Monday, September 29, 2025–11:20 a.m.
-News Release-
Rome High School not only saw a record number of graduates cross the stage at Barron Stadium last spring, but the school continues to see its overall graduation rate rise and exceed the state of Georgia average as well.
The four-year graduation rate for Rome High rose to 95.7 percent after coming in at 95.3 percent last year. That is a good bit higher than the state average. Georgia’s high school seniors’ four-year graduation rate rose to 87.2 percent, up from 85.4 percent in 2024, and marked an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.
A total of 134 Georgia school districts recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent, and 60 districts, including Rome City Schools, recorded rates at or above 95 percent. Georgia’s statewide graduation rate has increased by 19.8 percentage points since 2011.
“I am incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff at Rome High School. I’m so thankful for the wonderful families we have. Our parents support their students so well. Our teachers diligently work each day to get our students to show growth, and we see the results of this every May with the graduates who walk across the stage, and now in the graduation statistics released by the state,” Rome High Principal Parke Wilkinson says. “It’s a testament to the supportive and enriching environment we’ve built together, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for their futures.”
“Rome High School’s graduation rate is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our students, the relentless support of their families, and the tireless efforts of our exceptional educators,” Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland says. “This achievement shows what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision of success. We are not just graduating students. We are launching future leaders prepared to make a real impact on the world.”
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.
“I am so proud of Georgia’s class of 2025 and the teachers, staff, and families who supported them,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods says.“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.”
