Pataula Charter Academy

Pataula Charter Academy in Edison, GA, is a public charter school serving 578 students in Pre-K through 12th grade, with 100% of its student body qualifying for free or reduced lunch. This school stands out for its exceptional graduation rates and strong student engagement, even while its standardized test scores show a mixed picture.

Perhaps the most compelling story at Pataula is its ability to get students across the finish line. The school has posted graduation rates above 91% for five straight years, including a perfect 100% in 2020-2021. In the most recent year, 95.0% of seniors graduated, compared to the state average of 87.2%—and a remarkable 20-point advantage over the nearby Southwest Georgia S.T.E.M. Charter Academy, which posted a 75.0% rate. Chronic absenteeism is also below the state average (14.5% vs. 17.7%), a notable achievement given the school's high-poverty population. The school invests heavily in its students, spending $14,364 per pupil and maintaining a favorable 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio.

Academically, Pataula shows clear strengths in upper elementary math, exceeding state proficiency in 4th, 6th, and 7th grades—with 7th grade math hitting 51.1% versus the state's 42.0%. Algebra I proficiency has also improved dramatically, jumping from 11.4% to 35.7% in one year, though it still trails the state average. However, the school faces persistent challenges in 8th grade science and social studies, where proficiency has remained well below state levels for four years. Test scores also fluctuate significantly from year to year, likely reflecting small class sizes. While Southwest Georgia S.T.E.M. Charter Academy outperforms Pataula in most tested subjects, Pataula's clear focus on keeping students engaged and graduating makes it a strong choice for families prioritizing long-term student success over test scores alone.