia Southern University Unveils Life-Size Statue of Freedom
Atlanta Schools Achieve Record Graduation Rates
Georgia Southern University Achieves Record Enrollment
Clark Atlanta University Achieves Top Rankings Among HBCUs
Statesboro Honors Beloved Live Mascot with Statue Unveiling
Support Grows for Truancy Intervention Project in Atlanta

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Local Schools See Drop in Graduation Rates
• Wikipedia: High School Graduation
• WALB: Statewide High School Graduation Rate Data Released
• Google Search: Georgia High School Graduation Rates
• 13WMAZ: Georgia 2025 Graduation Rates
• Google Scholar: Georgia High School Graduation Rates
• Macon: Graduation Rates in Georgia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Graduation
• The Center Square: Georgia Graduation Rate Updates
• Google News: Georgia Graduation Rate News

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.