For the sixth year in a row, over 90 percent of seniors in the Carroll County School System graduated last year. Official graduation rates released today by the Georgia Department of Education show 95 percent of Carroll County Schools seniors graduated, and all five high schools in the system have school graduation rates above 90 percent as well.

    Bowdon High School – 94.1 percent graduation rate

    Central High School – 98.2 percent graduation rate

    Mount Zion High School – 96 percent graduation rate

    Temple High School – 91.7 percent graduation rate

    Villa Rica High School – 93.6 percent graduation rate

The state average for all districts is 84.4 percent. Among the 21 school districts in the state with five or more high schools, Carroll County’s graduation rate ranks 2nd behind Forsyth County.

“We are extremely proud of our students, teachers and leaders across the county for these excellent results,” Carroll County Schools Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “This success is a direct reflection of our commitment to push students to focus on the future.”

Cowart said the district is empowering each student to think beyond graduation.

“Graduation is a significant milestone,” he said. “We work toward that and push toward it, but it’s not the end. We want each student to have a plan for what comes next after graduation, and we want them all to be enrolled, employed, or enlisted and engaged in their community.”

Assistant Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said collaboration among school leaders multiplies the impact of success.

“Our district alignment encourages principals and other leaders to learn from each other,” Ainsworth said. “We continue to see this high level of achievement because our schools share strategies that work.”

“Our schools are committed to offering many pathways to graduation and beyond,” she said. “Whether a student wants advanced placement classes, college dual enrollment, hands-on training in a high-skill career or preparation for military service, we offer a range of choices to focus them on their future.”

The system also emphasizes involvement in arts, athletics and activities.

“We know that students who are involved in something outside the classroom perform much better in the classroom,” Cowart said. “If we can find something that excites a student – be it band, robotics, agriculture or something else – we can get them engaged and motivated to come to school and do their best. That student will perform at a high level, graduate on time and be ready for what’s next.”