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Floyd County Schools’ (FCS) four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2024 is marked official at 95.4%, according to data released today by the Georgia Department of Education. This rate exceeds the state’s rate of 85.4%.

Only 43 other school districts in the state achieved graduation rates of 95% or higher, with FCS finishing in the top 19%. This is the second year in a row that FCS graduates have surpassed a 95% graduation rate, reaching 95.31% in 2023.

“The graduation rate is a confirmation of the dedication and effort of our teachers, administrators, and support staff. I am extremely proud of everyone in FCS,” stated Superintendent Dr. Glenn White. “This achievement is the result of a system-wide team effort that starts in Pre-K and continues all the way to graduation day. Watching our students walk across the stage or field to receive their diplomas is always a highlight for me, and seeing so many of them reach this milestone is truly incredible. This success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering support from their families and our staff. Thank you for your role in helping our students succeed and achieve their goals.”

In addition to the system graduation rate topping 95%, all four high schools in the system were also significantly above the state average in the state report.

“I offer my congratulations to Georgia’s class of 2024 on this historic achievement,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These students faced great challenges throughout their school careers – they were in middle school when the pandemic hit in 2020. We have worked to provide the resources and supports needed to ensure they could still succeed and thrive, and we continue to see results showing that the efforts of Georgia’s educators, families, and all those who have taken the time to invest in students are paying off.”

How Georgia calculates its graduation rate

Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as required by federal law. This rate is:

●     The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by

●     The number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class

Adjusted Cohort Definition: From the beginning of ninth grade, students who are entering that grade form a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out.

For the GaDoe press release, please click here.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college, or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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Rome, Ga. – Two talented Floyd County Schools employees are stepping into the spotlight in Rome Little Theatre’s highly anticipated production of “The Play That Goes Wrong”, running from October 4 through October 13, 2024, at the historic DeSoto Theatre.

Rick Williams, the FAME (Film, Arts, Media, and Entertainment) teacher from College and Career Academy (CCA), will take center stage in this hilarious farce. Known for his dedication to inspiring students in the arts, Williams is thrilled to share his passion for performance with the broader Rome community.

Joining him behind the scenes is Chris Parker, an English teacher and coach from Coosa High School, who is directing this uproarious production. Parker, a seasoned director, brings a wealth of experience and creative vision to the play, ensuring that every chaotic mishap in this laugh-out-loud show lands perfectly with the audience.

“The Play That Goes Wrong”, a smash hit on Broadway and the West End, is a comedy that follows a group of amateur actors as they attempt to put on a murder mystery. As the title suggests, everything that can go wrong does, in the most hilarious ways possible.

“I’ve always believed that theatre is about embracing the unexpected, and this show takes that to a whole new level,” says Williams. “It’s a joy to perform in something so ‘unpredictable’ and I can’t wait for the audience to experience the wild ride with us.”

Williams’ enthusiasm is matched by Parker, who adds, “It’s a fun challenge directing a show where the goal is for everything to fall apart – but in a way that delights the audience.”

The production will run for two weekends, October 4-6 and October 11-13. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM. Tickets are available for purchase through Rome Little Theatre’s website and at the theatre’s box office.

Don’t miss this side-splitting comedy and the chance to see Floyd County Schools’ very own Rick Williams and Chris Parker in action!

To view a sit down interview with Rick Williams & Chris Parker, please visit, Fame YouTube. 

Floyd County Schools (FCS) is proud to announce that Stacy Thompson, a dedicated 7th Grade Science teacher at Pepperell Middle School, has been named the District Teacher of the Year (TOTY). Additionally, Tim Reynolds, a committed Special Education Paraprofessional at Model Middle School, has been honored as the first-ever District Support Staff of the Year (SSOTY).

Stacy Thompson, Melissa Maiwald of Alto Park, and Gretchen Brock of the College and Career Academy were named the top three finalists for the District TOTY. Additionally, Tim Reynolds, Ginny Jones of Model Elementary, and Tanya Colding of Coosa Middle were selected as finalists for the District SSOTY.

Stacy Thompson has been an inspiring educator in the Pepperell area for over two decades. Her innovative teaching methods, passion, and unwavering commitment to student success have made a significant impact on the school and system communities. Known for her engaging science lessons, her ability to make complex concepts accessible, and the true talent of showcasing her passion in all that she does, Stacy has fostered a love for learning in her students. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in various school activities and shows support for all of her students.

“Mrs. Thompson is an amazing educator, a fantastic person, and is everyone’s biggest cheerleader,” says Pepperell Middle principal Courtney Hampton. “She is always willing to help her fellow staff members and her students. She goes above and beyond for our school community, and will show up to cheer all of the students on at all of their events. “She deserves this honor so much, and it was a privilege to see her be named our winner. We are blessed to have her at Pepperell Middle.”

