The Bartow County School System four-year graduation rate climbs to a new all-time high in 2022 – 94.4%. That rate is up from 93.6% last year and beats the state average by more than 10%. Two Bartow County high schools break the milestone 95% plane, and the graduation rate for students with disabilities skyrockets for the second year in a row.
“Those are incredible highlights from the data just released today by the Georgia Department of Education,” said BCSS Superintendent Dr. Phillip Page. “There are so many reasons to celebrate, as school leaders remain intentional and focused in this area, and students are increasingly engaged and supported through the Professional Learning Communities process. I could not be prouder of the work that is being done and excited to continue the trend of improving student outcomes countywide.”
Adairsville High School students and staff earned the highest graduation rate in the county – 96.6%. That is a 3% increase over last year’s rate and the first time above the milestone 95% mark. The graduation rate for students with disabilities also jumped from 79.3% to 89.2%.
“AHS is committed to providing relevant learning experiences for ALL,” said AHS Principal Dr. Lexie Bultman. “The increase in our graduation rate, which is the highest it has ever been, continues to validate the effectiveness of the PLC process and our commitment to those relevant learning experiences. Collaborative teacher teams consistently analyze student data to make informed decisions about each individual student, leading to increased learning and
achievement.”
“Scores and numbers are never our mission, but they are a metric by which we are measured,” added Dr. Bultman. “Graduation rate is a school metric everyone can get behind and this is truly a schoolwide effort! We are excited because this increase supports the hard work our staff put in each and every day to ensure all students learn at high levels.”
Cass High School’s graduation rate increased from 91.9% in 2021 to 92.1% this year. School leaders also graduated more students with disabilities than any other school in the county. Increasing their outcome by 9%, they recorded a 92.3% graduation rate this year for students with disabilities.
“We are excited to see our four-year graduation rate over 92%, the highest in school history!,” said CHS Principal Steve Revard. “The Class of 2022 was a special group of students that pushed through adversity, while continuing to raise the bar. Our teachers and staff remain dedicated to supporting all students through effective collaboration, Tier II instruction, a focus on literacy, and extracurricular opportunities. I am also incredibly proud of our Guiding Coalition, as they continue to implement research-based strategies and innovative practices that move Cass High forward.”
Woodland High School and its school community were pleased to log a 95.3% graduation rate, which is above the milestone 95% plane for the second year in a row. Their rate for students with disabilities is 82.8%, which is a whopping 37% higher than their average in 2018.
“We are very pleased to see that our graduation rate is above 95% for the second year in a row,” said WHS Principal Dave Stephenson. “Our students enjoy a culture of high expectations, and our staff have committed to each student who walks through our doors becoming fully prepared for opportunities after high school. We will continue to focus on all students learning and achieving at the highest levels.”
Exceptional Education Director Tania Amerson and her team were also instrumental in raising their overall system rate for students with disabilities by almost 8%, moving from 80.8% last year to 88.6% this year.
“The work to prepare our students to graduate starts at pre-K,” adds Amerson. “The collaboration which is occurring between general and exceptional education at all levels is leading to improved outcomes for all students as evidenced by the decreasing gap in graduation rate between general and exceptional education. I am very pleased to see this gap closing and know this work is having a positive impact on the lives of our students and community.”