Fulton Graduation Rates Jump 4.2 Percent

By Wendy Parker 

The Class of 2013 across the Fulton County School System graduated at a rate of 75.5 percent, a jump of 4.2 percent from last year, according to data released Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Education. 

Fulton's overall rate is one of the best among large school districts in the metro Atlanta area and is four percent higher than the state average of 71.5 percent. 

The improved numbers for Fulton come as district officials are in the midst of a five-year plan to raise the on-time (four-year) graduation rate to 90 percent by 2017. 

"To have made so much progress in such a little time is exciting – I’m thrilled with this 4.2% gain," Fulton superintendent Robert Avossa said in a statement. 

"While this is promising, we have to continue it. We will need another four years of similar growth to meet our goals.”

Four Fulton high schools -- Johns Creek, Milton, Northview and Chattahoochee -- all had graduation rates of 90 percent or better. 

Eleven Fulton high schools had higher graduation rates from last year, with double-digit gains at Langston Hughes and Westlake in South Fulton. 

Roswell, Creekside, McClarin Alternative and Tri-Cities -- had graduation rate increases of five percent or better.

The following are school-by-school graduation rates, in alphabetical order: 

• Alpharetta (89.2)
• Banneker (41.7)
• Cambridge (84.3)
• Centennial (79.9)
• Chattahoochee (93.8)
• Creekside (50.1)
• Hapeville Charter (89.4)
• Independence Alternative (40.4)
• Johns Creek (96.4)
• Langston Hughes (73.6)
• McClarin Alternative (25.6)
• Milton (96)
• North Springs (71.9)
• Northview (94.2)
• Riverwood (67.8)
• Roswell (86.5)
• TEACH Charter (87.8)
• Tri-Cities (71)
• Westlake (76)