Muscogee County Graduation Rates Surpass State Rates

COLUMBUS, GA- Graduation rates in Muscogee County are continuing to rise according to data from Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). The data shows that high schools in the Muscogee County School District have surpassed the state rate for the eighth consecutive year. In addition, several schools in Muscogee County have recorded independent gains.

Muscogee County's graduation rate has increased to 89.4 percent, an increase of 3.3 points, year-over-year, from 86.1 percent. This marks the highest graduation rate for the District since the four-year cohort rate has been calculated. The Cohort Rate is calculated using the data from students who graduate from high school within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education. It is also one of the indicators used in the calculation of the College and Career Ready Performance Index. The state rate is 83.4 percent in 2020.

“We applaud our schools, District support teams, parents, and students for their hard work and dedication that contributed to the steady increase of our graduation rates leading to this year’s historic high rate. This improvement is attributed to more intentional identification of students as early as middle school who are not on track to graduate on time. We then provide them with additional support, resources, and encouragement toward attaining this important educational milestone,” said Dr. David Lewis, Superintendent of Education, Muscogee County School District in a media release.

While the news district-wide is a win for Muscogee County students, parents and staff, cohort levels also showed independent gains at several schools in the district. Carver, Jordan, and Shaw all earned their highest cohort level to date. Carver, Columbus, Northside, Rainey-McCullers, and Shaw all recorded graduation rates above 90 percent. Seven Muscogee County high schools had levels above the state average. Those schools included: Carver, Columbus, Hardaway, Kendrick, Northside, Rainey-McCullers and Shaw. Seven schools maintained or saw an increase in their cohort graduation rate: which included Carver, Columbus, Hardaway, Jordan, Kendrick, Shaw, and Spencer. Rainey-McCullers saw a 100 percent graduation rate for its first graduating class.

“We are encouraged and energized by these results and remain committed to our ultimate goal to ensure 100 percent of our students achieve full-option graduation. Whether it is further study at a four-year or two-year institution, training, the workforce, or military service, we want our students to be equipped for their choice,” said Dr. Lewis.

The follow cohort rates were recorded for Muscogee County high schools for 2020:

Carver- 92 .3 percent
Columbus- 100 percent
Hardaway- 89.6 percent
Jordan- 81.1 percent
Kendrick- 85.4 percent
Northside- 93.5 percent
Rainey-McCullers- 100 percent
Shaw- 91.4 percent
Spencer- 83.0 percent