Once more, Georgia has broken its high-school graduation rate record.

A historic 87.2 percent of senior students graduated this year, reflecting an increase of 1.8 percent compared to last year, theGeorgia Department of Education announced Monday.

I am very proud of Georgia’s Class of 2025 and the teachers, staff, and families who helped them,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods in a press statement. “Witnessing this rise in just one year is a clear sign of the efforts Georgia’s schools and districts are making to keep students involved in their education and get them ready for successful lives after high school. Although there is still more to accomplish, more students in Georgia are graduating than ever before—and they are doing so with the skills needed to chase opportunities in their futures.

The graduation rate in the state known as the Peach State has been rising annually, increasing from 67.4 percent in 2011.

In calculating the rate, state school officials explained that they divide the number of students who earn a standard high school diploma within four years by the total number of students in the adjusted cohort for that graduating class.

A modified group is formed when students begin their ninth grade year and is updated as they move in and out of the graduating class.

Out of the approximately 200 public school districts in Georgia, the Education Department reported that 134 of them achieved graduation rates of 90 percent or higher this year; among these, 60 districts had rates of 95 percent or more.

What Made The Difference

Some school districts implemented steps to guarantee student graduation, according to the Education Department.

At Skyview High School in Fulton County, where students work individually with teachers to establish weekly objectives, there was an 8.4 percent increase in the number of graduating seniors. In total, 91.9 percent of students graduated inFulton.

The Clayton County School Districtfocused on higher education and workforce preparation along with other programs, while officials from Douglas County Schools concentrated on supporting students who were seen as being at risk.

The Education Department reported that the graduation rates for both systems rose to 86.3 percent and 90.7 percent, respectively.

Pickens County Schoolsmade sure students had plans for after high school by organizing signing events for seniors heading to college, work, or the military, the Education Department stated.

Over 95% of Pickens’ senior class graduated this year, according to the Education Department.

Here’s a Quick Look at Local Statistics

Gwinnett County Public Schools, the largest school district in Georgia, increased its graduation rate from 84.1 percent to 85.4 percent this year compared to last year. GCPS graduated 13,604 students in May.

As per the school system, every public high school in Gwinnett County reported rates exceeding 80 percent, with 12 of them achieving rates of at least 90 percent. Sixteen schools improved their rates compared to the previous year.

This accomplishment highlights the commitment of our students, families, teachers, staff, and principals who collaborated to achieve this significant milestone,” said Dr. Al Taylor, Interim Superintendent of GCPS, in a news release issued on Monday. “Although we are celebrating, we also recognize that there is still more work to be done, and we continue to be dedicated to supporting every student’s success through graduation and beyond.

Cobb County Schoolssurpassed the state’s average, setting a new record by graduating 89.2 percent of its class in May.CobbGeorgia’s second-largest school system and the 23rd largest in the country.

Key percentages at Cobb schools were: Pope High School, Marietta (98.2 percent), Walton High School, Marietta (97.2 percent), Harrison High School, Kennesaw (97.8 percent), and Lassiter High School, Marietta (97.3 percent).

Allatoona, Hillgrove, Kennesaw Mountain, McEachern, and North Cobb high schools all exceeded 90 percent.

Our top graduation rate of 89.2% is a achievement that the entire community can be proud of,” said Cobb County Board Chair David Chastain in a press statement. “It demonstrates what can be achieved when students put in the effort, teachers give their all, and families and staff come together to assist them. From significant improvements at South Cobb to consistent outstanding performance at schools such as Pope, Walton, Harrison, and Lassiter—this is the result of working as a unified team and all committing to student success.

The Cherokee County School DistrictAdditionally, the schools surpassed the state average this year, achieving graduation rates above 95 percent at three institutions, according to school officials in a statement released on Monday.

The local district manages six public high schools and a virtual academy. In total, the average graduation rate in Cherokee was 91.8 percent.

