NCSS Graduation Rate Increases, Tops State

NCSS Graduation Rate Continues to Increase, Top State Rate
Graduation Rate GraphicAccording to data released by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), Newton County School System’s (NCSS) four-year cohort graduation rate increased by four percent in 2018. The district’s graduation rate is approximately five points higher than the state’s 82 percent graduation rate. 

The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate defines the cohort based on when a student first becomes a freshman. The rate is calculated using the number of students who graduate within four years and includes adjustments for student transfers.

Graduation rates for the schools, district, and state, are listed below:

School/Group 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Alcovy High  75% 82% 80% 82% 84%
Eastside High 86% 86% 91% 90% 91%
Newton High 80% 82% 83% 83% 87%
NCSS 77% 79% 79% 81% 82%
State 73% 79% 79% 81% 82%


Eastside High School increased their graduation rate this year by one point and Alcovy High School boasted a two-point gain. Newton High School posted a five-point increase in 2018. All three high schools outperformed the state’s graduation rate.

"Congratulations to our students, parents, teachers, and leaders for their hard work,” said Samantha Fuhrey, superintendent of Newton County School System. “I am proud of the continued efforts of our high school team to ensure our students achieve this very important milestone.  The 2018 graduation rates represent the highest graduation rates experienced in the Newton County School System in the last five years.  All three of our high schools have surpassed the 2017 graduation rate and have outperformed the state again.  It is important to note the success of the Eastside High School team as maintaining a score in the 90s is impressive, but actually moving the needle again is amazing. I am also thrilled that Newton High School’s graduation rate improved by five points to its highest graduation rate in the last five years. Making such a marked improvement is not an easy task and certainly speaks volumes about the Newton High School team’s focus. Finally, I am proud that the Alcovy team posted its highest graduation rate in the last five years and continued their upward trend.  We are dedicated to reaching our goal of 100 percent of Newton County School System students graduating within four years; we will not be fully satisfied until we reach that goal."

For more information, contact Dr. Allison Jordan, NCSS Director of Testing, Research, and Evaluation, at [email protected]

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