Summary:
Zip code 30228 in Hampton, Georgia, is served by four high schools—three traditional public schools (Lovejoy High School, Dutchtown High, and Hampton High School) spanning grades 9-12, plus one specialized facility, Martha K. Glaze Regional Youth Detention Center, which serves a very small, unique population and should not be compared directly with the traditional schools.
For parents comparing the three traditional schools, Hampton High School stands out as the strongest academic performer despite having the smallest enrollment (1,165 students). It ranks in the 63rd percentile statewide—a remarkable jump from the 36th percentile two years ago—and is the only school in the group to exceed state averages in any subject, posting a 50% proficiency rate in US History versus 38.5% statewide. Dutchtown High offers the most consistent performance, with the lowest dropout rate (1.4%) and solid proficiency scores, though its state ranking slipped to the 45th percentile. Lovejoy High School faces the greatest challenges, ranking in the bottom 13th percentile with proficiency rates far below district and state averages across all subjects, plus an alarming 42.5% chronic absenteeism rate—more than double the state average.
Several patterns are worth noting. Lovejoy serves a student body where 100% qualify for free/reduced lunch, compared to 63.5% at Hampton and 52.1% at Dutchtown, and this economic concentration tracks with lower outcomes. Yet Lovejoy's graduation rate (93.7%) is actually the highest in the group, suggesting the school successfully moves students to diplomas despite low test proficiency. Spending also varies: Lovejoy spends the most per student ($13,115) with the weakest results, while Dutchtown spends the least ($12,356) and achieves better outcomes. Both Henry County schools outperform their district average, while Lovejoy trails its Clayton County district. English Language Arts scores are not yet available for this release and will be published in December.
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