The Richmond County School System’s (RCSS) four-year cohort graduation rate maintained last year’s historic high of 81.7% for the Class of 2025, according to data released yesterday by the Georgia Department of Education. The school system also recorded historic highs for special education students, and Hephzibah and Westside comprehensive high schools also showed gains.

Several schools achieved increases in their graduation rate. Westside Comprehensive High School recorded the largest single-year gain in the school system with an 84.25% graduation rate, up 7.73% from the previous year.  

“This is an incredible achievement for Westside,” said Dr. Tikki Middleton, principal of Westside. “To see an increase of more than seven percentage points in a single year shows what’s possible when we set high expectations and support students every step of the way.”

Hephzibah High Comprehensive School also recorded a milestone, reaching a record 84.43% graduation rate. The school increased its graduation rate for three consecutive years, surpassing last year’s rate of 82.5%. 

“Congratulations to our dedicated faculty and staff of Hephzibah Comprehensive High School for achieving a record 84.43% graduation rate,” said Principal Christopher Nabahe. “Their continued commitment to student success and year-over-year growth is a testament to their hard work and excellence.”

The RCSS special education graduation rate reached a historic high of 75.7%, reflecting progress since state accountability measures were put in place in 2011. George P. Butler Comprehensive High School and Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School also reported increases from the previous year. For Butler, this marks the third consecutive year of improvement.

A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet Schools maintained a 100% graduation rate.