Shaw High School reports 636 African American students for 2024-25

During the 2024-25 school year, Shaw High School had 636 African American students enrolled—representing a 4.6% decline from the prior year, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

Overall, Shaw High School’s enrollment reached 1,136 students in 2024-25. African American students made up 56% of the student population, the largest demographic at the school.

Shaw High School is situated within Muscogee County School District, which has its central office in Columbus.

Within the district’s 51 schools, Carver High School recorded the largest number of African American students in 2024-25, with 734 students enrolled.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported public school enrollment in Georgia as roughly 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 affect Georgia schools, with 20.7% of students missing 10% or more school days in 2024, the Georgia Department of Education reported. Efforts to combat this issue include a statewide initiative with a real-time attendance dashboard, targeted support for districts with high needs, and a public awareness campaign as detailed by GaDOE.

Legislation enacted by Georgia lawmakers in 2025 amended attendance laws, prohibiting expulsion solely for absenteeism and introducing new reporting rules. The changes also align with programs designed to help students earn diplomas through alternative pathways.

According to data for 2026, Georgia had an average student-to-teacher ratio of about 14:1, outperforming the national average of 15:1.