427 African American students attend Sumter County Middle School for 2024-25

In the 2024-25 school year, 427 African American students were enrolled at Sumter County Middle School, representing an 8.1% increase from the prior year, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

The school’s total student body numbered 562 for the 2024-25 school year. African American students comprised 76% of the total, making them the largest demographic group at the school.

Sumter County Middle School is part of the Sumter County School District, which has its central office in Americus.

Of the five schools in the Sumter County School District, Sumter County High School had the largest number of African American students in the 2024-25 school year, reporting 762 enrollments.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that public school students across Georgia were 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 be a challenge in Georgia schools following the pandemic, with 20.7% of students missing at least 10% of school days in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Education. To address this concern, the department introduced statewide measures including an attendance dashboard, public information campaigns, and support for districts with high absence rates.

In 2025, legislation updating Georgia’s school attendance policies was enacted, prohibiting expulsions based solely on absenteeism. The new law also introduces reporting requirements and connects with programs providing alternative pathways for students to obtain diplomas.

By 2026, Georgia’s student-to-teacher ratio averaged about 14:1, which favorably compares to the national average of 15:1.