High Schools in Bacon County

Bacon County High School is the sole high school in Bacon County, serving grades 9–12 in Alma, GA, with 633 students and a district that ranks in the top 14% of Georgia school systems.

This single high school delivers strong academic results despite serving an exceptionally high-need population—nearly 98% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school has improved its statewide ranking for three consecutive years, climbing from 127th to 102nd out of roughly 455 high schools, and now sits in the 78th percentile with a 4-star rating. Its graduation rate of 93.8% exceeds the state average by 6.6 percentage points. In End of Course testing, the school outperforms the state in Algebra I by 14 points (62.1% vs. 48.1%), in Biology by 2.4 points, and in U.S. History by 6.8 points. The most notable improvement came in U.S. History, which jumped from 34.4% to 45.3% proficiency in one year—a 10.9-point gain that moved the school from below to well above the state average.

Two areas warrant attention. Chronic absenteeism stands at 25.7%, which is 8 points higher than the state average and affects more than one in four students—a concern given the school’s otherwise strong outcomes. Additionally, Algebra I proficiency declined from 68.6% to 62.1% year-over-year, though it remains far above the state norm. With per-student spending of $13,011 and a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio, the school appears to use resources effectively. Because Bacon County has only one high school, the district’s 4-star rating and 86th percentile ranking are entirely attributable to this school’s performance. For parents, this is a high-poverty school that consistently beats state averages and shows a clear upward trajectory—making it a notable example of academic success in challenging circumstances.