Habersham graduation rate highest in region, top 10 in state

The Habersham County School System has reached a record-high overall graduation rate of 97.6 percent. While the school system beat its own record, it also earned its place at the top of the list for highest graduation rates in the Northeast Georgia region, and within the top 10 graduation rates for the state.

The four-year cohort graduation rate released by the state reflects the percentage of students who have graduated within four years from the time they entered the 9th grade — essentially, those students who have graduated “on time.”

“The 2021 system graduation rate of 97.6% marks the 7th straight record-setting year for Habersham County students and demonstrates an increase of 29.3% since 2011, which is an extraordinary achievement,” says Habersham County Director of Secondary Schools Pam Dalton.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the perseverance, dedication, and commitment of our students, parents, teachers, administrators, Central Support Team, and Board of Education,” adds Habersham Ninth Grade Academy Principal Connie Franklin.

The system’s graduation rate is based on the combined totals from the county’s two public high schools, Habersham Central High School and the Habersham Success Academy.

Habersham Central’s 2021 four-year graduation rate is 98.41%, according to data from the Georgia Department of Education. That’s the highest ever for the school and a 25 point increase since 2011. In May 2021, 433 of 440 HCHS seniors graduated on time.

“To achieve a 98.4 percent graduation rate is a testament to the academic talents of the Class of 2021 and the effectiveness of the entire Habersham County School System,” says HCHS Principal Jonathan Stribling. “Solid elementary schools and accomplished middle schools prepare our students for engaging and rigorous high school experiences at Habersham Ninth Grade Academy and Habersham Central.”

The Habersham Success Academy’s 2021 four-year graduation rate is 84.2% — a 56 point jump in six years. This past May, 16 of the Success Academy’s 19 seniors graduated on time, according to GA DOE.

“This achievement is a testament of our system’s dedication to see students succeed,” says Habersham Success Academy Principal Ernie Garrett who adds that he’s proud of all the students have achieved.

“Our students are reminded daily that a high school diploma is important and attainable, and even with all the challenges these students have faced in recent years, their persistence and dedication has led to their success.”

Above average

Habersham Central and the Success Academy both beat the state average four-year cohort graduation rate of 83.7%. Habersham County is ranked ninth in the state out of 179 traditional Georgia high schools.

Habersham is tied with Lumpkin County for the highest graduation rate in the region. Both school systems are part of Pioneer RESA. The Regional Education Service Agency serves 22 schools in 15 Northeast Georgia school districts. Hart County, Dawson County, Flowery Branch, and Cherokee Bluff high schools round out the top five (see below).

Pioneer RESA school graduation rates 2021

While topping the list is cause for celebration, Habersham school administrators stress it’s the real-world implications of a high graduation rate that matters most.

“Graduation is the ultimate goal of everything we do in public education,” says county school superintendent Matthew Cooper, but he emphasizes it’s more than just a number. “An improved graduation rate means that more students have an opportunity to attain the American Dream. Higher graduation rates mean greater life chances for our boys and girls here in Habersham County.”

This article has been updated with data from the GA Dept. of Education