September 26, 2025—When a Cobb County student walks across the stage for graduation, they're more prepared for the next step in their life. 

In May, the class of 2025 set a new record for Cobb Schools by graduating 89.2% of students. That percentage eclipses the state average of 87.2%, a new all-time high for Georgia.

Cobb Schools' 88.6% graduation rate in 2020 was the previous all-time high, but the rate has only increased every year since then, with another 1.3% increase between 2024 and 2025. 

McEachern High School saw a notable jump, with a 91.2% graduation rate, the first time it has surpassed 90% since 2020. 

"The recent increase in our graduation rate is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our teachers, counselors, and graduation coach. Their personalized support, academic guidance, and commitment to student success have created a stronger, more supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach the finish line," said McEachern Principal Krystal Wattley. 

McEachern is just one of the 10 schools in the District to have a graduation percentage higher than 90%. 

Pope (98.2%), Walton (97.2%), Harrison (97.8%), and Lassiter (97.3%) had the highest rates within Cobb Schools. Allatoona, Hillgrove, Kennesaw Mountain, McEachern, and North Cobb also eclipsed the 90% mark. 

These upticks in student success all come under the leadership of Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, who has seen an overall graduation rate increase of more than 10% since he took over in 2014. 

"Our record-high graduation rate of 89.2% is something the whole community can celebrate. It shows what's possible when students work hard, teachers pour their hearts out, and families and staff stand together to support them. From big gains at South Cobb to steady excellence at schools like Pope, Walton, Harrison, and Lassiter—this is what happens when we stand as One Team and all invest in student success," said Board Chair David Chastain. 

In the last decade under Ragsdale's guidance, every single Cobb School has a higher graduation rate now than it did previously. 

This data shows another clear indicator that the longer a student is enrolled in Cobb Schools, the more likely they are to graduate and be set up for success. 

92.1% of Cobb Students who were enrolled for at least one year graduated in 2025. Students who enrolled for four years graduated at a 99.2% rate, which showcases the hard work that teachers, staff, and administrators pour into students every day at school. 

Of the metro districts, Cobb Schools had the second-highest number of graduates in 2025, with 8,535 students prepared for their future education or workforce experience. This was second only to Gwinnett County, with Cobb still graduating students at a higher rate, at 89.2% compared to Gwinnett's 85.4%. The data shows that Cobb students are still getting the attention they need in Georgia's second-largest district.

Outside of graduation data, Cobb students continue to shine, posting ACT and SAT scores higher than the State and National averages in 2024.