08/07/2026
Academic performance data released this summer by the Georgia Department of Education shows historic academic achievement by Carroll County Schools students across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Elementary schools outperformed the state in every tested subject for the ninth consecutive year, all five high schools earned National AP Recognition, and record numbers of students graduated prepared for college, careers, or military service.
Elementary & Middle School Performance
Elementary Academic Dominance: For the ninth consecutive year, Carroll County elementary schools achieved scores above the Georgia state average in every subject tested.
Historic Middle School Achievement: Middle school students scored above the state average in all test areas for the first time since 2019. Of note, 6th grade and 8th grade Georgia Milestones math scores reached the highest levels in district history.
High School Graduation & Workforce Readiness
Future-Ready Graduates (G+): Last spring, nearly 3 out of 4 graduating seniors achieved the district's G+ standard, demonstrating they left high school fully prepared to enroll in higher education, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.
Career Pathway Success: Over 90 percent of 2026 seniors completed a designated graduation pathway in areas such as advanced academics, fine arts, or career, technical, and agricultural education.
Record-Breaking AP & Dual Enrollment Results
National AP Recognition: For the first time in district history, all five high schools (Bowdon, Central, Mount Zion, Temple and Villa Rica) earned National AP Recognition Awards.
Surging AP Participation & Pass Rates: Students completed 146 more AP tests than the previous year, while achieving a record-high performance rate with 68 percent of test-takers earning college credit.
Expanded College-Level Coursework: Carroll County students completed a total of 5,026 college-level classes last year, made up of 3,143 Dual Enrollment courses and
1,883 Advanced Placement courses.
“These results tell us something much bigger than test scores,” Superintendent Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said. “They show that our students are leaving Carroll County Schools more prepared than ever before. Whether their future includes college, the military, or the workforce, our goal is to ensure every graduate has meaningful choices, and this year's results show that goal is becoming a reality.”
Ainsworth said while the system has become well-known as a powerhouse for STEM education, the last three years have seen an intense focus on literacy that is yielding big gains.
“Literacy is the bedrock of education,” Ainsworth said. “We have invested serious time and energy to help more students read on grade level, and their ability to read helps them perform better across the board. Higher literacy rates make learning science, social studies and even math easier.”
District leaders credited teachers, support staff, school leaders, families, and students for the sustained academic gains.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Jennifer Shirley pointed to expanded opportunities at the high school level which have led to more students graduating with a plan for success.
“Our focus on advanced academic opportunities is paying off as more students use AP and Dual Enrollment classes to earn college credit,” she said. “At the same time, our G+ numbers tell us that another large group of students are using expanded fine arts and CTAE opportunities to prepare them for college or the workforce.
“When you allow students to tailor their coursework and extracurricular activities toward their own goals for the future, they take full advantage of every opportunity to excel,” Shirley said.
Ainsworth said the graduation rate for the Class of 2026 isn’t final yet, but she expects another year well over 90 percent. At the same time, the focus within the system has shifted to a deeper understanding of a student’s readiness for life after graduation.
“We recognized that we needed a way to measure a student’s readiness for higher education, the military, or the workforce, regardless of the state’s graduation standards,” Ainsworth said. “We introduced our G+ standard, and found that many students quickly identified the path they wanted to follow.”
A customized approach makes the difference, Ainsworth said.
“Families expect an education that prepares students for the path they choose, whether that’s advanced academics, STEM emphasis on emerging technologies, industry certifications or preparation for the military through JROTC,” she said. “Whatever path students choose for their future, our goal is to help them get there.”
