Newton County schools have something to celebrate. The percentage of students graduating from one of the county’s three high schools has risen at two of the schools, while one has graduated the same percentage as last year.

The data was released by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) the week, which showed county-wide, graduation rates increased by four percent this year, up to 81 percent of the high schools students from 77 percent in 2014.

That puts the county’s 2015 graduation rates ahead of the state’s 79 percent.

Calculations are based on when a student becomes a freshman. The percent rate is calculated using the number of students who graduate within four years and includes adjustments for student transfers.

Graduation rates for the schools are listed below:

In addition to the district, all three high schools individually surpassed Georgia’s graduation rate this year. Alcovy High School’s graduation rate increased by seven percent in 2015 and Newton High School’s graduation rate improved by two percent. Eastside High School remained steady this year by matching last year’s 86 percent graduation rate.“We are very pleased that we have improved our graduation rate and outperformed the state in the process,” said Samantha Fuhrey, Superintendent of Newton County Schools. “We are heading in the right direction but of course, our ultimate goal is to have each and every one of our students not only graduate from high school but also be well prepared to either join the work force or continue their education at the post-secondary level. We have our work cut out for us, but I believe our students, teachers, and leaders are up to the challenge.”

Fuhrey added, “I encourage all Newton County students to stay in school and graduate on time. Life beyond high school tends to be much more challenging when students leave school without their diplomas. We stand prepared to help our students reach this most important milestone and we ask that parents and guardians emphasize at home the importance of earning that high school diploma.”

For more information, contact Dr. Allison Jordan, NCSS Director of Testing, Research, and Evaluation, at jordan.allison@newton.k12.ga.us.