Harpst Academy sees 10 African American students enroll for 2024-25

In the 2024-25 school year, Harpst Academy reported enrolling 10 African American students—an increase of 150% compared to the prior year, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

Overall, the school had a total enrollment of 31 students during the same period. African American students accounted for 34% of the student population, making them the second-largest demographic group at the academy.

Harpst Academy is part of the Polk County School District, which is headquartered in Cedartown.

Of the 11 schools comprising the Polk County School District, Rockmart High School had the largest number of African American students in the 2024-25 school year, with a total enrollment of 198.

Figures from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate Georgia’s public school students were made up of approximately 36.4% Black, 35.9% white, 18.1% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 4.6% multiracial, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Pacific Islander.

Chronic absenteeism continues to challenge Georgia schools following the pandemic, with 20.7% of students missing 10% or more school days in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Education. The agency responded by launching a statewide initiative that includes a real-time attendance dashboard, a public awareness campaign, and focused support for high-need districts to improve daily attendance rates.  

In 2025, Georgia legislators adopted new rules that prohibit schools from expelling students solely for absenteeism. The updated law also introduced additional reporting guidelines and aligns with programs allowing students to complete their diplomas through alternative pathways.

As of 2026, Georgia’s average student-to-teacher ratio stood at approximately 14:1, which is better than the nationwide average of 15:1.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia Department of Education. The source data can be found here.