Katherine B. Sutton Elementary School counts 162 African American students for 2024-25

In the 2024-25 school year, Katherine B. Sutton Elementary School had 162 African American students enrolled—an increase of 16.5% compared to the prior year, based on data from the Georgia Department of Education.

Records indicated the school’s total student body was 676 for the same year, with African American students accounting for 24% and comprising the second-largest group.

The school operates within the Monroe County School District, which is based in Forsyth.

Within Monroe County School District’s five schools, Mary Persons High School reported the largest number of African American enrollees, with 312 students for 2024-25.

Georgia public schools enrolled more than 1.7 million students, according to data in the Georgia Department of Education’s Fiscal Year 2026-1 report. Enrollment figures were highest at the elementary level (787,206 students, or 45.9%), trailed by middle school (388,733 students, or 22.7%) and high school (539,092 students, or 31.4%).

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant concern in Georgia after the pandemic; 20.7% of students missed at least 10% of the school days in 2024, based on Georgia Department of Education statistics. To address this, the GaDOE rolled out a statewide plan that includes a real-time attendance dashboard, heightened public awareness efforts, and focused assistance in districts with elevated absentee rates.

For 2025, state lawmakers approved changes to attendance law, prohibiting expulsion solely due to absences. The legislation also implements new reporting requirements and supports pathways for students to earn diplomas through alternative means.

As of 2026, Georgia posted an average student-to-teacher ratio around 14:1, bettering the national average of 15:1.