White students represent 39% of Mathews Elementary School’s enrollment for 2024-25

In the 2024-25 school year, Mathews Elementary School counted 239 white students in its enrollment—an 11.2% decrease compared with the previous year, data from the Georgia Department of Education showed.

Total enrollment at Mathews Elementary School was 613 students in 2024-25. White students comprised 39% of the overall population, making them the school’s largest group.

The school is part of the Muscogee County School District, which has its central office in Columbus.

Of the 51 schools in the Muscogee County School District, Northside High School reported the highest number of white students enrolled in 2024-25, with 550.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicated that student racial and ethnic breakdown in Georgia public schools was about 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 challenge Georgia schools after the pandemic, with 20.7% of students missing at least 10% of school days in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Education. In response, GaDOE launched a statewide effort that features a real-time attendance dashboard, a public awareness initiative, and additional support in high-need districts to improve attendance.

In 2025, Georgia lawmakers enacted changes to school attendance laws prohibiting expulsion solely based on absenteeism. These updates also require new reporting procedures and connect with pathways for students to earn diplomas through alternate routes.

By 2026, Georgia reported an average student-to-teacher ratio of about 14:1, better than the national figure of 15:1.