News Summary
Georgia high school seniors have achieved an impressive graduation rate of 87.2%, marking a significant increase from last year’s 85.4%. In the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, the graduation rate matched the state average. Several schools, including Savannah Arts Academy, celebrated a perfect 100% graduation rate. The Class of 2025 reflects a positive trend in educational outcomes across the state, aided by strong support from educators and families, emphasizing the continued commitment to academic success.
Georgia
High school seniors in Georgia have reached a remarkable milestone, achieving an all-time high graduation rate of 87.2% for the year 2025. This represents an increase from the previous year’s rate of 85.4%, showcasing a continued improvement in educational outcomes across the state.
In the Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), the graduation rate matched the state rate at 87.2%. Out of 2,557 students in the SCCPSS graduating class, 2,229 successfully graduated. This marks a 0.4% increase in graduation rates compared to the previous year. Notably, both Savannah Early College High School and Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School achieved a perfect graduation rate of 100%, and for the first time, Savannah Arts Academy also reached 100%.
The state’s educational authorities expressed pride in the accomplishments of Georgia’s Class of 2025, emphasizing that the increase in graduation rates signals positive engagement and preparation for students as they move forward into higher education or careers. Dr. Denise Watts, Superintendent of SCCPSS, commended the resilience and determination demonstrated by the Class of 2025, noting that graduates benefited from strong support and high-quality instruction provided by educators and families alike.
Georgia utilizes the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate to assess these figures, factoring in students who transfer in and out during their high school years. This methodology aims to provide a clear picture of graduate success rates within the state.
In Savannah-Chatham County, several high schools have recently been evaluated by U.S. News & World Report based on various academic criteria. Savannah Arts Academy achieved a ranking of No. 12 in Georgia, while Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School and Savannah Early College High School were respectively ranked at No. 73 and No. 78. Richmond Hill High School came in at No. 102, and Islands High School was ranked No. 129.
SCCPSS Associate Superintendent Bernadette Ball-Oliver highlighted a district graduation rate of 90.1%, reflecting a minor improvement of 0.5% percentage points over the previous year. Among the district’s eleven high schools, eight either improved or maintained their graduation rates compared to the previous year. However, some schools did report decreased rates. Overall, the district has navigated challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic while managing to either maintain or increase graduation rates.
For the seventh consecutive year, the SCCPSS has surpassed the state’s graduation rate benchmark, indicating a trend of consistent progress toward educational goals. This success underscores the ongoing commitment of educators, families, and the students themselves to prioritize academic achievement and support for all learners.
Moving forward, stakeholders in education in Georgia aim to build on this success, ensuring that the learning environment remains supportive and that high graduation rates continue to trend upward. This progress sets a solid foundation for the future of education in the state, with an emphasis on preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Graduation Rate Climbs
- Savannah Now: U.S. News & World Report Ranks Savannah Area’s Best Public High Schools
- WSAV: Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Sees New High for Graduation Rates
- Google Search: Georgia Graduation Rates
- U.S. News: Savannah College of Art and Design
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation Rates
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham 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 Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
