Summary:
Zip code 30161 is home to two high schools—Rome High School and Model High—serving grades 9-12 and 8-12 respectively, in a mixed urban and suburban area of northwest Georgia.
These two schools offer very different academic experiences. Model High is the clear academic leader, ranking 88th in the state (top 20%) with a 4-star rating. Its students post strong proficiency rates—74.8% in Algebra I and 54% in Biology, both well above state averages—and the school boasts a 97.7% graduation rate with only 7.4% chronic absenteeism. Its 8th grade program is a standout, with 86.3% proficiency in high school Physical Science. In contrast, Rome High School ranks 275th (2 stars) with proficiency rates of 38.2% in Algebra I and 32.4% in Biology, both below state averages. However, Rome High still graduates 95.7% of its students—well above the state rate—and has shown steady improvement in its state ranking over three consecutive years.
The biggest divide between the two schools is socioeconomic. Rome High serves an 88.67% free/reduced lunch population compared to 39.67% at Model High, and this gap tracks closely with test score differences. Chronic absenteeism is also starkly different: 25.7% at Rome High versus 7.4% at Model High. Notably, Rome High spends about $1,000 less per student ($12,956 vs. $14,022) despite serving a higher-need population. Both schools improved dramatically in US History this year, and both keep students on track to graduate at rates far exceeding the state average. For parents, Model High offers stronger academics and a healthier school climate, while Rome High shows resilience and positive momentum despite significant challenges.
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