Atlanta Public Schools breaks graduation rate record in 2024

October 9th, 2024

A new electric school bus in front of Blue Bird’s plant in Fort Valley, Georgia. — The Atlanta Public Schools Class of 2024 graduated on time at a rate of 88.4%, an all-time recorded high for the district since 2012. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

The Atlanta Public Schools Class of 2024 graduated on time at a rate of 88.4%, the district’s all-time highest graduation rate since Georgia began reporting four-year-adjusted graduation rates, as required by federal law, in 2012.

Out of 3,250 total APS students in the Class of 2024, 2,873 students in APS graduated on time, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

The 2024 APS cohort graduation rate is higher than the state’s graduation rate of 85.4%. The district’s rate has been steadily rising from 77.9% in 2019.

“It is our intention to continue building upon what we’ve accomplished to ensure APS produces high-performing graduates who are prepared for a four-year university or technical college, ready to obtain a desired certification or credential leading directly to work, and a future that guarantees a successful career and life,” Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson said in a Wednesday press release.

Nine out of 16 schools with graduating classes saw an increase in graduation rate, with Douglass High School achieving the largest percentage-point gain of 12.7 among traditional high schools in the district.

Black students and Hispanic students in the Class of 2024 achieved all-time graduation rate highs of 86.2% and 90.2%, respectively, with the graduation rate gap between Black and white students nearly at 11 percentage points.

Students with disabilities, English learners and economically disadvantaged students also achieved all-time highest graduation rates at 78.8%, 82.5% and 86.5%, respectively.

The 2024 cohorts of 11 schools graduated at rates above 90%, and Atlanta Classical Academy and Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy reached 100% graduation rates.

“We are proud of the continued progress the district is making,” Atlanta Board of Education Chair Erika Y. Mitchell said in the press release.

“The district’s graduation rate of 88.4% is an indicator that APS is continuously headed toward the pathway of excellence, and it is important to acknowledge the efforts of our students and staff, who have once again reached another historic graduation rate milestone.”