


We are excited to announce that Monroe County Schools has been named the #14 Best School District in Georgia by Niche.
The 2026 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your hard work and commitment to excellence. You are the reason we remain one of the best districts in the state. #LearnGrowSucceed




“We are excited once again to announce an increase in our 4-year graduation rate. This accomplishment indicates a strong focus on teaching and learning, in a culture and climate of high expectations,” said Monroe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Finch. “We specifically want to graduate students on time with the skills they need to be successful. We appreciate our students, teachers, staff, administrators, and community for helping us reach this graduation rate. Moving forward, our mission is simple: learn, grow, succeed. We will continue to chase this mission until we graduate 100% of our students.”
“Mary Persons High School’s exceptional graduation rate is a testament to the collective efforts of our entire school community. Our dedicated teachers provide high-quality instruction and inspiration, our families offer unwavering support and encouragement, and our students demonstrate commitment and perseverance each day," said Sherondah Epps, principal at Mary Persons High School. “It is an honor to lead a school that upholds high expectations, believes in the potential of every student, and works collaboratively to help them achieve their goals.”
Georgia’s high-school seniors recorded another all-time-high graduation rate – and significant year-over-year improvement – in 2025. The four-year graduation rate rose to 87.2% -- up from 85.4% in 2024, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.




From teacher appreciation gifts and educator discounts to fundraisers at all schools, their artwork has been more than just beautiful—it has been a gift that supports students and staff alike. DK Designs has also sponsored our band programs and gone above and beyond by donating 100% of their proceeds for band fundraisers, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to our students.
Drew and Kim’s commitment is a reminder that education is strengthened not only in classrooms, but also by the businesses and community members who choose to invest in our schools. Their generosity has touched teachers, students, and families across Monroe County. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and their heart for education, and are proud to recognize DK Designs as a Monroe County Schools Friend of Education. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #FriendofEducation







Our Monroe County Middle School Nutrition Team is back at it, serving culinary-prepared meals and providing students with access to Georgia-grown foods and seasonal menu options. Manager Rebecca Williams and her nutrition assistants take pride in ensuring the daily food options served in the cafeteria are both nutritious and delicious. She knows eating school meals boosts the brain and provides energy to help students stay focused and ready to learn. Check out this homemade pizza with corn, salad, carrots and celery, a fruit cup, and GA Grown watermelons from Cordele, "The Watermelon Capital of GA."
#GATrayoftheWeek #FuelingGA






“It is with great pleasure that we open our brand new College and Career Academy,” said Dr. Finch. “This facility will build upon and amplify our vision of developing students with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Our mission is simple: that our students will learn, grow, and succeed every day at our brand new CCA.”
Mrs. Laura Rackley, Assistant Superintendent for CTAE Programs and College and Career Academy CEO, has worked tirelessly to expand partnerships and opportunities for our students in the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education fields.
“This year we have occupational dual enrollment through Central Georgia Technical College. Dr. Allen and his team from CGTC do a phenomenal job coordinating and supporting dual enrollment,” said Mrs. Rackley. ”We are also excited to launch onsite academic dual enrollment through Middle Georgia State University, and we have students taking courses locally at Gordon State College and Southern Crescent Technical College. Postsecondary partnerships are a key factor in a successful college and career academy.”
These partnerships will provide new ways for our students to access needed programs to prepare them for college or careers after high school.
“Through the College and Career Academy, our district now offers 23 different CTAE pathways in addition to our Advanced Academic pathways, Fine Arts pathways, and World Language Pathways,” said Mrs. Rackley. “We are also offering students many dual enrollment courses here on campus for the first time, where they can earn both high school and college credit in both academic and occupational areas without ever having to leave the school campus, increasing accessibility for all students.“
The new College & Career Academy will also benefit our community. Monroe County Board of Education Chairman, and local business owner, Greg Head knows first hand how important it is to have an educated workforce.
“This Career Academy will be vital to providing specific skill sets to students. Parents may not know all the local companies that are looking for qualified people. We are providing Welding here, GPTC and TEN8 use welders, our local hospital and our local physical therapist can acquire qualified workers from here. This Academy is going to be a great asset to the citizens of Monroe County,” said Mr. Head.
Chairman Head believes the CCA will help our students build a strong future in Monroe County.
“We always talk about progress. Many parents have asked me about getting more work based skillsets in our schools, construction, automotive, welding, nursing, HVAC, etc, something when the students complete they have a certification to show for all their hard work. Now we have delivered by not only building this facility but also hiring quality instructors and capable individuals that will press our wishes forward. This board and admin have put plans into place for the future growth, both residential and economic. We are now getting to see some of the fruits of the work that our citizens have asked us to do. It feels great to be able to serve and actually deliver. Promises made, promises kept,” said Mr. Head.
The new building that houses both the MCCCA and the Freshman Campus cost $22,882,676.82 to build. In December 2022, Monroe County Schools received a $3.1 million grant from the state to help fund the College & Career Academy. Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, dollars were used to pay the rest. We’d like to thank the Monroe County community, as well as the visitors who stop and shop here, for helping provide this wonderful new opportunity for our students.
You can view the full gallery here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BtStMWmQTne9AZbZ9

Remember, if you want to see this beautiful new facility, you can join us tomorrow night at 5 p.m. for our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed #CTAE




The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in called session on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. The purpose of this meeting is personnel. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence


Get your students ready for the new school year with a morning full of music, fun, and free school supplies! Join us for our annual Back to School Rally and ensure your children are prepared for success in the upcoming academic year. It will take place Saturday, July 26, at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. We hope to see you there! #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed






