For the 2024-25 school year, Michelle Obama STEM Elementary Academy recorded an enrollment of 19 white students, which marked a 5.6% increase over the prior year, as indicated by the Georgia Department of Education.
Overall enrollment at the academy reached 993 students during the same period. White students accounted for 2% of the student population, making them the second least-represented group at the school.
The academy is part of the Clayton County School District, headquartered in Jonesboro.
Of the 65 schools within Clayton County School District, Jonesboro High School registered the largest number of white students in the 2024-25 school year, with 47 reported.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that student demographics in Georgia public schools comprise 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 10% or more school days in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Education. In response, GaDOE has started a statewide effort that introduces a real-time attendance dashboard, conducts public awareness outreach, and offers focused assistance to districts in greatest need.
Legislation passed by Georgia lawmakers in 2025 amends attendance regulations, preventing students from being expelled only for absenteeism. It adds new requirements for data reporting and integrates strategies assisting students in obtaining diplomas via alternative programs.
By 2026, Georgia’s average student-to-teacher ratio was about 14:1, which is more favorable than the U.S. average of 15:1.
| School Year | Total Enrollment | Total white students | % of white students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 715 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019-20 | 720 | 7 | 1% |
| 2020-21 | 688 | 13 | 2% |
| 2021-22 | 850 | 17 | 2% |
| 2022-23 | 973 | 19 | 2% |
| 2023-24 | 902 | 18 | 2% |
| 2024-25 | 993 | 19 | 2% |
