Athens Reporter

There were 1,223 third grade students enrolled in Oconee County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.6% less than the previous year, according to reports from the Georgia Department of Education.

Oconee County Elementary School welcomed the largest number of third grade students among county schools, registering 343 students during the 2022-23 school year.

Within Oconee County schools, the highest student count was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in first grade.

Statewide, Oconee County ranked 43rd in enrollment numbers, with a total of 16,881 students enrolled in the 2022-23 school year. It was ranked 44th the year before.

While enrollment in Georgia inches closer to pre-pandemic levels, chronic absenteeism remains a serious challenge. In 2023, a significant portion of students (23%) missed 10% or more of their classes. Although this is slightly better than the peak of 25% in 2022, it's still nearly double the pre-pandemic rate of 13% recorded in 2019.

School name	# of 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Oconee County Elementary School	343	36.1%	951
Dove Creek Elementary School	198	15.2%	1,304
Colham Ferry Elementary School	197	16.8%	1,175
High Shoals Elementary School	173	15.7%	1,101
Rocky Branch Elementary School	173	14.8%	1,166
Malcom Bridge Elementary School	139	17.4%	800
Oconee County Primary School	0	0%	964