Douglas County School System Achieves Historic 90.7% Graduation Rate

The Douglas County School System is celebrating a milestone achievement. For the first time in recent history, Douglas County has surpassed a 90% graduation rate by achieving a 2025 graduation rate of 90.7%. 

This rate represents a four percentage point increase from the previous year's rate of 86.7%, placing Douglas County above the state average of 87.2%.

Douglas County's performance reflects a commitment to focused, strategic interventions implemented with dedication and consistency. This commitment is reflected in improved graduation rates across every high school: 

• Alexander High School achieved a 93.7% graduation rate, an increase of 1.2 percentage points
• Chapel Hill High School achieved a 94.6% graduation rate, an increase of 2.4 percentage points
• Douglas County High School achieved a 94% graduation rate, an increase of 8.2 percentage points
• Lithia Springs High School achieved an 81.9% graduation rate, an increase of 1.9 percentage points
• New Manchester High School achieved a 89.3% graduation rate, an increase of 6 percentage points

The Georgia Department of Education calculates these four-year graduation rates using the adjusted cohort method required by federal law, which tracks students who enter ninth grade and graduate within four years with a regular high school diploma.

"We are immensely proud that the Douglas County School System has achieved a 90% graduation rate," said Superintendent Dr. Trent North. "This achievement results from targeted strategies designed to support student success. We also fostered additional collaboration among administrators, teachers, and support staff, while cultivating a culture of high expectations in which every employee takes responsibility for student learning outcomes.”

This historic achievement also reflects the dedication of DCSS educators, students and families in supporting student success.

K'Asha Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, emphasized the community impact of this achievement: "Our record graduation rate affirms that every student now holds the key to opportunity. This achievement directly strengthens the local talent pipeline, launching more graduates toward high-demand jobs and sustainable futures."

Looking ahead, the Douglas County School System remains committed to its strategic goal of increasing college and career readiness, with a focus on positively impacting graduation rates. 

Dr. North stated that the school system and the Douglas County Board of Education plan to build upon successful strategies while exploring additional approaches to support student achievement.

He explained, saying, “We are dedicated to preparing students for college, career, and life success. Everything we do is for our students, and we will continue working to provide excellent educational opportunities for all students.”

New Manchester High’s JROTC Raiders

Shine in Debut Competition

New Manchester’s JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) cadets recently showcased their grit by competing in their first Raider Challenge Competition in Carrollton. The challenge is designed to test physical endurance, promote teamwork and cooperation, and build respect and self-confidence among cadets. 

The team, made up of 10 members and two alternates, competed in the mixed team category. Events included obstacle courses, team runs, a rope bridge construction and crossing, a physical fitness test, a 600-pound tire flip, and a cross-country rescue scenario. 

“After only training for a month and competing for the first time ever against teams that have been

performing together, they did well,” said Sgt. Maj. Kathy Cade. “They placed third in both the obstacle course and Raider Fitness Challenge and will receive streamers for those two awards.” 

As a high-intensity athletic competition for high school JROTC cadets, the Raider Challenge fosters discipline, commitment and camaraderie. It prepares cadets for future challenges while promoting physical readiness and leadership development. 

This school year, New Manchester High School introduced its first-ever JROTC program, making JROTC available at all DCSS high schools. “It took lots of hard work and sacrifices, but we are incredibly proud to offer this program to our students,” remarked Principal Casey Bethel.   

Overall, JROTC is designed to develop responsible and engaged citizens by focusing on character education, leadership, and academic achievement. Students gain self-discipline, confidence, and other essential life skills, including teamwork and communication.

“For the Jaguar community, it is the start of a brand-new tradition,” said Bethel.

Chapel Hill High School Celebrates

Fourth Year of Pinwheels for Peace

For the fourth consecutive year, Chapel Hill High School students have transformed the school's front lawn into a sea of colorful pinwheels. The pinwheels are a powerful display, with each ‌carrying a message of hope and unity.

On Sept. 19, the National Art Honor Society and art educator Shelley Acree planted over 170 handmade pinwheels across campus. The colorful display celebrates International Peace Day, observed worldwide on Sept. 21. The temporary display also enhanced the school environment and reminded everyone of the collective commitment to peace. 

By participating in Pinwheels for Peace, Chapel Hill High students joined millions of others worldwide in recognizing International Peace Day. Their project highlights the role young people play in our future and shows how small, creative acts can carry a message of hope across the globe.

Pinwheels for Peace began in 2005 when two Florida art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillian, created the project as an international art and literacy initiative. Today, millions of students worldwide participate by designing pinwheels decorated with messages, drawings, and symbols representing peace, compassion, and understanding.

DCSS Schools Celebrate Georgia Reads Day

with Author Visits, Special Events

Schools across the district celebrated Georgia Reads Day with special author visits and other events designed to promote and celebrate literacy.

Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed the special day on Sept. 22 to highlight the importance of reading for Georgians of all ages.

South Douglas Elementary School kicked off the morning with Drop Everything and Read as students snuggled up with their favorite stuffed animals and filled classrooms with cozy corners of reading and quiet joy, Media Specialist Ana Leibbrand said.

The excitement grew as the school welcomed three Georgia authors into the school community.

Leslie Bragdon inspired South Douglas' youngest readers with tales of courage, Sara Fowler sparked curiosity and wonder in second- and third-graders, and Shanda McCloskey shared her creative world of invention and play.

To close out the celebration, South Douglas joined the statewide Georgia Reads Rally with Malcolm Mitchell, a beloved author and former NFL player who reminded students that reading can open doors to endless opportunities. His words encouraged students to dream big, keep reading and believe in themselves, Leibbrand said.

Chapel Hill Elementary hosted a series of events to reinforce the media program's message that "readers are leaders and leaders are readers," according to Media Specialist Cameron Sheldon.

The school invited special guest readers, who are leaders within the building, to read to students at each grade level.

Principal Bianca Turner, Assistant Principal Amber Herring, School Resource Officer Aretha Griffie and Cafeteria Manager Octavia Clonts were among the readers.

At Mirror Lake Elementary, guest readers included Principal Lisa Huey, Counselor Sheila Compitello and authors Shanda McCloskey and Sara Fowler.

Mirror Lake students also took time to independently read and log minutes into Beanstack.

Throughout October, we honor Douglas County School System principals during National Principals Month for their outstanding leadership and dedication to student success. These educational leaders make a difference every day in our schools. Thank you for all you do!

Classroom Corner

Touch-A-Truck Brings Joy to DCSS Schools 

The HAVEN Academy recently hosted a Touch-a-Truck event for students at Mason Creek Elementary and Mason Creek Middle School.

For a day filled with fun and exploration, “students were on their best behavior, asking thought-provoking questions,” said Assistant Principal Timothy Jenkins. Students explored firetrucks first-hand, discovered various equipment, climbed ladders, and spent time with their favorite firefighter heroes.     

“Thank you to the Douglas County Fire Department for coming to the school and sharing so many interesting facts about what it's like to be a firefighter,” said Jenkins.   

FSMS Hosts Successful ‘Doughnuts with Dads’ Event

Factory Shoals Middle School was filled with smiles, laughter, and the sweet smell of doughnuts recently as it hosted its highly anticipated “Doughnuts with Dads” event. 

The Sept. 24 event provided a special opportunity for fathers and father figures to spend meaningful time with their students while engaging in school activities and learning ways to support academic success at home.

Guests were welcomed with complimentary doughnuts and drinks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for families to connect. Attendees then visited the school’s Book Fair, where students and their dads explored books together, promoting a shared love of reading.

In addition to enjoying treats and shopping for books, participants took part in interactive sessions focused on supporting students' education. Staff members shared practical strategies for helping with homework and fostering strong reading habits at home.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with 83 fathers and father figures in attendance—a clear sign of the strong community and parental involvement at Factory Shoals Middle School.

“‘Doughnuts with Dads' was a tremendous success, reinforcing the importance of family engagement in student learning,” Principal LaVar Hickerson said. “Factory Shoals looks forward to hosting similar events throughout the year to continue building partnerships between school and home.”

MLES Teachers Distribute Learning Tools on Curriculum Night

The Mirror Lake Elementary Third Grade Team provided their students with specially prepared resource bags at the school’s recent Curriculum Night.

With the goal of strengthening the students’ foundational skills in mind, the teachers gathered items from their supply closet, including leveled reading books, base 10 blocks, handheld clocks, rulers/number lines, assorted coins, geoboards, blank number cubes, and fraction tiles to make up the bags.

Teacher Mahogany Berry said the resources will serve as valuable hands-on tools to support homework and reinforce skills.

“Both students and parents were excited and appreciative to receive these resource-filled bags,” she added.

Berry’s team members include Richard Lennert, Naomi Nunally, Tandy Smith and Angel Gay.

Taj Cosey is an outstanding eighth grader who is a shining example of what it means to be a well-rounded Wildcat. In the classroom, he excels through hard work, intelligence and a positive attitude, consistently setting the standard for academic excellence. Beyond academics, he makes an equally strong impact as a leader on the basketball court and the track. 

As a point guard, he leads with skill and vision, motivating his teammates to give their best.

On the track, his endurance as a long-distance runner showcases his determination and discipline. What sets him apart, however, is not just his athletic ability, but also his character—he is polite, respectful and a true role model for his peers.

“Taj represents the best of Chapel Hill Middle School: intelligent, dedicated and driven, both in academics and athletics,” said Principal Catherine Westbrook. 

