Summary:
Schley Middle High School is the sole high school in Schley County, serving grades 6 through 12 in the rural community of Ellaville, Georgia, with 649 students and a favorable 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio.
This school is a standout performer in rural Georgia. The Schley County district holds a 5-star rating and ranks 9th out of 201 districts statewide (96th percentile). Schley Middle High School has improved its state ranking dramatically, moving from 71st (2023–2024) to 47th (2025–2026). Its graduation rate of 95.4% far exceeds the state average of 87.2%, and chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at 8.7%—less than half the state rate of 17.7%. Academically, the school outperforms state averages in nearly every subject. In 2025–2026, proficiency rates include Algebra I at 68.1% (state: 48.1%), Biology at 68.3% (state: 47.2%), and U.S. History at 72.3% (state: 38.5%). Middle school math scores are also strong, with 6th grade math jumping from 39.0% to 64.1% proficiency in one year—a 25-point gain. The school achieves these results while spending $12,114 per student, with 45.15% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch.
There are a few areas to watch. U.S. History proficiency declined from 82.4% to 72.3% year-over-year, though it remains nearly double the state average. The American Literature EOC score of 37.4% falls below the state average of 40.4%, suggesting literacy skills may weaken in high school. English Language Arts (ELA) scores for 2025–2026 have not yet been released and will be available in December; no conclusions should be drawn from their absence. Overall, Schley Middle High School is a model of efficient, high-quality rural education, with strong attendance, excellent graduation rates, and top-decile state rankings despite moderate economic challenges.
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