Graduation Rate is Up in Richmond County for the Class of 2023

The class of 2023 saw an increase in the graduation rate in Richmond County, but it's still below the state average.

The Georgia Department of Education says Richmond County, overall, saw a 6.34% increase to 78% in 2023, versus 71.66% the previous year.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw says the new rate is one of the highest in the last 20 years, and the first increase since 2020.

"This is excellent news and the result of dedication and commitment from our school-based leaders, our curriculum and instruction staff, parents and students.  Everyone played a vital role in achieving the goal I set for our overall school system graduation rate last year," said Bradshaw.

Bradshaw added that while this is great news, there is still more work to be done to ensure that more students are graduating and equipped for life after high school.

A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School continue to maintain a 100% graduation rate.  The graduation rate for the Academy of Richmond County was 85.6%, also above the state rate of 84.1%.

Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School saw the most significant improvement with a 10.7% increase compared to 2022.

Bradshaw said nearly all Richmond County high schools maintained or saw an increase in their graduation rate in 2023.

A total of 107 Georgia school district recorded graduation rates at or above 90%, and 43 districts recorded rates at or above 95%.  Georgia's statewide graduation rate has increased by 14.7 percentage points since 2012.