Our goal is to become the top-performing school district in Georgia, with the main factor being ensuring each student graduates prepared for the future, whether that involves college, a career, military service, or a combination of these paths,” said Cherokee County School Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis in the statement. “We appreciate our community’s ongoing support as we work together to enhance the quality within our school district.

In DeKalb, the school district in the countyLithonia and Cross Keys high schools were part of 18 out of the district’s 23 high schools that experienced an increase. Elizabeth Andrews High School in Stone Mountain led the way with a 28.8 percent rise, according to school officials.

DeKalb Early College Academy, Arabia Mountain High School, DeKalb School of the Arts, and Tapestry Public Charter all achieved a 100 percent graduation rate, according to school officials. DeKalb’s public high schools reported an overall graduation rate of 81.4 percent, the highest in at least ten years.

These findings demonstrate what can be achieved when we maintain a dedicated focus on each student, every single day,DeKalb County SchoolsSuperintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton stated in a press release, “Students in DCSD are reaching historic levels of success, and we’re just beginning. When looking at a two-year perspective, our graduation rate has risen by 5.6 points since 2023, putting our district in the 84th percentile across the state. This shows that our progress isn’t just a one-year achievement but a continuous upward movement that places DCSD among the highest-performing districts in terms of graduation rate improvement. This is a clear sign that our organizational framework, the Operation Graduation Plan, along with our approaches to credit recovery and student involvement, are taking us to ‘New Levels, New Heights.'”

Three Paulding County schools- North Paulding, Paulding County, and South Paulding high schools – set new records. Four out of the five local schools surpassed the state average.

The county’s graduation rate of 91.6 percent ranked as the fourth-highest among regions in or near metro Atlanta, according to Paulding school officials.

I am very proud to witness our students achieving the highest graduation rate in the history of our district,” said Steve Barnette, Superintendent of Paulding County Schools, in a news release. “Our goal is to ensure every student is ready for success now and in the future, and our responsibility is to help these students fulfill the requirements and accumulate the necessary credits to graduate on time. The students deserve a lot of credit, as do the teachers and administrators who have worked hard to assist them.

The 95.4 percent height for theBartow County School Systemincluded a leading 99 percent rise at Adairsville High School, officials stated.

Cass High School and Woodland High School each had graduation rates of 93.1 percent and 95.1 percent for their respective classes, according to school administrators.

It’s an understatement to say we’ve made substantial progress,” said Clint Terza, Superintendent of the Bartow County School System, in a press statement. “Seven years ago, our graduation rate was 87.1 percent. Now, we are pleased to have achieved record levels. Graduation rates are a key indicator of how well our system is performing, and this success shows our ongoing dedication to quality. By supporting outstanding teachers, developing student-focused initiatives, and offering engaging learning opportunities, we’ve built a setting where students are inspired to thrive. The outcomes clearly show the impact.

Alliance Academy for Innovation was the onlyschool in Forsyth Countyto have 100 percent of its students graduate, school officials stated.

The academy received significant attention from Denmark, East Forsyth, and Forsyth Central high schools.

All high schools in Forsyth County attained remarkable outcomes that significantly exceeded the state’s average.

An 87 percent graduation rate,” said Dr. Mitch Young, Superintendent of Forsyth County Schools, in a news release. “A huge congratulations to our K–12 teachers and staff for the outstanding support they offer students during their educational path, and thank you to our students and families for their dedication to academic achievement. I am extremely proud of the Class of 2025 and the educators, staff, and families who assisted them in reaching this important milestone.”

Here are Georgia’s graduation rates from 2011 to 2025:

2025 – 87.2 percent

2024 – 85.4 percent

2023 – 84.4 percent

2022 – 84.1 percent

2021 – 83.7 percent

2020 – 83.8 percent

2019 – 82.0 percent

2018 – 81.6 percent

2017 – 80.6 percent

2016 – 79.4 percent

2015 – 79.0 percent

2014 – 72.6 percent

2013 – 71.8 percent

2012 – 68.7 percent

2011 – 67.4 percent

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