Colham Ferry Elementary recorded an enrollment of 11 African American students for the 2024-25 school year, marking a 120% increase compared to the prior year, according to data from the Georgia Department of Education.
The school had a total student body of 573 in 2024-25. African American students made up 2% of this population, representing one of the smaller demographic groups at the school.
Colham Ferry Elementary is part of the Oconee County School District, which is headquartered in Watkinsville.
Oconee County High School reported the largest number of African American students in the district for 2024-25, with 51 enrolled.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Georgia’s public schools enrolled about 36.4% Black, 35.9% white, 18.1% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 4.6% multiracial, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Pacific Islander students.
Georgia schools continue to address chronic absenteeism after the pandemic, as 20.7% of students missed at least 10% of school days in 2024, the Georgia Department of Education reported. In response, GaDOE introduced a state-level initiative with an attendance dashboard, public awareness efforts, and targeted strategies for districts with higher needs.
Legislation passed by Georgia lawmakers in 2025 updated attendance laws to prohibit expulsion solely for absenteeism. The updated law also creates new data reporting rules and supports alternative diploma pathways.
By 2026, Georgia’s average student-to-teacher ratio was about 14:1, slightly better than the national average of 15:1.
| School Year | Total Enrollment | Total African American students | % of African American students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | 507 | 15 | 3% |
| 2011-12 | 516 | 15 | 3% |
| 2012-13 | 541 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013-14 | 515 | 15 | 3% |
| 2014-15 | 519 | 15 | 3% |
| 2015-16 | 544 | 16 | 3% |
| 2016-17 | 554 | 16 | 3% |
| 2017-18 | 555 | 16 | 3% |
| 2018-19 | 574 | 17 | 3% |
| 2019-20 | 588 | 11 | 2% |
| 2020-21 | 558 | 5 | 1% |
| 2021-22 | 554 | 5 | 1% |
| 2022-23 | 585 | 5 | 1% |
| 2023-24 | 580 | 5 | 1% |
| 2024-25 | 573 | 11 | 2% |
