News and Events

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) - Richmond County School System students demonstrated continued academic growth on the 2025-2026 Georgia Milestones assessments, with gains across multiple mathematics, science and social studies assessments.

Systemwide, students improved on End of Course assessments in Algebra: Concepts and Connections, Biology and U.S. History. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 also showed gains in mathematics on End of Grade assessments, while eighth-grade students improved in science, physical science and social studies.

The results mirror statewide trends announced Thursday by the Georgia Department of Education, which reported continued improvement in mathematics, science and social studies. Richmond County School System students contributed to that progress with gains across multiple grade levels and subject areas.

"These results reflect the hard work taking place every day in our classrooms and the collective commitment of our students, educators, leaders and families," said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. "While Georgia Milestones is one measure of student achievement, we're encouraged by the progress our students continue to make. We will continue building on this momentum by strengthening instruction and ensuring every student is prepared to thrive, adapt and lead."

The following high schools demonstrated improvement on End of Course assessments:

• Algebra: Concepts and Connections: Academy of Richmond County, George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School, Hephzibah Comprehensive High School, T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School, Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School.  

• Biology: George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, Cross Creek Comprehensive High School, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School, Hephzibah Comprehensive High School, T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School, Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School and Westside Comprehensive High School.  

• U.S. History: George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School, T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School and Westside Comprehensive High School.  

English language arts assessment results will be released later this fall following the first administration of Georgia Milestones assessments aligned to Georgia's new English language arts standards.

Georgia Milestones assessments are administered each spring to students in grades 3-8 and in select high school courses. The assessments measure student learning and provide educators with information to support instruction and student achievement.

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) - The Richmond County School System will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-27 school year, allowing students at eligible schools to receive breakfast and lunch at no charge each school day.

By participating in CEP, the district eliminates the need for household meal applications, reducing administrative and printing costs while making it easier for families to access nutritious school meals. Parents and guardians no longer need to complete or submit meal applications for students attending participating schools.

The Richmond County School System's School Nutrition Program receives support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

The following Richmond County School System schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision during the 2026-27 school year and will provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students:

• Academy of Richmond County
• A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School
• A.R. Johnson Health Science & Engineering Magnet School
• Bayvale Elementary School
• Belair Elementary School
• Belair Middle School
• Blythe Elementary School
• C. T. Walker Traditional Magnet School
• Copeland Elementary School
• Cross Creek Comprehensive High School
•  Deer Chase Elementary School
• Diamond Lakes Elementary School
• Freedom Park K-8 School
• George P. Butler Comprehensive High School
• Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School
• Glenn Hills Elementary School
• Glenn Hills Middle School
• Goshen Elementary School
• Gracewood Elementary School
• Hephzibah Comprehensive High School
• Hephzibah Elementary School
• Hephzibah Middle School
• Jamestown Elementary School
• John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
• Lake Forest Hills Elementary School
• Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
• Langford-Tutt Middle School
• Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School
• McBean Elementary School
• Meadowbrook Elementary School
• Monte Sano Elementary School
• Pine Hill Middle School
• Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM)
• Richmond Hill Elementary School
• Richmond Hill Middle School
• Sue Reynolds Elementary School
• T. Harry Garrett Elementary School
• T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School
• Tobacco Road Elementary School
• W.S. Hornsby Elementary School
• W.S. Hornsby Middle School
• Warren Road Elementary School
• Westside Comprehensive High School
• Wheeless Road Elementary School
• Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School

Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) - The Richmond County School System has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education regarding its review of 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection submissions. 

The following statement is from Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb: 

“Our community may have seen recent news regarding a U.S. Department of Education investigation involving the review of Civil Rights Data Collection submissions from selected school systems, including Richmond County. While we understand this news may raise questions, I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Every student deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment, and every family deserves confidence that their child is cared for while at school. 

The Richmond County School System is one of 20 districts across Georgia and the nation to receive a letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights regarding the  2023–2024 Civil Rights Data Collection submission. According to OCR, the review will examine certain reported data and whether our policies, procedures, and response to allegations involving sexual harassment and sexual assault are consistent with Title IX requirements. 

OCR's letter also states that the initiation of this review is not evidence of a violation of federal civil rights laws or regulations. The Office for Civil Rights has indicated it will conduct a neutral review to determine compliance, and we will fully cooperate throughout the process. 

The Richmond County School System takes all reports involving student safety and employee misconduct seriously. We follow established federal and state laws, Board policies, and administrative procedures when responding to concerns, and we cooperate with law enforcement, child protection agencies, and other appropriate authorities as required. 

We will continue to work collaboratively with state and federal officials throughout this review while remaining focused on serving our students and supporting our schools. 

We remain committed to providing safe and secure learning environments where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for the trust you place in the Richmond County School System each day. We do not take that trust for granted, and we remain committed to earning it through our actions.” 

Hephzibah High School Freshman Orientation 2026–2027

Welcome to Hephzibah High School! Incoming ninth-grade students and their families are invited to complete the Freshman Orientation registration form for the 2026–2027 school year. Orientation is designed to help students make a smooth transition to high school by providing important information about academics, schedules, school expectations, extracurricular opportunities, and available support services. Please complete the form to register and receive event details.

Hephzibah High School Freshman Orientation 2026-2027

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) -  The Richmond County School System is reminding families to complete student registration, update annual contact information, and register for school bus transportation before the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Elementary school students will return to class on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Students attending K-8, middle, high, and magnet schools will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 6.

"We're asking every family to complete their annual update before school begins," said Deputy Superintendent of Operations Marcus Allen. "Our job is to make sure students arrive at school and return home safely each day. Completing your annual update gives us the information we need to plan bus service, communicate with families, and support the safe and secure learning environments our students deserve." 

Returning families can complete their annual update and bus registration through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Step-by-step instructions are available at rcboe.org/busregistration.

Families enrolling new students or transferring into the school system can register online at rcboe.org/registration. Registration assistance is available in person or by phone at schools from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays through July 29.

Families who need in-person assistance may also complete registration during Open House. Elementary schools will host Open House from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3. K-8, middle, high and magnet schools will host Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Students who register during Open House will receive their class schedule at a later date.