South Georgia Times

There were 1,184 first grade students enrolled in Thomas County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.1% less than the previous year, according to reports from the Georgia Department of Education.

Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School welcomed the largest number of first grade students among county schools, registering 767 students during the 2022-23 school year.

Within Thomas County schools, the highest student count was found in ninth grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 12th grade.

Statewide, Thomas County ranked 46th in enrollment numbers, with a total of 15,987 students enrolled in the 2022-23 school year. It was also ranked 46th the year before.

As of 2024, Georgia has an average student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1, which is better than the national average of 16:1. The state has its best student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1 in pre-kindergarten and middle school grades, while high school has an average ratio of 17:1.

School name	# of 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School	767	48.9%	1,568
Jerger Elementary School	245	18%	1,358
Harper Elementary School	93	16.2%	574
Scott Elementary School	79	13%	609
Hand in Hand Primary School	0	0%	753
Cross Creek Elementary School	0	0%	1,532
Thomas County Middle School	0	0%	3,431