With pandemic restrictions on classrooms, the 2020-2021 school year was a challenge for area students and educators. Its effects on graduation rates varied by county.
Columbia County saw a slight rise in overall graduation with a .44% increase in 202; eight percentage points higher than the state average, according to a news release from Columbia County.
“Combined, Columbia County seniors successfully ended their high school careers, with the second-highest graduation rate out of 21 of the largest school districts in the state with more than 1,000 graduates,” the news release said. “Additional congratulations go to Greenbrier High for earning the highest graduation rate in the state for high schools with more than 400 graduates.”
The state of Georgia has an overall graduation rate of 83.7%.
Aiken County Public Schools reported strong graduation numbers in the pandemic year as well.
“Aiken County Public Schools posted a very strong graduation rate for the fourth consecutive year at 90.5% while also displaying higher performance levels of college and career readiness than the South Carolina state average,” according to a news release.
However, this is down from 91.2% in 2020, but up from 88.9% in 2018.
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South Carolina’s state average was 83%.
“We know a return to pre-pandemic academic performance for many students will take time,” Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence said in a news release. “The most recent report card data is not flattering in many areas, but it’s important that we have this information to guide how and where we allocate resources to best support student needs.”
The Richmond County School System reported a 73.77% graduation cohort rate in the Class of 2021, down 3.4% from 2020.
The school system reported an increase in students’ ACT scores.
“Scores across the system were up 2.0 points to 19.7. Scores on the ACT have been trending up since 2017-18, with the exception of the tests administered in 2019-20,” the news release said.
Statewide, ACT scores have risen about .9 points from 2020 to 2021.
“Through the pandemic, our students continue to demonstrate academic gains across a number of indicators. Their growth is encouraging.” said Kenneth Bradshaw, Richmond County school superintendent, in the release. “We are committed to providing students the resources and instruction they need to be college and career ready upon their graduation.”