Tim Reynold has been a vital part of the Floyd County Schools community, providing exceptional support to students with special needs and serving his community in various ways. Since the age of 18, Mr. Reynolds has been employed with FCS, and his compassionate approach and tireless efforts have greatly contributed to the overall success of the system. Tim’s ability to connect with students and his dedication to their individual growth and development have earned him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and parents. As the first recipient of the District Support Staff of the Year award, Tim sets a high standard for excellence in support roles.

“Tim teaches us love, patience, and kindness every day,” says Model Middle principal Jill Thacker. “We have the opportunity to learn from Mr. Reynolds daily, and it is truly a blessing. He always shows up to work with a smile on his face and never gets rattled. No matter what happens, he is always there and the same person. Our kids and our staff love him dearly.”

“We are incredibly proud of Stacy Thompson and Tim Reynolds, and all of our honorees, for their outstanding contributions to our schools,” said Dr. Glenn White, Superintendent of FCS. “Their dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence exemplify the values we strive to uphold in our district, and it is an honor to work with them. Last night was a great evening full of celebration and recognition for these outstanding employees and educators.”

Each school named its individual Teacher and Support Staff of the Year at the end of last school year. For the TOTY process, each teacher was then interviewed by a panel of retired educators who then voted anonymously to select three finalists. The finalists were observed and evaluated in their classrooms by another set of judges to finalize the winner. For the SSOTY process, the staff members submitted a letter of recommendation and participated in a round of interviews. Three finalists were named, then the overall winner. All FCS teachers and staff members of the year were announced and celebrated during the FCS Teacher of the Year last night.

Primary and Elementary School Teachers and Support Staff of the Year were Kristen Tucker and Penny Smith (Armuchee Primary), Brian Mitchell and Cauprice Clance (Armuchee Elementary), Melissa Maiwald and Anslie Castillo (Alto Park), Tracy England and Kim Richardson (Garden Lakes), Abby Stell and Kelly Knowles (Johnson Elementary), Paulene Middleton and Ginny Jones (Model Elementary), Trina Burnette and Erin Davenport (Pepperell Primary), and Shirley Rutledge and Stephanie Caldwell (Pepperell Elementary).

Middle School Teachers and Support Staff of the Year were Hailey Burns (Armuchee Middle), Jennifer Stephens and Tanya Colding (Coosa Middle), Allison Holcomb and Tim Reynolds (Model Middle), and Stacy Thompson and Laura Tucker (Pepperell Middle).

High School Teachers and Support Staff of the Year were Cassie Hellriegel and Brynn Dexter (Armuchee High), Amy Jo Hill Santiago (Coosa High), Jessica Kennedy (Model High), Jonathan Silver and Myra Rogers (Pepperell High), and Gretchen Brock (CCA).

Teachers of the Year in Floyd County Schools exemplify the characteristics of teaching excellence. Their dedication, knowledge, and passion for teaching enable our students to succeed! FCS commends the positive impact teachers have on students, staff, and Floyd County families each and every day!

For more photos from the banquet, click here.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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The Georgia Department of Education has released the results for the 2023-2024 Milestones test, and Floyd County Schools (FCS) is thrilled to announce the outstanding performance of its students on the 2023-2024 Georgia Milestones Math assessments. This year, our students have set a new benchmark, showcasing remarkable improvements and achieving scores that surpass our Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) and state averages.

Math results are being released now because the assessments were updated to align with the new K-12 Mathematics Standards first implemented during the 2023-24 school year. Results for ELA, science, and social studies were released back in July.

Overall system highlights:

●  Floyd County students have achieved the highest math scores in the district’s history, with significant gains across all grade levels, outpacing the state and RESA in all tested areas. 

●  Our four high schools earned the top-four scores in Algebra: Concepts and Connections in our RESA. Our overall system score for Algebra: Concepts and Connections was 100.4 in content mastery. Our four high schools round out the top 7% of the state for high school scores.

● Our system percentage for Developing Learners and up, meaning students demonstrated partial or advanced proficiency in the skills and standards, are as follows:

○       3rd Grade: 92% (State: 81%, RESA: 84%)

○       4th Grade: 88% (State: 81%, RESA: 83%)

○       5th Grade: 79% (State: 73%, RESA: 76%)

○       6th Grade: 89% (State: 73%, RESA: 79%)

○       7th Grade: 86% (State: 74%, RESA: 79%)

○       8th Grade: 90% (State: 78%, RESA: 82%)

○       Algebra: Concepts and Connections: 92% (State: 72%, RESA: 76%)

●       Our system totals for overall content mastery are as follows:

○       3rd Grade: 94 (State: 70, RESA: 72)

○       4th Grade: 85 (State: 74, RESA: 72.5)

○       5th Grade: 69 (State: 64, RESA: 63)

○       6th Grade: 79 (State: 60, RESA: 64.5)

○       7th Grade: 74 (State: 62.1, RESA: 65)

○       8th Grade: 88.7 (State: 70.9, RESA: 74)

○       Algebra: Concepts and Connections: 100.4 (State: 67.8, RESA: 70)

“We are immensely proud of our students’ outstanding performance on the Georgia Milestones Math assessments,” stated Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, John Parker. “These impressive scores are a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our students, the innovative teaching methods employed by our educators, and the unwavering support from our community. This achievement underscores our commitment to academic excellence and our mission to provide a high-quality education for every student in Floyd County.”

