The Clarke County School District's four-year graduation rate climbed 4.5 points in 2026 to 86.35%, its highest level since before 2011, the Georgia Department of Education reported.
Gains appeared across all student groups at Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals High Schools, whose rates rose to 87.34% and 86.51%, respectively.
Cedar Shoals' rate for Black students jumped 8.38 points since 2024, while Clarke Central's rate for Hispanic students rose 7.44 points. Both schools also posted large gains among English Learners and students with disabilities.
"Raising our graduation rate shows what is possible when we stay focused on strong instruction, building relationships, and removing barriers," Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott said.
Classic City High School's rate dipped slightly to 73.08%, though it remains well above its 2024 figure of 48%.
Statewide, the rate reached 88.5%, up from 87.2% in 2025. Clarke's rate still trails neighbors such as Oconee County, which posted 100%, and Barrow County at 92%.
