Graduation rates in Newton County | Schools

COVINGTON, Ga. -- Georgia's public high school graduation rate rose slightly to 69.7 percent in 2012, compared to 67.4 percent in 2011, according to data released Tuesday.

The rate of Georgia seniors receiving diplomas has risen by 11 percentage points since 2009, the first year the Georgia Department of Education began tracking graduation data with a new formula.

"I am very pleased that our graduation rate continues to increase, no matter how it is calculated," state superintendent Dr. John Barge said in a statement. "While our graduation rate is still far too low and we have much progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction."

In Newton County, the graduation rate was 76.21 percent -- well above the state average.

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The rates for individual public high schools include:

Alcovy HS
Graduation Class: 396
Total Graduated: 294
Graduation Rate: 74.24 percent

Eastside HS
Graduation Class: 297
Total Graduated: 258
Graduation Rate: 86.87 percent

Newton HS
Graduation Class: 430
Total Graduated: 357
Graduation Rate: 83.02