Georgia's high-school seniors recorded another historic-high graduation rate in 2026. The four-year graduation rate for the state rose to 88.5% — up from 87.2% in 2026, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.

The 2026 graduation rate for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools is 87.8%, up from 87.2% in 2025. This represents a .6% increase compared to last year with 2,292 students out of a 2,611 student graduation class earning a diploma. Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah Early College High School, and Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School maintained their 100% graduation rates! 

"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."

SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts says, “"We are proud to celebrate this rise in our graduation rate as a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and determination of our students, educators, staff, families, and community partners. Every additional graduate represents a young person who is prepared to pursue their dreams and contribute to the future of our community. As we launch our new strategic plan centered on 'Unlimited Possibilities,' this achievement reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every student has the support, opportunities, and pathways they need to succeed. While we are encouraged by this continued progress, we remain focused on helping even more students reach graduation and realize their unlimited potential."

The Georgia Department of Education, school districts, schools, business leaders, and partners across the state have worked together to ensure Georgia's high-school graduates have a clear pathway to successful, fulfilling lives and careers in the state's high-demand industries. From programs like Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education to increased investments in the fine arts, a high-school education in Georgia increasingly prepares students for a wide array of opportunities after high school. Georgia has also expanded diploma options, with pathways like the Accelerated Career Diploma and Work-Based Learning Diploma helping students prepare for skilled careers.

How Georgia calculates its graduation rate

Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as required by federal law. This rate is: 

• The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma or state-defined alternate diploma, divided by
• The number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class

Adjusted Cohort Definition: From the beginning of ninth grade, students entering that grade form a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out — for example, by transferring to another school district in Georgia or a school in another state.

SCCPSS Graduation 2026 Rates:

Beach High School – 93.3%

Groves High School – 76.4%

Islands High School – 92.9%

Jenkins High School – 84.8%

Johnson High School – 92.9%

New Hampstead High School – 89.1%

Savannah Arts Academy – 100%

Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy – 81.9%

Savannah Classical Academy – 93.8%

Savannah Early College – 100%

School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High – 84.5%

Windsor Forest High School  - 80.8%

Woodville-Tompkins Technical & Career High School – 100%