Both Rome City Schools and Floyd County Schools are celebrating record-high graduation rates for the Class of 2025, with both systems once again outperforming the state of Georgia and joining a select group of top-performing districts.
Rome High School’s four-year graduation rate climbed to 95.7% in 2025, up slightly from 95.3% the previous year. That places Rome City Schools among the 60 districts statewide achieving graduation rates at or above 95%, significantly outpacing Georgia’s overall average of 87.2%—the highest the state has recorded since adopting the adjusted cohort calculation in 2011.
“This milestone is a testament to the supportive and enriching environment we’ve built,” said Rome High Principal Parke Wilkinson. “We see the results of our efforts each May as our students cross the stage, and now again in these numbers.”
Meanwhile, Floyd County Schools (FCS) edged slightly ahead of Rome with a system-wide graduation rate of 96.3%, placing the district in the top 19% of all school systems in Georgia. This marks the third consecutive year FCS has exceeded the 95% threshold, following a 95.31% rate in 2023.
“All four of our high schools posted rates well above the state average,” said FCS Superintendent Dr. Glenn White. “Our success begins in Pre-K and continues through graduation. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our students, the hard work of our educators, and the ongoing support from our families.”
White added, “Watching students walk across the stage each year never gets old—it’s a powerful reminder of the impact our entire community has on each graduate’s journey.”
Statewide Trends: Georgia Hits All-Time High
The Georgia Department of Education reported a statewide graduation rate of 87.2%, up from 85.4% in 2024. The increase represents nearly a 20-point jump since 2011, when Georgia first implemented the federally required adjusted cohort method, which tracks students from the start of ninth grade and accounts for transfers in and out of the district.
“I am so proud of Georgia’s Class of 2025 and the teachers, staff, and families who supported them,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “More Georgia students are graduating than ever before—and they’re doing so prepared to pursue futures full of opportunity.”
By the Numbers: A Local Comparison
| School System | Graduation Rate (2025) | Previous Year | State Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floyd County | 96.3% | 95.3% | 87.2% |
| Rome City Schools | 95.7% | 95.3% | 87.2% |
Both school systems not only surpassed the state average but also maintained a consistent upward trajectory, cementing their reputations as academic leaders in Northwest Georgia.
How Graduation Rates Are Calculated
The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate is the percentage of students who earn a regular high school diploma within four years, adjusted for student mobility. Students who transfer in or out of a school system during the high school years are factored into the cohort, providing a more accurate measure of success.
Looking Ahead
With both Rome City and Floyd County Schools surpassing 95%, educators and administrators are optimistic about the future. As graduation rates continue to climb across Georgia, these two local districts stand out for sustaining excellence and ensuring students are not just walking across the stage—but walking into a promising future.
