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2020 Graduation Rates Released
For the first time in district history, the Walton County School District achieved a graduation rate over 90 percent, hitting 91.8 percent and surpassing the state of Georgia by eight percentage points in 2020.

“This is a historic accomplishment for our district,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “Despite the many unforeseen difficulties our 2020 graduates faced, they persevered in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting legacy that shows our students and community their true strength and determination. I commend them on their record-breaking success.”
 
In addition to the district’s overall accomplishment, Loganville High School led the district at 93.0 percent. At 92.6 percent, Monroe Area High School achieved the largest one-year growth, increasing its graduation rate by an impressive 9.4 percentage points. Walnut Grove High School saw a slight decrease from 2019, ending at 89.7 percent.

“On behalf of the Walton County Board of Education, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2020 on their exceptional performance," said Board Chair Diane Turner. "I would also like to express my sincerest appreciation for the leadership of our superintendent. Dr. Franklin has played a key role in our district's success across many academic and non-academic areas since he began serving in this role five years ago, and the district's overall graduation rate is no exception. Since 2016, we have seen continued growth in our graduation rates with an overall improvement of almost 10 points. I appreciate his dedication to the students of Walton County and his belief in helping all students succeed.”

The 4-year cohort method is based on the number of students that graduate within four years plus one summer and includes adjustments for student transfers. The 4-year cohort data since the inception of the adjusted cohort graduation calculation is below.

4-Year Cohort Grad Rate (%)

20112012201320142015201620172018201920201-Year Change
Change since 2011
WCSD74.774.280.778.882.381.983.287.789.991.8+1.9+17.1
Loganville85.686.186.887.186.784.387.291.991.293+1.8+7.4
Monroe Area62.559.674.272.078.479.876.182.683.292.6+9.4+30.1
Walnut Grove72.879.481.878.381.481.986.286.293.689.7-3.9+16.9
State67.469.771.872.578.779.280.681.682.083.8+1.8+16.4

Six of eight subgroups made progress over last year's rates and met their 2020 improvement target developed by the state. Graduation rates for Asian/Pacific Islanders (100%), Black (90.2%), Hispanic (92.1%) and White (92.2%) students all surpassed 90 percent. While rates for Multi-Racial (89.7), Economically Disadvantaged (83.6%) and Students with Disabilities (83.2%) all surpassed 80 percent. The graduation rate for students with disabilities increased by 20.3 percentage points in 2020 and by more than 59 percentage points since 2011. Walton County English Learners (75.9%) exceeded the state by 13.9 percentage points. All Walton County subgroups exceeded the State subgroup rates in 2020.

“This accomplishment can be attributed to the hard work of our students as well as the support of our teachers, administrators and staff,” Franklin continued. “Every grade level is significant to the growth and development of students. We cannot overlook the huge part that our staff play in reaching this level of success.”

These unprecedented results have been supported by the implementation of several district programs and initiatives to help overcome barriers to learning and assist students academically.