The Bibb County School District posted a graduation rate above 87 percent for the fourth consecutive year, as the Class of 2026 had a rate of 87.64 percent. This largely kept pace with the statewide average, which increased to 88.5 percent for 2026.   

All seven of Bibb County’s high schools had rates greater than 80 percent for the second consecutive year. Central High School had the District’s highest rate at 96.4 percent, marking the fifth straight year that the school’s graduation rate exceeded 90 percent. 

“We are once again proud of the progress that this District has made as a whole in recent years that allows us to graduate students at such a high rate year over year,” said Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims. “Now we must continue the work of identifying areas where we can make further gains and sustain the PUSH to drive more students toward graduation and fulfilling paths beyond that stage.” 

The District’s overall graduation rate has increased more than 35 percentage points from an overall District graduation rate of 52.3% in 2012, when the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation required by federallaw. For 2026, Howard High School saw the District’s largest increase, with a 2.45 percentage-point gain to 90.94 percent, marking the school’s first 90 percent graduation rate on record. 

"Our gains in the 2026 graduation rate reflect the collective effort of our students, staff, families, and community partners,” said Howard High School Principal Dr. Michael Scott. “By developing individual graduation plans, closely monitoring student progress, and providing additional support where needed, we were able to help more students stay on track and reach the goal of graduation. This achievement demonstrates what is possible when  we PUSH together with a shared commitment to the success of every student.” 

VIP Academy also increased its graduation rate by almost a full percentage point, with the Class of 2026 notching a graduation rate of 89.72 percent. Southwest High School maintained a rate higher than 90 percent for the  second consecutive year, coming in at 90.26 percent in 2026.