Black students were the largest ethnic group in Ben Hill County schools in the 2024-25 school year, according to the Georgia Department of Education.
Of the 2,619 students attending Ben Hill County schools, 43.3% were Black. White students were the second-largest ethnic group, making up 40.7% of enrollment.
In the previous school year, Black students were also the largest group in Ben Hill County, accounting for 43% of the total enrollment.
Total enrollment in Ben Hill County schools declined by 2.9% in the 2024-25 school year compared with the previous year.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the racial and ethnic composition of public school students in Georgia was 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 remains a major issue in Georgia schools post-pandemic, with 20.7% of students missing 10% or more of school days in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Education. In response, GaDOE launched a statewide initiative including a real-time attendance dashboard, a public awareness campaign, and targeted support for high-need districts to boost daily attendance.
In 2025, Georgia lawmakers passed a bill updating school attendance laws to ban expulsion solely for absenteeism. The law also adds new reporting requirements and aligns with programs that help students earn diplomas through alternative paths.
As of 2026, Georgia had an average student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1, which is better than the national average of 15:1.
| School name | Most prevalent ethnic group | % of Total Student Population | Total Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitzgerald High School | Black | 43% | 849 |
| Ben Hill County Middle School | Black | 42% | 596 |
| Ben Hill County Primary School | Black | 48% | 621 |
| Ben Hill Elementary School | White | 45% | 553 |
