CCSD Graduation Rate Soars to All-Time High!

Our school district's four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2026 soared to an all-time high of 93.8%, outperforming the Georgia state average by 5.3 percentage points. 

Our four-year graduation rate increased by 2 points from 91.8% in 2025, according to data released today by the Georgia Department of Education.  Georgia’s statewide average for 2026 increased to 88.5% up from 87.2%.  Both state and national graduation metrics are calculated using a four-year cohort model.

“We’re on a mission to be the highest-performing school district in Georgia where kids learn more on our watch than they could anywhere else,” Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis said. “This is a testament to the outstanding teachers, leaders, and staff across all grades K-12, and our dedicated students and families.  Our School Board has worked diligently for the past two and a half years to focus on elevating classroom instruction by investing in teachers and moving resources as close to the classroom as possible.” 

School Board Chair Janet Read Welch commended the collective effort behind the milestone. 

“The Cherokee County School District strives to make sure that our students are successful with their educational goals and next steps in life.  Thank you to all the teachers, principals, support staff, families and dedicated students who work together to make this happen,” she said.  “Kudos to the Class of 2026 who set this record — well done!”

Four-Year Graduation Rate Highlights
• River Ridge HS led the district with a 98.5% graduation rate, up 2.8 points from 2025.
• Cherokee HS achieved the largest year-over-year growth, jumping 4.6 points to 86.7%.
• Sequoyah HS (97.4%), Creekview HS (96.8%), and Woodstock HS (96.1%) all surpassed the 95% mark.
• Etowah High School increased by 0.9 points to reach 93.4%.
• i-Grad Virtual Academy, our online option for high school, recorded a decrease to 85.4%.

Our district also achieved four-year graduation rate growth for students who receive special services.  The graduation rate for English Learners rose significantly by nearly 7 percentage points to 79.3%, while the rate for students receiving Special Education services remained steady at 87%.

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