Hart County

Hart County Schools is a five-school district in northeast Georgia serving approximately 3,743 students in grades PK-12, including one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools, with a predominantly low-income student population (85.5% to 100% free/reduced lunch).

The standout performer is Hart County Middle School, which posts extraordinary Algebra I End of Course proficiency rates of 96.5% to 98%—nearly double the state average—and also beats state benchmarks in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math. However, the same school has a critical weakness in 8th grade science, with just 3.8% proficiency versus 29.7% statewide. North Hart Elementary School showed strong 2024-2025 results (74.4% in 3rd grade math, 58.7% in 5th grade ELA) but saw significant declines in 2025-2026, dropping from a 4-star to a 3-star rating. Hart County High School shines with a 97% graduation rate—nearly 10 points above the state—and a low 1.0% dropout rate, though its US History proficiency (21%) lags far behind the state (38.5%). Among elementary schools, Hartwell Elementary School and South Hart Elementary School struggle most, with 5th grade science proficiency around 28-29% and lower math scores than North Hart.

Across the district, 4th grade math is a relative strength (52.3-66% proficiency), but 5th grade math drops sharply (26.6-44.7%) at all three elementary schools, suggesting a curriculum transition issue. Chronic absenteeism is a bright spot—all schools are below the state rate of 17.7%, with Hartwell Elementary at just 9.6%. Notably, the middle school's exceptional Algebra I results contrast sharply with the high school's 43.4% Algebra I proficiency, hinting at either a highly selective advanced cohort or a significant math achievement drop-off. The district also shows a spending disparity: Hartwell Elementary receives the most per student ($13,415) despite the lowest rankings, while the high-performing middle school receives the least ($11,870). Overall, families will find strong math instruction at the middle school, excellent graduation outcomes at the high school, but concerning science scores in 8th grade and at two of the three elementary schools.