Gilmer County

Gilmer County Schools serves roughly 4,100 students across five schools in a rural North Georgia setting, including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, with the district earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 70th percentile statewide.

The standout performer is Clear Creek Middle School, which ranks in the 79th percentile and posts an extraordinary 90% Algebra I proficiency rate—nearly double the district average and far above the state. Its 8th-grade science proficiency (48.6%) also crushes the state average by 19 points. Clear Creek Elementary School is the top elementary, outperforming the state in every subject tested, including 5th-grade math (49.2% vs. 44.1% state). Meanwhile, Gilmer High School shines with a 96.6% graduation rate—9.4 points above the state—and a dropout rate of just 0.8%, though its chronic absenteeism (20.4%) is the district's highest. Mountain View Elementary shows strong 5th-grade results (54.2% math, 54.3% science) but weaker 3rd-grade math (41.7%). Ellijay Elementary School trails significantly, with 3rd-grade math at just 32.6% versus Clear Creek Elementary's 54.2%.

A clear "Clear Creek advantage" emerges: both Clear Creek schools outperform peers despite similar poverty rates, suggesting school-level practices drive success. Notably, Ellijay Elementary spends the most per student ($16,125) yet has the weakest results, while Clear Creek Middle spends the least ($12,996) and achieves the best outcomes—indicating funding alone doesn't determine quality. Middle school math acceleration is a district strength, with proficiency climbing from 44.5% in 6th grade to 61.4% in 8th grade. Science is also a relative bright spot across multiple schools. However, the elementary achievement gap is concerning: Ellijay trails Clear Creek Elementary by 20+ points in 3rd and 4th-grade math, warranting a closer look at instructional effectiveness despite higher spending.