At 97.1 percent, Carroll County School’s graduation rate is second-highest in the state among districts with more than 1,000 graduates, data released today by the Georgia Department of Education shows.
For the third year in a row, over 97 percent of seniors in the Carroll County School System graduated last year. All five high schools have individual rates over 95 percent.
Bowdon High School – 95.3 percent graduation rate
Central High School – 97.1 percent graduation rate
Mount Zion High School – 97.1 percent graduation rate
Temple High School – 97.5 percent graduation rate
Villa Rica High School – 97.3 percent graduation rate
The state average for all districts is 88.5 percent. When ranked with all districts, Carroll County is 33rd. Only two districts with four or more high schools rank higher.
Additionally, Carroll County’s internal measurement of students who go beyond state graduation requirements to intentionally prepare for postsecondary enrollment, employment or military enlistment – called G+ – increased 3.4 points to 73.5 percent.
“These results represent more than a graduation rate. They represent students who are prepared for what is next,” Superintendent Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said. “Our mission is to ensure every graduate is enrolled, enlisted, employed, and engaged in their community, and this year’s results show we are making meaningful progress.”
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jennifer Shirley said students are challenged to focus on their future, and that has led them to look past graduation to what comes next.
“Our future focus begins in elementary school,” Shirley said. “By the time students reach high school, they’re accustomed to setting goals, making a plan and reaching success. They know their plan for what comes after graduation is just the next step.”
Carroll County Schools introduced the G+ certification in the 2024-25 school year, to focus students on their future after high school graduation. Ainsworth said with a graduation rate of 97 percent, another scale was needed to measure student preparation for life after graduation.
“A diploma is an important milestone, but preparation for life after graduation is our ultimate goal,” Ainsworth said. “G+ helps ensure every student graduates with a plan, a purpose, and the skills to succeed in whatever path they choose.”
Students who decide their desired path after graduation are given checklists and specific goals to achieve G+ certification, Shirley said.
“Every high school student has monthly advising and communication with parents that reinforces the conversations they are having about their future,” she said. “We share step-by-step checklists to make sure they know what they need to do to reach their goals.”
The system also emphasizes involvement in extracurricular activities.
“Learning extends far beyond the classroom,” Ainsworth said. “Through academics, athletics, fine arts, activities, and career pathways, our students are developing the skills and experiences that prepare them for success in college, the military, the workforce, and their communities.”
Carroll County Schools is a leader in science, technology, engineering and math education at all grade levels with 100 percent of schools nationally STEM-certified to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. The system offers two college and career academy campuses to serve students throughout the county and multiple community partnerships to directly benefit students with organizations such as Tanner Health, Southwire, University of West Georgia and West Georgia Technical College.
