Clarke County Schools & Education
Clarke County, Georgia
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
36.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
36.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,733
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,405
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 50/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#125
of 159 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Clarke County
School Verdict
Clarke County faces educational challenges with a school score of 38/100 and a graduation rate of 36.3%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
Clarke County spends $8,733 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Clarke County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 25% below the Georgia average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 51.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 18% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Clarke County, Georgia
Urban Education in a College Town
Clarke County features 22 public schools that serve a total of 14,859 students. The landscape is composed of 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This urban-focused system is primarily centered around the city of Athens.
High Investment Amidst Unique Challenges
The county invests $8,733 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405. Despite this funding, reported graduation rates sit at 36.3%, and the school score is 29.0, both of which fall well below state and national benchmarks. These figures are heavily influenced by the presence of large specialized charter programs in the area.
Traditional Schools and Charter Options
The Clarke County district operates 21 schools for 12,340 students, while Foothills Charter High School serves a large population of 2,519 students. This charter institution represents 4.5% of the schools but a significant portion of the high school enrollment. Families have the choice between traditional neighborhood schools and these larger flexible programs.
City-Centered Schools with Diverse Sizes
Education in Clarke County is overwhelmingly urban, with 18 of the 22 schools located in city settings. Average school size is 675 students, but this varies wildly from the massive Foothills Charter (2,519) to smaller elementary sites. The locale diversity is limited, with only three rural and one suburban school available.
Living Near Athens' Educational Hub
For those moving to the Athens area, the school landscape offers unique city-based opportunities and specialized charter paths. High per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to funding its educational resources. Research specific school zones in the city to find the best fit for your family's academic needs.
School Overview
Total Schools
22
in Clarke County
Total Enrollment
14,859
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
5% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Clarke County
Clarke County
State Charter Schools- Foothills Charter High School (Centr
22 Public Schools in Clarke County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foothills Charter High School (Central Office - Athens) | State Charter Schools- Foothills Charter High School (Centr | 9–12 | Charter | 2,519 |
| Clarke Central High School | Clarke County | 9–12 | High | 1,836 |
| Cedar Shoals High School | Clarke County | 9–12 | High | 1,443 |
| Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School | Clarke County | 6–8 | Middle | 728 |
| Clarke Middle School | Clarke County | 6–8 | Middle | 708 |
| Whitehead Road Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 691 |
| Coile Middle School | Clarke County | 6–8 | Middle | 635 |
| Hilsman Middle School | Clarke County | 6–8 | Middle | 628 |
| Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 581 |
| Timothy Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 536 |
| Gaines Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 518 |
| Chase Street Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 492 |
| Barnett Shoals Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 487 |
| Barrow Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 452 |
| Whit Davis Road Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 439 |
| Judia Jackson Harris Elementary | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 407 |
| Fowler Drive Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 388 |
| Winterville Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 365 |
| Howard B. Stroud Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 359 |
| Alps Road Elementary School | Clarke County | PK–5 | Primary | 339 |
State Charter Schools- Foothills Charter High School (Centr
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,733
State avg $7,405
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Clarke County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Clarke County?
How much does Clarke County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clarke County, Georgia — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clarke County, Georgia?
Clarke County features 22 public schools that serve a total of 14,859 students. The landscape is composed of 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This urban-focused system is primarily centered around the city of Athens.
How do schools in Clarke County perform academically?
The county invests $8,733 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405. Despite this funding, reported graduation rates sit at 36.3%, and the school score is 29.0, both of which fall well below state and national benchmarks. These figures are heavily influenced by the presence of large specialized charter programs in the area.
What are the major school districts in Clarke County, Georgia?
The Clarke County district operates 21 schools for 12,340 students, while Foothills Charter High School serves a large population of 2,519 students. This charter institution represents 4.5% of the schools but a significant portion of the high school enrollment. Families have the choice between traditional neighborhood schools and these larger flexible programs.
What is the school experience like in Clarke County?
Education in Clarke County is overwhelmingly urban, with 18 of the 22 schools located in city settings. Average school size is 675 students, but this varies wildly from the massive Foothills Charter (2,519) to smaller elementary sites. The locale diversity is limited, with only three rural and one suburban school available.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clarke County, Georgia?
For those moving to the Athens area, the school landscape offers unique city-based opportunities and specialized charter paths. High per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to funding its educational resources. Research specific school zones in the city to find the best fit for your family's academic needs.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.