The overall success of Floyd County Schools can be attributed to the district's hardworking staff and comprehensive coaching and intervention plan, as well as the implementation of curriculum maps that guide teachers and staff in effectively teaching the Georgia standards. These strategies have undoubtedly contributed to the exceptional performance of the students.

“The 2023-24 school year was very successful for the Floyd County School system,” stated Superintendent Dr. Glenn White. “We are so proud of our students and teachers for their exceptional performance on the Georgia Milestones Math Assessments. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence. Thank you to everyone who played a part; from our teachers who love and teach our kids on a daily basis, to our parents who show constant support, we are thankful for our community and look forward to this year.”

The five-year student achievement trends are all pointing in the right direction as Floyd County Schools strives toward their district goals. FCS remains committed to providing high-quality education and fostering an environment where every student can succeed. We will continue to implement innovative teaching strategies and provide the necessary resources to support our students’ academic growth.

In light of these continued remarkable achievements, the district has chosen to adopt an "Exhibition Excellence'' theme for the upcoming school year. This theme will aim to maintain the momentum as the teachers and students choose to “clip in” and continue to drive towards academic excellence in all subject areas. It will also feature an enhanced mentor program, focusing on support to all new instructional teachers and school administrator teams.

For the GaDOE release, please visit here.

About the New Mathematics Standards

Adopted in 2021 and first implemented in classrooms during the 2023-24 school year, Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards were drafted by Georgia mathematics teachers with input from educational leaders, parents, students, and business and industry leaders.

The new standards are designed to be clear, understandable, and age- and developmentally appropriate. They aim to present a reasonable amount of content in each year – so students can truly master concepts, rather than simply being quickly exposed to them.

To support students in all subject areas, GaDOE has expanded the grade levels covered by the BEACON formative assessment – which is aligned to Georgia Milestones and provided at no cost to Georgia school districts – and made robust tutoring options available through the GaTutor program in high school and the AmeriCorps tutoring program.

About Georgia Milestones

Students take Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) tests in grades three through eight, and Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) tests in identified high school courses. The Georgia Milestones assessment system meets the federal requirement that states test students in math and ELA in grades 3-8 and once in high school, and in science once per grade band (3-5, 6-8, 9-12).

Georgia Milestones assesses student learning along four levels of achievement:

Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia's content standards. The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.

Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified by Georgia's content standards. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.

Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia's content standards. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.   

Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia's content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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Floyd County Schools' (FCS) Class of 2024 outscored state and national averages on the SAT for the fifth consecutive year, according to results released this week by the College Board.

The FCS Class of 2024 earned an average total score of 1075 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam, which exceeds the national public school average by 80 points and the state by 45 points. With 146 tests taken, the impressive average score placed FCS 18th in the state.

“What an excellent accomplishment for the Class of 2024,” stated Superintendent Dr. Glenn White. “This is a testament to the entire district, as success for our students begins at the elementary level. Our students, educators, and leaders put in relentless effort daily, and their hard work is evident. Additionally, I wish to express gratitude to our parents and FCS community for their ongoing backing and dedication to our students."

The FCS Class of 2024 average Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) score is 551 and the Math is 525 compared to the state’s mean score of 527 in ERW and 503 in Math. On a national scale, FCS outperformed in ERW by 44 points and in Math by 37 points.

"I am extremely proud of Georgia's students as they continue to beat the national average on the SAT," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "This is a testament to the hard work of students and teachers, along with the families who have invested in them. It's also confirmation that Georgia is on the right track as we continue to heavily invest in academic recovery and address lost learning opportunities for every student in every school."

FCS and Georgia students’ mean scores did decrease compared to 2023, where the FCS mean score was 1100 and the state mean was 1045. The national mean score also decreased, from 1003 in 2023.

Participation in both FCS and Georgia increased for the 2024 cohort, which sometimes leads to moderate drops in performance – 52% of Georgia’s class of 2024 took the SAT at some point during high school, compared to 50% of the class of 2023. In FCS, 125 students took the exam in 2023, while 146 took it in 2024.

The SAT, the most commonly recognized measure of achievement for high school students, measures critical reading and mathematics abilities. It includes two 800-point sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (ERW) and Mathematics (M), with a possible total score of 1600; a third section, a writing exam, is optional.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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