Academic performance data released this summer by the Georgia Department of Education and the College Board highlight the significant impact of continued focus on literacy, STEM and advanced high school coursework on student performance at Carroll County Schools.

By prioritizing early literacy skills, elementary students continue to perform above the state average across all grade levels in English/Language Arts.

Additionally, Carroll County Schools’ emphasis on STEM education has led to remarkable performance in science. The district is recognized statewide and nationally for its STEM efforts, with 100 percent of schools STEM certified by the district and 17 schools holding national STEM certification—more than any other district in Georgia. As a result, Carroll County students rank among the top in the state and nation for STEM education.

“Assessment results confirm that emphasizing literacy and STEM education is paying off for our students,” Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “Our teachers are innovative and resourceful, embracing new ideas and doing whatever it takes to positively impact lives.”

Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities were expanded last year, yielding multiple College Board recognitions and a record number of college credits for high school students. The district showed a 9 percent increase in passing scores on AP Exams for college credit and nearly doubled the number of students recognized nationally as AP scholars.

The district’s novel “Go West Early” program in partnership with the University of West Georgia began as a pilot last year at Villa Rica High School and will be expanding across the district for this school year.

For the seventh consecutive year, Carroll County’s cumulative graduation rate is projected to exceed 90 percent, continuing an upward trend and capping a nearly 30-point increase since 2010. Final graduation rates by school will be released in the fall by GADOE.

“I am so proud of our students, teachers and leaders. They exhibit a growth mindset and embrace real-world applications,” Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said. “We will continue our future-focused efforts to ensure each student graduates enrolled, enlisted or employed and engaged in the community in which they reside. Our schools are excited to welcome students back for the 2024-25 school year.”

Schools in the Carroll County School System welcome students back on Friday, August 2.