Graduation Rate Hits Record High for the Sixth Year in a Row

Fulton County Schools (FCS) received the good news from the Georgia Department of Education that our four-year graduation rate of 93.44% has broken yet another record for the sixth consecutive year. After surpassing 90% in 2023, FCS sustained its momentum with a 1.5 percentage point gain. Thanks to the Class of 2026’s contribution, FCS’s annual upward climb represents the district’s 7.9 percentage point increase from 85.5% in 2020.

Fulton County Schools continues to set the standard for academic achievement, maintaining one of metro Atlanta’s highest graduation rates and outperforming state and national averages. With the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, the district is embracing new opportunities and striving for even greater success.

Board President Kristin McCabe said, “I am so proud of the momentum behind our graduation rates and excited to see more than 9 out of 10 students across our entire district graduate on time. On behalf of the Board, I can say we are energized and motivated to continue investing in our people and programs to sustain this progress.”

School-level stories

Fulton’s overall graduation rate reflects the distinct trajectories of its individual school communities. Among the 21 high schools with reported rates in both 2025 and 2026, 14 improved and two maintained their performance.

Here are some key stats:

• Global Impact Academy announced a perfect 100% graduation rate for the third consecutive year.
   
• FCS Innovation Academy maintained above 99% in both 2025 and 2026.
   
• The Promise Career Institute reported a graduation rate of 98.0% this year, establishing a new benchmark.
   
• Cambridge, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Milton, Northview, and Riverwood high schools also sustained rates above 97% in 2026.
   
• Creekside High School moved from 80.5% in 2020 to 94.7% in 2026, a 14.2-point increase, securing its place in the 90% range. Creekside also gained 2.5 points in the most recent year.
   
• Banneker High School has seen a dramatic increase since 2020, from 76.9% to 86.2% in 2026, a 9.3% gain. With relative stability and one decline in 2024, Banneker has since trended upward.

FCS Superintendent Mike Looney said, “We are so proud of the hard work of our community of students, teachers, and Board to reach yet another milestone. Additionally, we couldn’t do this without the support of our families and business partners. Our work never stops, though; we press on and are committed to helping raise up all our students and schools to reach their highest goals.”

Full details of the graduation data are available here.