The Rockdale County School District (also referred to as Rockdale County Public Schools or RCPS for short) is a public school district in Rockdale County, Georgia, the United States, based in Conyers. It serves the communities of Conyers and Lakeview Estates.
As of the 2010 census, the population was 85,215. The county seat is Conyers.
Since Rockdale’s founding, the county continues to grow economically. Through the development of the Georgia International Horse Park, Rockdale County hosted the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events.
Rockdale is also a Camera Ready Community, which offers highly desirable financial incentives, location diversity, production resources, and professional support to make any size production a true success. Rockdale continues to serve as a filming location for a number of movies and television shows.
In Rockdale County, there exist some of the best schools which would be a perfect fit for your child. You might want to consider the claim that education is a key part of a society’s growth and progress. When people are educated, they can significantly contribute to their families and society in various aspects and fields, thus creating a stable and stimulating community.
In Rockdale County Schools, you would get the value for the money you pay for your child’s education.
In reading this, you should expect to see the rankings of Rockdale County Schools, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, find out if it is an Ivy league school, and many more.
Are Rockdale County Schools good schools?
In an interview, 73% of residents in Rockdale County referred to the Rockdale school system as ‘good’. These are some reasons why I think Rockdale County Schools can generally be referred to as ‘good schools’.
- In Rockdale County, there are eleven elementary schools, four middle schools, four non-traditional Schools, and three high schools, most of which are handled by very competent staff.
- Within Rockdale County, 97.8% of teachers are licensed, and 95.2% have three or more years of experience.
- The student-to-teacher ratio in Rockdale County is lower than the state average, at 14:1. The district has 20 full-time counselors on staff.
- In Rockdale County, 39% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 38% tested at or above that level for math.
- In Rockdale County, 32% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 31% tested at or above that level for math.
- 39% of high school students also tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 20% tested at or above that level for math.
- Rockdale County spends $11,135 per student each year. It has an annual revenue of $191,393,000. Overall, the district spends $6,416.5 million on instruction, $3,855.5 million on support services and $747.3 million on other expenses.
- Students in Rockdale County have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Rockdale County High School is 28%. The total minority enrollment is 90%, and 67% of students are economically disadvantaged.
- Rockdale County High School is 1 of 3 high schools in the Rockdale County.
Why attend Rockdale County Schools
There are several reasons why you should consider enrolling in Rockdale County Schools. Here are a few-
- In Rockdale County Schools, there is great sense of community. Schools here are the heart of the county. They do so much more than just teach children. They host continuing education courses for adults, extracurricular activities, sporting events, academic clubs, public swimming pools, open libraries, and invite the community for local events, concerts, seminars, etc.
- In Rockdale County Schools, there are histories that go back generations. Everyone knows the teachers who work there. Parents often send their kids to the same educators who taught them when they were young. Sometimes this goes back to grandparents and even great grandparents. Older brothers can advise younger sisters what it was like to have this teacher or that principal.
- Students can take foreign languages, vo-tech, arts and humanities, independent studies, and advanced placement or college credit courses. Students can take advantage of a plethora of services designed to personalize their academic experience to meet their individual needs with special and gifted education, even choosing which teachers are the best fit for their learning styles.
- Rockdale County Schools, students learn a lot more than reading, writing and arithmetic in school. They also learn how to deal with different kinds of people. They are taught to learn to share this world with other humans from various racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual backgrounds. The more diverse an environment they grow up in, the more well-adjusted they will be for the adult world, and the less racist, sexist and prejudiced they’ll probably become. This diversity in Rockdale County Schools, has done a lot better than harm. It is one of the reasons why you should consider enrolling your child Rockdale County.
- In Rockdale County Schools, it is ensured that the schools spend their money more wisely. There are records for all monies spent and their records are an open book. All the spending decisions happen in public view. And the law requires that all expenses must relate to educating children.
- Rockdale County Schools, only under the most extreme circumstances would they expel a young person. No matter who your offspring is, no matter how good or bad a student, public school operators have faith they can help the youngster succeed. This is a good feature because they simply would not give up on your child on grounds of truancy.
- In Rockdale County Schools, when it comes to academic performance, they actually perform way better than most of their counter-parts. Their academic performance gets better as time goes by and this is one of the beautiful perks about the schools in Rockdale County.
- Schools use a regulated curriculum for all students. They are governed by their school district and follow policies and procedures established by the district office. This makes the schools in Rockdale County organized to a reasonable extent.
Are Rockdale County Schools Ivy League schools?
Read: Stokes County Schools Review | Admission, Requirements, Tuition, Calendar
Rockdale County Schools has some notable alumni in the persons of- Geoff Collins (American football), Georgia Tech football coach; Buck Farmer, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers Candace Hill, 100m and 200m sprint IAAF World Youth Championship winner; Neville Hewitt, inside linebacker for the Houston Texans
The graduates from the schools are also known to get into colleges like MIT with ease due to the up-to-date school system, it still isn’t high enough for Rockdale County Schools, to be referred to as an Ivy League school.
Rockdale County Schools Ranking
Below are the rankings of Rockdale County Schools according to Niche and US News.
- Rockdale County High School is ranked 190th within Georgia.
- Rockdale County Schools are ranked #8,515 in National Rankings
- Ranks #190 in Georgia High Schools
- Rockdale County Schools are ranked #108 in Atlanta, GA Metro Area High Schools
- Ranks #1 in Rockdale County High Schools
- Rockdale County Schools have 72% Black, 13% Hispanic, 10% White, 3% Two or More Races, 2% Asian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 0.1% American Indian/Alaska and 90% Native students.
