Malcom Bridge Elementary reports enrollment of 81 Hispanic students for 2024-25

In the 2024-25 academic year, Malcom Bridge Elementary reported enrolling 81 Hispanic students, a 1.2% decrease compared to the prior year, figures from the Georgia Department of Education show.

Records indicate that Malcom Bridge Elementary had a total enrollment of 581 students for the 2024-25 period. Hispanic students represented 14% of the student population, making them the third-largest demographic in the school.

The elementary school operates as part of the Oconee County School District, whose main office is located in Watkinsville.

Out of the 11 schools that make up Oconee County School District, North Oconee High School had the greatest number of Hispanic students enrolled in 2024-25, totaling 114 students.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that public school students in Georgia were approximately 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.

After the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has persisted as a significant problem across Georgia schools, with 20.7% of students missing at least 10% of days in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Education. To address this issue, GaDOE introduced a statewide strategy that includes a real-time attendance dashboard, public outreach initiatives, and targeted support for districts with high needs to improve daily attendance.

In 2025, state lawmakers in Georgia updated school attendance laws to prohibit expulsion based solely on absenteeism. The reforms also established new reporting procedures and supported programs offering additional channels for students to earn diplomas.

By 2026, average student-to-teacher ratios in Georgia were approximately 14:1, better than the national average ratio of 15:1.