Clarke County's Graduation Rate Higher Than Georgia Average

Clarke County's graduation rate has jumped 4 percentage points -- from 66.1 percent in 2011 to 70.1 percent in 2012, according to data released this week from the state Department of Education.

It's the first time since No Child Left Behind that the school district’s graduation rate exceeded the state’s.

“Our graduation rate has continuously improved – demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our top priority: students graduating ready for post-secondary success,” said Superintendent Dr. Philip D. Lanoue, in a released statement. “We also remain committed to those students who did not graduate in four years. We will continue working with them so that they, too, receive their high school diploma.”  

According to a news release, the system has implemented research-based instructional strategies to increase students' success in the classroom, one-on-one meetings with students to develop goals and ensure they are on track to graduate, offering multiple opportunities for credit recovery and utilizing graduation coaches, social workers and counselors to assist parents in supporting their children.

         66.1%

         73.6%

Clarke Central High School

Classic City High School

This marks only the second year that Georgia has used an adjusted cohort rate to determine graduation rates. The state uses a four-year method which tracks the number of students who graduate in that time frame. 

It also includes adjustments for student transfers. The calculation is based on federal standards that allow all states to equally compare graduation rates across the nation.

Rates of neighboring districts include: Barrow County at 67.95 percent, Oconee County at 90.48 percent, and Walton County at 74.2 percent.

Click here to see individual graduation percentage rates for local high schools in 2012.

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