Class of 2026 Lifts Marietta Graduation Rate to Record 95.1%

MARIETTA, Ga. – Marietta High School's four-year graduation rate reached a record 95.1% for the Class of 2026, the highest in district history, according to data released today by the Georgia Department of Education.

The milestone marks seven consecutive years of overall growth, with MHS improving its graduation rate by 19.4 percentage points since 2019. 

Marietta City Schools ranks first in metro Atlanta for overall increase in graduation rate since 2019. Among Georgia's 180 school districts, MCS ranks fourth.

The gains extend across student groups. Since 2019, MCS ranks first in metro Atlanta in graduation rate increases for Hispanic, Black, English Learners, and Economically Disadvantaged students. Statewide, MCS ranks first for Hispanic students and English Learners, third for Economically Disadvantaged students, and ninth for Black students.

Four-year cohort graduation rate by student group

Source: Georgia Department of Education. Changes are calculated using unrounded values. Rates are rounded to one decimal place; the 2026 all-student rate is 95.09%.

Superintendent Grant Rivera, Ed.D., said the years of consistent growth reflect the efforts of Dr. Marvin Crumbs, MHS staff, and our Marietta families.

"Marietta City Schools is a leader in graduation rate in metro Atlanta and across the State of Georgia. This success is the result of the unwavering commitment by Dr. Crumbs and his staff to ensure each student's school experience is special, different, and better," Rivera said. "Dr. Crumbs and his team monitored and supported every senior's progress throughout the year. Whether the graduate's goal was enrollment in post-secondary, enlistment in the military, or full-time employment, every child matters in Marietta."

"Our team knew which students were on track, which students were at risk of falling behind, and what needed to happen to get them across the finish line," Crumbs said. "Our teachers, counselors, and staff stayed with students and addressed barriers as they came up. Our students did the work and earned their diplomas. I'm proud of the number, but I'm even more proud of what it represents: more Marietta students leaving high school with options for what comes next." 

"This graduation rate is a clear testament to Marietta's commitment to academic excellence and literacy," said Board Chair Jaillene Hunter, who also serves on the Georgia Council on Literacy. "I am incredibly grateful to our entire team for the dedication that helped ensure every student, especially those who needed it most, had the opportunity and support to graduate. Strong literacy skills are the foundation for success across every subject, and we are committed to ensuring our students have the skills they need to thrive in high school and beyond.”

The Class of 2026 included 570 graduates. Of those students, 80.3% reported plans to attend college, and the class earned more than $5.35 million in scholarships.