Rome City Schools students continued to Move the Needle during the 2025-2026 school year, posting gains across multiple grade levels and subject areas on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments, including significant improvements in math, science, and social studies.
Overall, the district saw math performance increase by 4.5 percent for students scoring proficient and above and 7.1 percent for students performing developing and above, with notable improvements in multiple grade levels and schools.
Among the highlights:
Math: Third Grade Math Increased 8.6 percent, Fifth Grade Math Increased 6 percent, Seventh Grade Math Increased 7.8 percent, and Algebra 1 Increased 5.1 percent
Science: Fifth Grade Science Increased by 7.3 percent, District Wide Increase of 2.6 percent
Social Studies: US History Increased proficient and above by 7.9 percent
Six out of eight schools showed growth in proficient and above in Math while two schools saw the same amount of growth as last year. Elm Street Elementary led the district with 16.3 percent growth.
"We are proud of the progress our students continue to make because these results represent the hard work happening in classrooms across our district every day," Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said. "Moving the Needle isn't just a slogan. It's our commitment to continuously improving instruction and creating more opportunities for every student to succeed. While we're encouraged by these results, we know there is always more work to do, and we're committed to building on this momentum."
Rome City Schools has continued to invest in teaching and learning through a comprehensive strategy focused on high-quality instruction, literacy, mathematics, instructional coaching and data-driven decision making.
Over the past year, the district has expanded professional learning for teachers and administrators, strengthened collaborative planning, continued using high-quality instructional materials, and supported schools through academic coaches, interventionists and the Teaching, Leading and Learning Division. District leaders have also focused on instructional vision walks, ongoing coaching and 45-day data team meetings to ensure schools receive timely support throughout the year.
"Our goal is not simply higher test scores," Holland said. "Our goal is to ensure every student graduates prepared for college or work. These assessments give us valuable information about where we're succeeding and where we need to focus next so we can continue helping every student reach his or her potential."
While the district celebrates its successes, Rome City Schools will continue analyzing assessment data to identify opportunities for additional growth. District leaders will work alongside principals and teachers to refine instructional practices, provide targeted professional learning and implement strategies designed to increase student achievement across all grade levels.
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System measures student learning in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Students in grades 3-8 take End-of-Grade assessments, while high school students complete End-of-Course assessments in designated subjects. Student performance is reported in four achievement levels: Beginning Learner, Developing Learner, Proficient Learner and Distinguished Learner. The state will release ELA results later this school year.