Rockdale County’s CTAE graduation rate soars above 99%, continues to top Georgia’s rate

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs remains exceptionally strong with 99.38% for the Class of 2025. RCPS continues well above the state-wide rate, which rose to 98.45%. This rate applies to students who complete a Career Pathway. 

The state also released the district’s 2025 graduation rates for pathway completers in the areas of Advanced Academics, World Language, and Fine Arts. RCPS graduation rates in these areas all rose to 99.79%, 99.40%, and 100%, respectively. 

Rockdale’s Superintendent Shirley Chesser said, “CTAE courses prepare students with real-world skills and instill confidence and a sense of purpose. Our students are empowered to choose pathways that spark their interest while building practical skills for post-secondary options or the workforce. Maintaining such a strong CTAE graduation rate shows that students are engaged in their learning. Our faculty and staff are committed to the highest level of excellence through the curriculum and hands-on learning experiences to ensure student success.”

Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett praised students, staff and administrators in their quest for excellence. 

 “I applaud our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff who continue to teach and serve with excellence, reflected by our strong CTAE graduation rate. CTAE pathways equip students the necessary knowledge, skills, and industry certifications that set them up for success in their college or career choices. We are fortunate to have so many great pathways in our schools,” Jackson-Lett said. 

RCPS offers 31 Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) career pathways in high school, nine middle school CTAE program offerings and one elementary school CTAE program. The high school career pathways include: Audio-Video Technology and Film, Automotive Technology, Barbering, Business Accounting, Business & Technology, Companion Animal Systems, Computer Science, Construction/Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Care and Education I & II, Entrepreneurship, Financial Services, Financial Technology, Game Design, Graphic Design, Interiors Fashion & Textiles, Law Enforcement/Criminal Investigations, Manufacturing, Marine Corps JROTC, Marketing and Management, Nail Technology, Nutrition & Food Science, Programming, Therapeutic Services/Allied Health & Medicine, Therapeutic Services/Patient Care, Therapeutic Services/Surgical Technology, Diagnostics / Phlebotomy, Veterinary Science, Web & Digital Design, Welding.  The middle school CTAE program offerings include Agriculture, Business Management & Finance, Communications, Computer Science, Family & Consumer Science, Healthcare Science, Marketing, Law and Public Safety, Transportation and Distribution (Aerospace). The elementary school CTAE program offering is Agriculture.

Georgia’s CTAE program leverages partnerships with industry and higher education ensure that students are ready to take their next step after high school. Students can take more than 100 career pathway courses within the 17 Career Clusters, earn recognized industry credentials, participate in work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities, and serve as leaders through membership in co-curricular Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).  CTAE is for all students, and Career Pathway completers are prepared to pursue higher education (through the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or another institution), enter the military, accept an apprenticeship opportunity or immediately begin their career.