Polk County

The Polk County school district in Georgia consists of 11 schools, including 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The district faces significant challenges, with schools generally underperforming the state averages in academic proficiency and having very high rates of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating high levels of economic disadvantage.

Among the standout schools in the district, Rockmart High School has the highest 4-year graduation rate at 94.2%, while Eastside Elementary School has the highest proficiency rates in both English Language Arts and Mathematics across the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Additionally, Youngs Grove Elementary School stands out for its strong Mathematics proficiency rates in 3rd and 4th grades.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance between the highest and lowest performing schools, particularly at the elementary level, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and support to address these inequities. The district also faces challenges related to the high rates of economic disadvantage, with all schools having very high free/reduced lunch rates. While the relationship between spending and outcomes is not clear, the alternative school Harpst Academy, which spends the most per student, has the lowest graduation rate, raising questions about the efficient allocation of resources.