August 8, 2025–The Georgia Milestones results are in, and Cobb County School District students once again outperformed state averages in every subject and grade level, while also leading the metro Atlanta area in several key assessments.
The results reflect Cobb’s continued focus on academic excellence, choices for parents, and opportunities for every learner. With gains in science and math and strong reading outcomes in key grade levels, Cobb teachers and students continue to build the foundation for future success.
Cobb Schools Board Chair David Chastain said, “For the 10th year in a row, Cobb’s return on the taxpayer’s investment can be seen in this year’s Milestones results. Providing parents with some of the highest results, at one of the lowest costs, is something we are committed to. The staff is looking at other opportunities to grow and give parents even more options - I am very sure we will.”
Cobb Leads in Metro Atlanta Comparison
In addition to outperforming state averages across the board, Cobb students lead the metro Atlanta region in many of the most rigorous academic categories, particularly at the high school level.
- Top in the Metro: Cobb ranked #1 among metro districts in American Literature, Math grades 6-8, Algebra, Biology, and U.S. History.
- Top 3: When reviewing results across all 20 Milestones Assessments, Cobb students—when not #1—scored in the top 3 across the Atlanta metro.
- Excellence in Math and Social Studies: Cobb led all metro districts for math and social studies (Levels 2–4), with social studies leads surpassing 23 percentage points.
Science & Math: Cobb Beats the State Average and Most of the Metro
Cobb students posted significant gains in science and continued their strong performance in math, aligning with the state’s shift to Georgia-grown standards and Cobb’s classroom focus on real-world learning.
Snapshot of Big Wins and Gains:
- 8th Grade Physical Science: Outpaced the state average by 17 percentage points, with additional growth over last year
- 8th Grade Science: Increased by 5.1 percentage points
- 5th Grade Science: Increased by 2.2 percentage points
- Algebra I (High School): Rose 2.5 percentage points
- Algebra I (8th Grade): Achieved 99.8% proficiency, increasing .4 points from last year
- Middle/High School Algebra & 8th Grade Social Studies: Beat state averages by eight percentage points
Cobb’s growing science performance was boosted by new hands-on, immersive learning tools like Prisms that help students experience science in real-world ways. The program is active in select middle and high schools and is one example of Cobb’s investment in future-ready education. The new Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy location under construction at Allatoona High School will also offer students access to STEM-related learning pathways on Artificial Intelligence, Aviation, Healthcare, Game Design, and more.
Literacy: Cobb Building a Stronger Foundation
While English Language Arts (ELA) scores dipped in many parts of the state, including Cobb, Cobb maintained its edge and saw gains in key grade levels.
Key Literacy Highlights:
- 7th Grade ELA: Increased by 1.7 percentage points
- 7th Grade Reading on Grade Level: Increased by 2.6 percentage points
- American Literature: Topped the Atlanta metro and outperformed the state by nine percentage points, while also increasing the percentage of students reading on grade level
During the 2024-2025 school year, Cobb made significant changes to its approach to ELA and reading to prepare for the new assessment, resource, coaching, and standards required by the Georgia Literacy Act. Cobb has expanded its literacy focus for the 2025–2026 school year, aligning with Georgia’s renewed focus on training, screening, coaching, and the implementation of new K-12 English Language Arts standards to boost student outcomes and accelerate reading success.
Social Studies & History: Cobb Ranks at the Top
- U.S. History: Beyond topping the Atlanta metro, Cobb students bested the state average by 12 percentage points
- American Literature and Biology: Cobb students ranked #1 in the metro.
- 8th Grade Social Studies: The state’s average lagged Cobb students by eight percentage points
Cobb students continue to succeed because they are supported by One Team with One Goal: Student Success.