Alexander Sweeps County Cross Country Championships

📸 Photo Album

Alexander High School swept the Douglas County Cross Country Championships on Sept. 25 at Clinton Nature Preserve.

Drew Lester won the boys individual title for the Cougars with a time of 16:41.54, ahead of teammate and runner-up Cayden Guidry (17:15.18).

Alexander's Emily McDonald won the girls individual title with a 19:57.17, while teammate Ceyonce Reid took second at 22:34.88.

Overall, Alexander's boys had 20 points for the team win, followed by Chapel Hill at 47, Douglas County at 82, Lithia Springs at 108 and New Manchester at 109.

On the girls side, Alexander had 21 points, followed by Douglas County and Chapel Hill with 53 each. DCHS won a tiebreaker to claim the county runner-up trophy.

Rounding out the top 10 on the boys side were: Ian Williams (DCHS), Landyn Buchanan (AHS), Raydel Quintero (AHS), Ares Cosey (CHHS), John Owens (CHHS), Richard Wilson (AHS), Kellen Angus (CHHS) and Ethan McDonald (AHS).

Rounding out the top 10 on the girls side were: Kai Pruitt (CHHS), Akerria Battle (AHS), Jewlianna Watson (NMHS), Marley Tidwell (AHS), Ja'Niah Carpenter (CHHS), Kristen Sanchez (DCHS), Hannah Rincon (LSHS) and Alyssa Jones (CHHS).

Mason Creek Wins County Middle School Softball Title

Congratulations to Mason Creek Middle School on capturing the Douglas County Middle School Softball Championship with a 7-0 victory over Factory Shoals on Sept. 26.

Three players from Mason Creek made the All-Conference Team: Gia Italiano, Keagan Pounds and Cora Munro.

Other members of the All-Conference Team included:

• Chapel Hill: Nia Hill and Skylar Spurling.
• Chestnut Log: Jessica Tarplin and Jewlianna Watson.
• Factory Shoals: Jordyn Wilson, Kennedy Mahan and Trinity Dudley.
• Fairplay: Ryan Beltz and Taylee Delahunt.
• Stewart: Kylee Barnett.
• Turner: Mia Duarte and Ixtchell Zarate.
• Yeager: Lily Mooneyham.

Key Dates

• October 3: Grading Period Ends (Elementary and Middle School)
• October 3: High School Progress Reports
• October 10: Elementary and Middle School Report Cards
• October 13-17: Fall Break
• November 4: Teacher Work Day
• November 7: Progress Reports (Elementary and Middle School)
• November 24-28: Thanksgiving Holidays
• December 19: End of First Semester

DCSS Testing Dates

Family Resources

6th Annual NMHS Jaguar Classic

Set for Oct. 11


The 6th Annual NMHS Jaguar Classic is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, starting at 10 a.m. at New Manchester High School Stadium. Food trucks, vendors and concessions will be available. The day promises excitement as the best bands in the land compete for top awards, with an exhibition performance by the New Manchester High School Mighty Marching Jaguars. Tickets are $10 and parking is $5—both can be purchased online here.

Probe College Fair Set for Oct. 23

Douglas County School System students can explore their future at the annual DCSS College & Career Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Legacy Arena. Learn about colleges, universities, technical programs, apprenticeships and military opportunities. Eight graders will learn about our High School Magnet Programs. Visit http://bit.ly/45zd6MM to register.

21st Annual Dayspring 
Road Race to Benefit LSES


The 21st Annual Dayspring Road Race is taking place Saturday, Nov. 15 at Central Baptist Church. Funds from this year's race will be used to build a school playground at Lithia Springs Elementary School. Runner registration is $30. Sponsorship Opportunities are also available. Visit cbcdouglasville.com/sports for more information.

Hope Map Georgia Resource Locator

Hope Map Georgia, created in collaboration with FoodFinder, is an online comprehensive, easy-to-use, and up-to-date community resource locator to assist Georgia’s communities as well as children, youth, and families locate free services that mitigate the effects of homelessness. Visit Hope Map Georgia for more information.

Partners in Education Partnering

with Papa Johns Pizza

Partners in Education of Douglas County is pleased to announce its year-long partnership with Papa Johns Pizza to help feed DCSS students. This academic school year (Aug. 1, 2025 - June 1, 2026), Papa Johns will donate 20% of total sales when customers use the promo code, PIE4PIE.

DCSS Community Bulletin Board

Looking for a great weekend event, after-school care, or a new activity? Check out DCSS' Community Bulletin Board at the link above to learn all about events and activities occurring in Douglas County.

Douglas SEES

DCSS offers several resources for student health, wellness and support through the Douglas SEES website. Visit the link above to learn more about the resources available to students and families.