The results of the 2015 graduation scores released by the Georgia Department of Education show that Fulton has made substantial gains and has the distinction of having the highest graduation rate in the metro Atlanta area. Fultons 2015 graduation rate is 85.3%, which is a 6.6% increase over the 2014 rate of 78.7%. By comparison, the Georgia average for 2015 is 78.7%.

Last year, Fultons rate rose by 3.2% from the previous year, which demonstrated steady and continuing progress toward meeting the districts graduation goal. In 2011, Fulton County Schools launched a five-year strategic plan that focuses on three specific goals, one of which is increasing the districts graduation rate to 90% by 2017.

With two academic years still left in the five-year plan, Fulton is just 4.7% shy of reaching that ambitious goal. In the first three years alone, the graduation rate has increased an overwhelming 15.2%, from 70.1% in 2011 to 85.3% in 2015.

This news is just incredible its more proof of the outstanding work being done by our students and teachers to ensure they graduate on time. We continue to be on target to meet our 2017 graduation rate goal, said Kenneth Zeff, interim superintendent. We set the bar very high, and the districts continued success shows the power of high expectations. Our students, teachers and administrators remain focused on the path and requirements for a high school diploma. The core of our charter system approach is local control and ownership, and our school communities deserve the credit for this success.