The Georgia Department of Education released the four year graduation rate for 2013. The State of Georgia average rose 2 percentage points to 71.5%. 

In comparison, Rockdale County Public Schools 2013 four year graduation rate jumped another 6 percentage points to 78%. Combined with the 2012 gain of 5.7 percentage points, this represents an 11.8 percentage point improvement over the past two years. 

“To have a nearly 12 percentage point increase over a two year period is a major accomplishment,” says Superintendent Richard Autry. “All three of our traditional high schools, Heritage, Rockdale and Salem, again demonstrated significant growth over the prior year. We must also recognize the contribution of our non-traditional schools such as RCA, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Open Campus, and Alpha Academy for supporting the talents, interests and needs of our high school students. It is the district’s goal that every student not only earns their high school diploma but also acquires industry certification and/or college credit necessary to possess an advantage in their post-secondary endeavors. While we strive to have students accomplish this in the traditional four-year span as indicated by these results, we are committed to graduating every child even if extended time or support is necessary. I appreciate the work of our administrators, faculty and staff to keep students focused and on track for graduation.” 

In its press release, the Georgia Department of Education explained the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate defines the cohort based on when a student first becomes a freshman. The rate is calculated using the number of students who graduate within four years and includes adjustments for student transfers. In contrast, Georgia’s former graduation rate calculation defined the cohort upon graduation, which may have included students who took more than four years to graduate from high school. 

“Under a more rigorous calculation method, the trend still shows that the percentage of our high school students graduating increases year to year,” said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. “Despite the economic challenges our districts are facing, we have more high school students graduating today than we have had in several years, which is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers. We must continue our progress to ensure all students cross the finish line, because without a high school diploma, their options are very limited.” 

The U.S. Department of Education requires all 50 states to use the cohort rate to calculate graduates. 

RCPS Graduation Rate at-a-glance