Fayette Maintains Stellar Graduation Rate

Georgia’s high-school seniors recorded another historic-high graduation rate in 2026, and Fayette County, as a whole, posted one of the state’s best rates at 95.0%.

The state’s four-year graduation rate rose to 88.5% — up from 87.2% in 2025, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.

Starr’s Mill led the county at 98.8%, followed by Whitewater at 97.5%, McIntosh at 97.2%, Sandy Creek at 92.7%, and Fayette County High at 88.1%.

Fayette County Public Schools has the fourth-highest graduation rate among systems with at least 900 graduates. Fayette had 1,712 graduates in the Class of 2026.

“I’m incredibly proud of the class of 2026, and the teachers, families, school and district staff, and communities who supported them,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “It’s important to us that we’re not just increasing the graduation rate, but ensuring students graduate prepared for life. Together with schools, districts, and partners across the state, we’re ensuring that the high-school diploma in Georgia is a ticket to a successful future. Today’s news is a testament to our shared efforts to ensure Georgia students see the relevance of their education and are connected to opportunity in the future.”