October 24, 2021–11:23 a.m.
NEWS RELEASE
The graduation rate for students in both the Rome City and Floyd County School Systems is once again above the state average.
Rome City Schools reported a 92.9 percent graduation rate for the 2020-2021 school year while the Floyd County Schools’ four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2021 was 94.1%.
The state average was 83.7%.
RCS has not seen a significant change from last year’s numbers, a trend that educators are seeing across the state. System administrators are also factoring in the challenges associated with the recent pandemic and new programs implemented out of necessity.
However, school leadership is excited about some information accompanying the recent graduation statistics. RCS did see a substantial increase in the graduation rate of students with disabilities. Last year, Rome High School students with disabilities graduated at a rate of 87.5 percent, an increase of over 10 percent the prior year. The numbers are encouraging and fall in lockstep with the system’s mission of ensuring ALL students will graduate from high school prepared for college or work.
“I believe that maintaining a graduation rate above 90 percent during a pandemic demonstrates the hard work our students, parents, and staff are willing to give to ensure our children succeed,” said Dr. Dawn Williams, associate superintendent for Rome City Schools. “I also think this achievement is a testimony to the foundation built by our elementary and middle school programs. The true test to our mission statement, though, will be their success in the next steps. Those steps are getting ready for college or for work, and I look forward to seeing all of the great things our students will accomplish.”
Meanwhile, FCS is in the top 25% of school systems in the state.
“I am extremely proud of our ability to maintain a 94% graduation rate during a pandemic year. I would also like to point out that our minority subgroups are graduating at a higher rate than the system,” said FCS Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, John Parker. “I am most pleased with the performance of our Students with Disabilities subgroup who is graduating at a rate of 83%, which matches the mark set by the state for all students. It sends a great message to our community when we can ensure that our most vulnerable students are achieving and graduating at a high rate.”
In addition to the system graduation rate topping 94%, all four high schools in the system were also above 90% in the state report. Model High had the highest graduation rate in the system at 96.6%, Armuchee High wasn’t far behind with 96%, Pepperell High had a rate of 93.9%, and Coosa High completed the trend of all county high school graduation rates above 90% at 90.9%.
”I am ecstatic that the Model High Class of 2021 persevered through these unprecedented times to make graduating a priority. The overwhelming majority of our students have displayed academic endurance and an unwavering desire to succeed. Their hard work and determination allowed Model High School to attain a graduation rate of 96.5%. This is also a testament to our parents who emphasize the importance of a high school education, and our teachers who go above and beyond to ensure opportunities for student success including our academic intervention team who identified and worked closely with students whose circumstances may have prevented them from graduating. Together, all members of the Model faMily can take pride in this achievement,” said Model High Principal Kevin Strickland.
“I am extremely proud of the graduation rate in Floyd County. The graduation rate is a confirmation of the dedication and effort of our teachers, administrators, and support staff. This also shows the grit of our students as they work hard to graduate from high school. I would like to thank our teachers, administrators, students, and parents for their efforts in achieving a very high graduation rate. It is a team effort from all stakeholders that achieves this kind of result,” said FCS Superintendent Dr. Glenn White.