Summary:
Henry County is home to 12 high schools serving roughly 16,752 students in grades 9-12 (with two alternative programs extending to grade 6), and the district ranks in the 30th percentile statewide with a 2-star rating. For parents, the standout choice is Ola High School, which leads the district with a 94.9% graduation rate, the lowest dropout rate (0.6%), and the only Algebra I proficiency above the state average (60.7% vs. 48.1%). Union Grove High is a close second, with the lowest chronic absenteeism among traditional schools (9.7%) and strong Biology (53.4%) and U.S. History (49.8%) scores. Hampton High is the most improved, jumping 123 spots in state rankings over two years, now posting a 50% U.S. History proficiency rate—third best in the district.
At the other end, EXCEL Academy faces the steepest challenges, with a 51.5% graduation rate, a 14.6% dropout rate, and proficiency below 13% in every subject. Among traditional schools, Eagle's Landing High ranks lowest (398th statewide) with proficiency rates roughly half the district average. Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide concern—averaging 19.6% versus the state's 17.7%—with Stockbridge High (38.6%), McDonough High (31.2%), and Eagle's Landing (30.7%) the most affected. Notably, Impact Academy High School bucks this trend with just 9.0% chronic absenteeism despite serving a higher-poverty population.
A key takeaway: graduation rates don't always reflect academic mastery. Luella High and Locust Grove High both graduate over 93% of students, yet fewer than 19% are proficient in Algebra I. Meanwhile, Dutchtown High, the district's largest school, shows strong math results (39.2% Algebra I) but elevated absenteeism (28.9%). U.S. History is the district's relative bright spot, with three schools exceeding the state average. For parents, Ola and Union Grove offer the strongest overall academics, while Hampton's rapid rise suggests targeted interventions can work even in higher-poverty settings.
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