Rockdale County Schools Acceptance Rate
The average acceptance rate in Rockdale County Schools is 52%. For Public Schools in Rockdale County Schools, the acceptance rate Is 93%. For elementary schools in Rockdale County Schools, is 87%
Rockdale County Schools Admission Requirements
In enrolling your child into any school, there are certain admission requirements you would have to meet up to. Parents and guardians will need to complete the forms and submit the documents required in order to ensure a complete registration process.
You may choose to complete all forms and submit them electronically, or you may complete the forms and turn them in in person at the school’s registration office. The documents you would need during this process are-
- Birth Certificate
- Immunization Records
- Health Assessment
- Name, Telephone Number and Address of previous school attended
- Report Card or Grade Placement Information
- Two proofs of residence
What is the tuition rate in Rockdale County Schools?
The tuition rate in Rockdale County costs between $540- $390. In enrolling in these schools, you would be required to pay the new student application fee of $50.
Read: Hamilton County Schools Review 2021 | Admission, Tuition, Requirements, Calendar
What are students at Rockdale County Schools like?
In Rockdale County, there are 49% of female students and 51% of male students. 70.0% of students in Rockdale County are also eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price meal program and 7.1% of students are English language learners.
The student body at the schools served by Rockdale County is 67.4% White, 11.5% Black, 15.8% Asian, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 67.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. In addition, 0.1% of students are two or more races, and 0% have not specified their race or ethnicity.
Scholarship Opportunities at Rockdale County Schools
The Junior Auxiliary Scholarships-
Every year, in May, this scholarship scheme presents $500 to graduating seniors from Rockdale County. To be eligible for this scholarship scheme, you must be a 12-grade student who has met all the necessary requirements for graduation.
You would also be required to complete an application form which requires that you provide your general background information, educational information, community service involvement, extra-curricular activities as well as any other important information which you think could be necessary and could boost your chances of getting the scholarship.
Also, you will provide two letters of recommendation. You must also have a CGPA of at least 3.0 or higher.
The committee makes the selection and your personal details would be concealed to prevent any form of bias.
NEMCC Tuition Assistance-
Every year, at the start of every school year, The NEMCC Tuition Assistance Scheme provides scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to attend universities, state colleges, technical colleges, or vocational programs.
Research has shown that in 2021, the Education Foundation and its donors awarded 300 scholarships totaling $1,000,000. Half of the students who applied for a scholarship in 2021 received a scholarship.
You can apply for the scholarship by visiting the website at www.nemcc.edu and filling the form given to you. Ensure you provide all of the necessary information as it would boost your chances of getting this scholarship.
CCTaylor Foundation Scholarships-
This scholarship scheme was established in 2006 and has been a source of joy to many since then. It does not only aid students in settling tuition funds but also help in covering the costs of the required books needed for the two semesters.
The scholarships given by this foundation are the main reason why students graduate from school debt-free. You must also have a CGPA of at least 3.0 or higher.
The committee makes the selection and your personal details such as your name, age and birth details would be concealed to prevent any form of bias. Their decision is also final and cannot be appealed.
Get2College.ORG-
This scholarship scheme would provide you with resources, support, and training for you to be able to source funds for your schooling.
You would also be required to complete an application form which requires that you provide your general background information, educational information, community service involvement, extra-curricular activities as well as any other important information which you think could be necessary and could boost your chances of getting the scholarship.
There are counselors and college admission recruiters who can help you sort out any challenges you may be facing in applying for this scholarship.
Read: Hanover County Schools | Admission, Requirements, Tuition, Calendar
Coleman Memorial Scholarship-
This scholarship is established in the loving memory of Kathryn I. Marsh Coleman and her beloved son James H. Coleman.
They had a dream of helping children who had been disadvantaged or disabled. They figured out a way to help young people by giving scholarships and grant to these special people.
The Coleman Memorial Scholarships is designed to benefit children with disabilities who are under the age of 18. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must show that you did some work in the summer no matter how little.
You must also have a GPA of at least 2.5 and you must also be an undergraduate. If you are economically disadvantaged, you must find a way of showing this in your application form.
What is the COVID policy in Rockdale County Schools like?
The Rockdale County Schools have taken cognizance of the evolving need for mitigation measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in a manner that allows schools to open and operate as safely as possible.
In consideration of the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Blue Ridge Health District, the School Board adopts this emergency policy for all students, staff, visitors, and vendors, of Rockdale County Schools.
This policy also covers children and staff in ACPS child care and school enrichment programs.
It is mandatory for students and employees to wear a mask or acceptable face covering at all times regardless of physical distancing, in a Rockdale County school building, in another Rockdale county facility, on school property or campus, or in a Rockdale County vehicle or bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rockdale County Schools offers a virtual option for K-12 students in addition to the five-day-a-week in-person default option for the 2021-2022 school year. The elementary virtual option will have teachers solely designated for virtual classes.
Heritage High School, Rockdale County High School, Salem High School
The best elementary schools in Rockdale County are- Barksdale Elementary School, Flat Shoals Elementary School, and C.J. Hicks Elementary School
Yes. The Rockdale County School System has a district-wide dress code. Students are also not allowed to wear hats or headgear inside the building.
Dr. Terry Oatts is currently the superintendent of Rockdale County schools.
Conclusion
As a parent, it is a known fact that you want the very best for your children’s education. Exploring school options in your local area can help you find a good fit for your child. As a parent, you would value choosing a school for your child that fits the normal learning style and family values.
Enrolling your child in a good school would be one of your highest priorities. After going through all these on Rockdale County Schools, I hope it would help you make a good decision.
