Cobb County

Cobb County School District in Georgia serves approximately 110 schools—66 elementary, 26 middle, 17 high, and 1 alternative school—spanning suburban communities from Marietta to Kennesaw, with a district ranking of 58th out of 201 in the state (71st percentile, 4-star rating).

Families will find a stark contrast between top-tier and struggling schools. Walton High School leads the district as the 8th-ranked high school in Georgia (98th percentile) with a 97.9% graduation rate and over 80% proficiency in Algebra I, Biology, and US History, while Lassiter High School and Harrison High School also rank in the top 25 statewide with graduation rates above 97%. At the middle school level, Dickerson Middle School stands out with 100% Algebra I proficiency and a remarkably low 5.3% chronic absenteeism rate, while Tritt Elementary School posts proficiency above 80% in math and science across all grades. Conversely, Cobb Horizon High School, the district's alternative school, has a 55.1% graduation rate, 48.3% chronic absenteeism, and test scores in the low teens, while Riverside Elementary School ranks in the 15th percentile statewide with 100% free/reduced lunch eligibility.

Key metrics reveal a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and achievement. Schools with low free/reduced lunch populations—like Mount Bethel Elementary (7.13%) and Sope Creek Elementary (2.8% absenteeism)—consistently rank at the top, while schools like Osborne High School (78.9% graduation, 30.9% absenteeism) and Mableton Elementary (100% free/reduced lunch) face significant challenges. Notably, per-student spending does not predict success: Argyle Elementary spends $26,471 per student yet ranks in the 39th percentile, while Walton High spends just $12,373 and excels. Chronic absenteeism emerges as a powerful leading indicator—top-ranked schools all have rates below 10%, while bottom-ranked schools exceed 15%. The district's middle schools show strong Algebra acceleration, with several posting 90-100% proficiency, but this success is uneven. Some schools are improving notably, including Pebblebrook High School (jumping 57 places in state rank) and Fair Oaks Elementary (gaining nearly 200 places), suggesting targeted interventions can yield results despite systemic challenges.