Families considering a move to Griffin, Georgia, often ask one key question: What are the schools like? With a mix of public, charter, and private school options, Griffin offers families several educational pathways—each with its own strengths, challenges, and community culture. Whether you’re relocating or already living in the area, understanding Griffin’s educational landscape can help you make informed decisions for your child’s future.
Overview of the Griffin-Spalding County School District
The Griffin-Spalding County School District (GSCS) serves approximately 9,563 students across 19 schools, including:
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11 elementary schools
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4 middle schools
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3 high schools
The district maintains a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, slightly better than the state average of 15:1, which may allow for more personalized attention in classrooms. Approximately 66.6% of students are economically disadvantaged, and the district’s overall diversity grade is high, offering a racially and economically diverse learning environment.
Elementary Schools in Griffin
Parents of younger children will find a variety of elementary options within the city. While each school has its own strengths, a few stand out:
Crescent Road Elementary School
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Overall Rating: B
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Highlights: Strong community reputation, positive parent reviews, supportive environment
Futral Road Elementary School
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Overall Rating: B+
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Highlights: Noted for exceptional student resources and staff engagement
Other Elementary Options
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Jackson Road Elementary
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Moore Elementary
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Orrs Elementary
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Cowan Road Elementary
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Anne Street Elementary
These schools provide core education with mixed academic performance scores but generally supportive staff. Parent involvement varies, with some schools known for strong PTA support and others seeking more family engagement.
Middle Schools in Griffin
The middle school years are a crucial transition period, and GSCS provides a few choices, each with unique characteristics:
Rehoboth Road Middle School
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Rating: C+
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Focus: Student preparation for high school, steady improvement efforts
Carver Road Middle School
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Rating: C
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Highlights: Strong staff dedication, extracurricular clubs for student development
Cowan Road & Kennedy Road Middle Schools
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Enrollment Sizes: 543 and 477 students respectively
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Student-Teacher Ratios: Ranges from 14:1 to 18:1
Middle schools in Griffin focus on laying the groundwork for high school success. Some feedback from parents points to the need for better communication and enrichment opportunities.
High Schools in Griffin
Griffin’s three high schools provide different experiences depending on your student’s goals and learning style.
Spalding High School
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Georgia Ranking: #328
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Graduation Rate: 81%
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College Readiness Score: 15.9
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AP Opportunities: Available
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Enrollment: 1,252
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Highlights: Strong extracurricular programs and dedicated teaching staff
Griffin High School
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Georgia Ranking: #332-432
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Graduation Rate: 80%
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College Readiness Score: 6.0
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Enrollment: 1,498
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Highlights: Diverse student population, faculty noted for supportiveness
A.Z. Kelsey Academy
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Specialty: Alternative education
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Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1
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Graduation Rate: 45%
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Enrollment: 18
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Note: Smaller student body for personalized instruction, but mixed academic reviews
Charter & Private School Alternatives
If you’re looking beyond traditional public education, Griffin families also have access to alternative options:
Liberty Tech Charter Academy (Brooks, GA)
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Grades: PK–8
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Rating: A
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Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
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Highlights: Emphasis on STEM education, strong transition support from homeschool to in-person learning
Private School Options
Several private schools in the Griffin area offer faith-based or specialized curriculums, ideal for families seeking smaller class sizes or particular educational philosophies.
Academic Performance Snapshot
While the school system is diverse and inclusive, academic performance is an area for growth:
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Reading Proficiency: 22%
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Math Proficiency: 18%
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Graduation Rate: 84%
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SAT/ACT Averages: 1060 (SAT), 21 (ACT)
Proficiency rates in core subjects like math and reading are below the national average. However, the district is investing in improvement efforts, and schools with strong leadership—such as Crescent Road and Spalding High—are showing signs of progress.
What Parents Should Consider
When choosing a school in Griffin, families should evaluate more than just test scores. Here are a few key considerations:
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Community Involvement: Some schools benefit from high parent engagement, which boosts school morale and student support.
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Extracurriculars: Sports, clubs, and fine arts offerings vary, with high schools like Spalding High standing out.
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School Culture: School reviews frequently mention teacher dedication and supportiveness, which can make a major difference in student experience.
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Commute & Zoning: Review district maps to ensure you’re zoned for your preferred school and factor in drive time.
Final Thoughts
Griffin, GA offers a broad spectrum of educational choices. Whether you’re looking for a highly-rated charter program, a traditional public school with strong community ties, or a smaller school setting for specialized attention, you’ll find options that align with your family’s priorities. It’s worth taking the time to visit schools, meet with faculty, and talk to other parents to ensure the right fit for your student.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best elementary school in Griffin, GA?
Crescent Road Elementary and Futral Road Elementary are often praised for their supportive staff and community engagement, earning strong marks in parent reviews and overall ratings.
How many public schools are in Griffin, GA?
Griffin-Spalding County has 19 public schools: 11 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools.
Are there any charter schools in or near Griffin?
Yes, Liberty Tech Charter Academy in nearby Brooks, GA is a well-rated option serving grades PK–8 with small class sizes and a strong academic program.
How do Griffin’s high schools rank?
Spalding High and Griffin High are mid-ranked in the state, with graduation rates around 80–81%. A.Z. Kelsey Academy serves as an alternative high school with smaller class sizes.
What’s the average class size in Griffin schools?
The average student-teacher ratio across the district is 14:1, which is better than the Georgia state average.
Are Griffin schools diverse?
Yes, the district has high diversity ratings, with more than 70% minority enrollment and strong representation of various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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