The Georgia Department of Education’s formal release of the 2021 statewide graduation rate Oct. 21 shows Carrollton High School’s Class of 2021 left a strong legacy with a posting of 91 percent.

The data shows CHS maintained the same rate as the previous year, despite continued challenges caused by a global pandemic that greatly impacted the traditional school year.

While it is important to acknowledge this increase as a metric indicating school improvement,  it is also prudent to recognize the overall preparedness of the graduates and what their post-secondary plans entailed, said Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent.

“We are extremely proud of each individual for achieving this important milestone and we are also proud to see what our graduates are doing after they leave the halls of CHS,” he said. “But this class, the largest in school history, continued to hold high standards and accomplish great things.” 

Of the Class of 2021’s 424 graduates, 69 percent planned to attend a four-year college or university and 11 percent planned to attend a two-year school/program. Five percent of the remaining students joined the military and 15 percent had plans to enter the workforce. This is a big change from last year, when former CHS Principal David Brooks noted college numbers were down because students decided to wait to have a true college experience, not a virtual one, and postponed their secondary education until the pandemic was under control.

“I cannot express enough how proud I am of our students and teachers in maintaining such high expectations,” said Ian Lyle, CHS principal. “As our numbers have grown, we have remained true to our relentless pursuit of excellence, and this is demonstrated by the solid graduation rate performance each and every year.” 

Lyle also noted the Class of 2021 earned $23 million in scholarship offers and more than half were honor graduates. The class also produced the largest number of Georgia Scholars at 17, far surpassing any other school, public or private, in the state. College admissions at the state’s two flagship public universities, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, also proved exceptional, with 100 percent of CHS applicants receiving early acceptance or deferral at UGA and 80 percent at Tech. 

Dr. Albertus noted CHS offers many paths for students to succeed, no matter what their ultimate goal may be.

“Whether students need the academic rigor of our International Baccalaureate program and Advanced Placement courses, or require increased flexibility in their learning environment, Carrollton High School is able to provide the time, energy, and resources to meet their needs,” he said. “Graduation and success beyond high school are the ultimate goals we have for each and every student who is enrolled in our district. Our school board and community are passionate about providing the highest quality of education for our students, and our graduation rate and the post-secondary plans of our students,  provide evidence of this commitment.”