The Richmond County School System Class of 2024 graduation rates continue a two-year trend of growth.
More than 1,690 students graduated during the 2023-2024 school year, a 3.7% increase from the previous year that brings the four-year cohort graduation rate to 81.7%. Four schools exceeded the state graduation rate, according to a news release.
“This is the highest graduation rate our school system has seen since federal accountability measures were put into place,” said Kenneth Bradshaw, Superintendent of Schools. “These past few weeks have posed some significant challenges to our community, but as we continue to work together to bring our students back into the classroom it is news like this that reminds us of our resilience and dedication to each other. I am proud of our students, educators and staff for this remarkable achievement.”
Nine Richmond County high schools either increased or maintained their graduation rate from the previous year:
· The Academy of Richmond County (ARC), A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM) exceeded the state graduation rate of 85.4%.
· T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School saw the largest gain from the previous year of 9.31%, followed by Cross Creek Comprehensive High School at 8.16%.
· Hephzibah Comprehensive High School’s 2024 graduation rate was the highest rate on record for the school at 82.47%.
In addition to improvements to the four-year cohort graduation rate, Richmond County saw other indicators of success through gains in Georgia Milestones standardized test scores in mathematics following statewide changes in curriculum, the release continued.
The school system saw a 5%-point increase in the 2024 GMAS Algebra Concepts and Connections End of Course Exam in Proficient and Distinguished compared to the 2023 Algebra I End of Course Exam. More than 20 elementary, middle and high schools saw a 5% or larger increase in Proficient or Distinguished scores in mathematics categories of the standardized test.
Augusta Good News is an award-winning member of the Georgia Press Association. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
