39 Hispanic students join High Shoals Elementary for 2024-25 session

In the 2024-25 school year, 39 Hispanic students were enrolled at High Shoals Elementary School, representing a 14.7% increase over the prior year, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

The school reached a total enrollment of 571 students for 2024-25. Hispanic students formed 7% of the school’s population, making them the second-largest demographic group on campus.

High Shoals Elementary operates as part of the Oconee County School District, headquartered in Watkinsville.

North Oconee High School reported the largest Hispanic student enrollment among Oconee County’s 11 schools for 2024-25, with 114 students.

National Center for Education Statistics figures show approximately 36.4% of Georgia public school students were Black, 35.9% were white, 18.1% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 4.6% multiracial, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Pacific Islander.

Chronic absenteeism continues to challenge Georgia public schools after the pandemic, with 20.7% of students absent 10% or more days in 2024, Georgia Department of Education data found. The department addressed this by launching a statewide effort with a real-time attendance dashboard, public information campaigns, and directed outreach to schools most in need.

Legislation passed in 2025 by Georgia lawmakers updated school attendance laws to prohibit expulsion strictly for absenteeism. The new law also includes revised reporting rules and ensures alignment with initiatives providing alternative pathways for students working toward a diploma.

Georgia schools reported an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1 for 2026, a figure that compares favorably to the national average of 15:1.