Six white students were enrolled at Roberta T. Smith Elementary for the 2024-25 year—a 57.1% decrease from the prior year, reports the Georgia Department of Education.
Overall, enrollment at Roberta T. Smith Elementary reached 696 students in the 2024-25 year. White students represented 1% of the population, ranking as one of the smallest demographic groups at the school.
The elementary school is part of the Clayton County School District based in Jonesboro.
Of the 65 schools in the district, Jonesboro High School had the district’s highest white enrollment, with 47 students enrolled in 2024-25.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports Georgia’s public school student breakdown as 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 has remained a significant problem in Georgia schools following the pandemic. In 2024, 20.7% of students missed at least 10% of school days, according to the Georgia Department of Education. In response, GaDOE launched a statewide plan that features a real-time attendance dashboard, a public awareness effort, and support to help districts with the greatest need improve attendance rates.
Georgia lawmakers updated school attendance laws in 2025, prohibiting expulsion solely based on absenteeism. The legislation introduces added reporting responsibilities and connects with programs offering alternative diploma opportunities for students.
By 2026, Georgia’s average student-to-teacher ratio was about 14:1, exceeding the national average of 15:1.
| School Year | Total Enrollment | Total white students | % of white students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | 874 | 61 | 7% |
| 2011-12 | 928 | 55 | 6% |
| 2012-13 | 956 | 47 | 5% |
| 2013-14 | 934 | 37 | 4% |
| 2014-15 | 980 | 39 | 4% |
| 2015-16 | 972 | 38 | 4% |
| 2016-17 | 972 | 38 | 4% |
| 2017-18 | 996 | 29 | 3% |
| 2018-19 | 992 | 29 | 3% |
| 2019-20 | 958 | 28 | 3% |
| 2020-21 | 849 | 25 | 3% |
| 2021-22 | 840 | 16 | 2% |
| 2022-23 | 766 | 7 | 1% |
| 2023-24 | 717 | 14 | 2% |
| 2024-25 | 696 | 6 | 1% |
