SCCPSS Graduation Rate Climbs to 87.2%

Georgia’s high-school seniors recorded another all-time-high graduation rate – and significant year-over-year improvement – in 2025. The four-year graduation rate for the state of Georgia rose to 87.2% – up from 85.4% in 2024, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.

The 2025 graduation rate for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools is 87.2% also, with 2,229 students graduating out of a class of 2,557.  This represents a .4% increase compared to last year and matches the state’s graduation rate.  Savannah Early College High School and Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School maintained their 100% graduation rate, with a third SCCPSS high school – Savannah Arts Academy – joining the ranks.

“I am so proud of Georgia’s class of 2025 and the teachers, staff, and families who supported them,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “Seeing this increase in a single year is a strong indicator of the work Georgia’s schools and districts are doing to keep students engaged in their education and prepare them for successful lives after high school. While more work remains to be done, more Georgia students are graduating than ever before – and they’re doing so prepared to pursue futures full of opportunity.”

Dr. Denise Watts, Superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, echoed Superintendent Woods’ comments.  “The Class of 2025 represents the very best of SCCPSS—resilient, determined, and prepared for a future full of possibilities. This year’s graduation rate reflects the tireless commitment of our educators, staff, and families to high-quality instruction and student support. Together, we’ve created learning environments that empower students to pursue choice-filled lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

How Georgia calculates its graduation rate

Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as required by federal law. This rate is:

• The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by
• The number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class.

Adjusted Cohort Rate Definition: From the beginning of ninth grade, students who are entering that grade form a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out.