For the third year in a row, Bibb County exceeded the state average with its graduation rate. Data released by the Georgia Department of Education on September 29, 2025, put the graduation rate for the Class of 2025 at 88.97%, the District’s highest graduation rate on record in the past decade. 

Most Bibb high schools saw continued gains, and 3 of Bibb’s 7 high schools secured graduation rates higher than 90% – with Central leading at 96.51 %, followed by Southwest High School at 92.90%, and Rutland High School at 90.43%. The biggest celebration comes at Southwest, where the graduation rate was marked at 39.10% in 2012.

“We continue to see progress in our graduation rate, and this is due in large part to the collective hard work throughout our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims. “This graduation rate reflects the work of the entire Pre-K – 12 spectrum. We are especially grateful for what happens at the high school level, which includes opportunities for students to learn, recover, and gain credits toward graduation.”

The District’s overall graduation rate has increased about 37 percentage points in the past decade, up from an overall District graduation rate of 52.3% in 2012, when the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation required by federal law. Southwest High School and Northeast High School showed the greatest gains from 2024 with an 8% increase. Additionally, the Class of 2025 earned the highest graduation rate recorded for 4 of Bibb’s high schools – Central, Howard, Southwest, and Westside. 

“At Southwest High School and Law Academy, our rise in graduation rate reflects our belief that when students are seen, supported, celebrated, and empowered, they succeed,” said Southwest High Principal A. Bernard Young. “Rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu, we’ve invested in structures that build deep relationships and responsive learning environments. Every student is connected to a dedicated cohort counselor who supports them from freshman year through graduation, and our Ubuntu Mentoring Model ensures they are surrounded by a village of advocates. By personalizing learning opportunities and designing environments tailored to students’ academic and social-emotional needs, we are living our vision and demonstrating our commitment to The PUSH.”