After summer retesting, Rockdale County Public Schools reported an even higher graduation rate than initially stated in July. The school system had a graduation rate of 83 percent after summer retesting, compared to initial figures of 81.3 percent. The state average graduation rate was 78.9 percent, after retesting.

The school system also maintained the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status announced earlier in the summer. This is the fourth consecutive year RCPS had all of its schools achieve AYP.

AYP is an accountability measurement established in 2001 as required by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. One component of measurement for accountability is the graduation rate.

RCPS Superintendent Dr. Samuel King said in a released statement, "This increase, which includes re-test scores, proves that our safety net and credit recovery programs are working. I truly appreciate the leadership of high school principals and Open Campus to ensure these programs are customized to meet the needs of each student individually. I congratulate the students and the entire faculty and staff whose hard work and dedication is reflected in these results."

The statement pointed out few school systems throughout the state are above 80% graduation rate and noted the role of programs such as the Open Campus and its credit recovery programs, and the Rockdale Career Academy.

RCPS also reported a dropout rate of 2.7 percent. "Until we are at a 0 percent dropout rate, we still have work to do," said King. "With our strategic plan implementation, we will continue to focus on providing every opportunity possible for students to succeed and reach their highest potential."