PCSD School News

DALLAS – From kindergarten through 12th grade, Paulding County schools are preparing students for success today and tomorrow. One of the most important indicators of that success is the district’s graduation rate, and the Paulding County School District’s Class of 2026 just elevated the district to another record high! PCSD’s five high schools achieved an average graduation rate of 92.41 percent, according to newly released data from the Georgia Department of Education. All five of the district's high schools surpassed the state average, and four out of five showed improvements over 2025. Most impressively, all five PCSD high schools now boast a four-year graduation rate above 90 percent for the first time!

The 2026 graduation rate marks a 0.8 percent increase, easily topping the 88.5 percent state average and surpassing PCSD’s previous all-time high of 91.6 percent set in 2025. Notably, four high schools—East Paulding, Hiram, North Paulding, and Paulding County—set record-high marks for their respective schools. Over the last 10 years, PCSD’s graduation rate has increased by a remarkable 10.6 percentage points, and the district has topped the state average for 16 consecutive years.

Impressively, of the 11 metro-Atlanta school districts with the largest graduating classes*, the Paulding County School District’s graduation rate ranked fourth-highest, outperforming 70 percent of comparable districts.

These rankings are a remarkable achievement for a low-wealth school district. While PCSD’s graduation rate ranks fourth among the largest metro school systems, the district’s local revenue per pupil ranks 10th among the same group. Despite this financial disparity, Paulding County students consistently outperform their peers statewide.

This commitment to excellence extends across all student populations, with Paulding County’s student subgroups significantly outpacing statewide metrics. The district's graduation rate for English Learners (EL) reached 90.6 percent, an impressive 12.6 percent above the state average of 78.0 percent. Similarly, Students with Disabilities (SWD) achieved an 83.8 percent graduation rate in PCSD, easily surpassing the state average of 79.8 percent.

“It is fantastic to see the work that goes on in our classrooms every day pay off in such an extraordinary way,” said Superintendent Steve Barnette. “Reaching a graduation rate of 92.4 percent, the highest in our district’s history, is truly worth celebrating! I am especially pleased to see all of our high schools attain a 90-percent graduation rate for the first time ever. The students deserve a great deal of credit, as do the teachers and administrators – from kindergarten through high school – who have worked tirelessly to support them and prepare them for success.”

Mr. Barnette often emphasizes that the most important aspect of graduation is the quality of education students receive. “While the number and percentage of graduates is certainly important, the value of the PCSD diploma they earn is even more important. We are committed to ensuring that every Paulding County graduate possesses the academic and life skills necessary to succeed in college or technical school, their future career, or military service.”

Paulding County Board of Education Chair Jeff Fuller said PCSD’s graduation rate reflects the community’s commitment to educational success. “Our Board of Education is extremely proud of the students, families, and educators who helped achieve another record-high graduation rate,” he said. “This achievement demonstrates the quality of education in Paulding County schools and reflects positively on our entire community. High-performing schools attract businesses, support property values, strengthen community ties, and appeal to young families seeking a place to live, work, and raise children.”

According to PCSD’s Teaching and Learning Division, the significant increase in graduation rates can be attributed to initiatives from the PCSD Strategic Plan. These initiatives focus on academic growth and achievement across all student subgroups, creating safe and effective learning environments, promoting college and career readiness, and ensuring students are prepared to succeed following graduation.

"Our high schools have done an excellent job increasing the number of students enrolled in rigorous, college-level courses through Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment programs, while simultaneously providing the targeted support necessary to drive tremendous achievement gains for our English Learners and Students with Disabilities," stated Associate Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Frachiseur. "Not only has enrollment in advanced courses increased, but standard college readiness measures—such as Advanced Placement and SAT scores—indicate that our graduates are well-prepared for their futures.”

Email: communications@paulding.k12.ga.us
Website: www.paulding.k12.ga.us
Location: 3236 Atlanta Highway, Dallas, GA 30132, USA
Phone: 770-443-8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauldingboe
X: @pauldingboe

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