SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County students are continuing to post strong academic results, with the school district recording a 94.2% graduation rate while three elementary schools earned recognition among Georgia’s top-performing Title I schools.
The district’s graduation rate is 5.7 percentage points higher than Georgia’s 88.5% rate, which was a state record.
South Effingham High School posted a 94.8% graduation rate, while Effingham County High School recorded a 93.7% rate.
The district said its measure of success extends beyond getting students across the graduation stage. Effingham County schools are working to prepare graduates for a variety of paths after high school, including college and other post-secondary education, the workforce and military service.
“We are immensely proud of all our students for reaching this milestone,” Superintendent Yancy Ford said. “Outperforming the state average year after year is a testament to the hard work happening in our classrooms every day.”
“Whether our graduates are enrolled, employed, or enlisted, our goal is to ensure they leave our district prepared to succeed and lead in their communities,” Ford said.
Elementary schools honored
The district also announced Tuesday that Springfield Elementary School, Sand Hill Elementary School and Rincon Elementary School have been named 2026 Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools.
The schools were recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for academic performance based on combined English language arts and mathematics scores from the 2025 school year.
All three schools ranked among the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia.
Title I schools serve significant populations of students from economically disadvantaged families. The Distinguished Schools recognition is based on academic achievement among those schools.
Ford said having three Effingham County elementary schools receive the honor reflects the work of students, educators and families.
“To have three of our elementary schools recognized in the top 5% across the entire state is a powerful testament to the hard work of our students, the relentless dedication of our educators, and the support of our parents and community,” Ford said.
