Bibb County School District’s graduation rate tops state average for third year in a row

The Georgia Department of Education reports Bibb County’s 2025 graduation rate at 88.97%, with several schools setting records.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – For the third year in a row, Bibb County schools have exceeded the state average graduation rate, marking another milestone for the district.

Bibb County has had issues in the past with the number of their graduates walking at the end of the year, but the Georgia Department of Education says the Class of 2025’s graduation rate was 88.97%.

The district’s overall graduation rate has increased about 37 percent in the past decade, up from an overall district graduation rate of 52% in 2012.

“We work really hard to give our students the best experience as they take courses and credits leading up to graduation,” he said. “When there not successful they have the opportunity to recover credits in the summertime and through the school year.”

Sims says one factor of low graduation rates was students needing more time to obtain credits.

“You take into account for example, students who need more than four years,” he said. “We’ve had five-year graduates which has been a great thing. Another issue has been students that have been retained in the past, and now coming into high school over age, and there then lies a social and psychological factor of a student feeling like he or she can still fit. And feeling like he or she can finish on time, and that has led students to dropping out or choosing another route.”

Sims says to keep the graduation rates up, Bibb County schools now give students recovery, which is giving students the chance to recover grades on tests, retake classes and recover credits.

“Engaging our students in terms of looking at their transcripts and knowing what they need and layering onto the high school experience, career explorations,” Sims said. “Because it’s not just about getting a high school diploma. It’s about getting a diploma and something bigger and better once you become an adult.”

Southwest High School’s graduation rate this year was 92.90%.

“It’s a feeling of accomplishment!” Principal Bernard Young said. “We set plans my first year here as principal, which would have been seniors’ freshman year. And we did it by establishing cohort counselors.”

Young explains why he believes rates were so low.

“The students not being able to see how graduating from high school would benefit them in the long run,” he said. “There’s a lot of things going on in the community, so just having those experiences to know why it’s important to graduate high school.”

He says to keep all the students on track, Southwest will continue working with their counselors.

“And also, just personalizing their experience,” he said. “If a student comes to me and they have something going on, instead of me just prescribing them what’s supposed to happen, I take into consideration what they need, and put them on a path that’s catered for them.”

Southwest and Northeast High School showed the greatest gains from 2024 with an 8% increase each. Four schools recorded their highest graduation rate ever: Central, Howard, Southwest and Westside.