The Troup County School System’s graduation rate is on the rise again.

TCSS announced Wednesday that its 2019 graduation rate was 86.6 percent, which is above the state average of 82 percent.

Callaway High School saw its graduation rate rise from 84.1 percent in 2018 to 86.7 percent in 2019. Callaway’s graduation rate has climbed nearly 12 percentage points since 2016, when the school’s rate was 74.9 percent. 

Of the three local high schools, LaGrange High School’s graduation rate saw the largest jump from 2018 to 2019. LHS’ graduation rate rose from 81.9 percent in 2018 to 86.4 percent in 2019. The school has also seen its graduation rate jump about a dozen points since it was 74.7 percent in 2016.

Troup High School’s rate did not change from 2018 to 2019, staying at 87.2 percent, but it remained the school with the highest graduation rate in the school system for the second straight year. THS’ rate has increased more than nine percentage points since it was at 78 percent in 2017.

“I applaud the efforts of all the teachers, staff, and students that had a positive impact on this growing number. It’s a good thing, and they worked hard to achieve it,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Shumate in a press release. “We know we have work to do and room to grow as we celebrate the impact of providing a quality education for all kids in Troup County. We are proud of this success.” 

The graduation rate is determined by the Georgia Department of Education and is the number of students who enter their freshman year of high school together and graduate within four years. Adjustments are made for students who transfer or drop out. 

“Moving forward, we must continue to focus on offering a relevant education and preparing every child for their future – not a one-size-fits-all system that sends every student in the same direction, but a tailored and personalized pathway based on a student’s academic and career interests and future goals,” said State Superintendent Richard Woods.