Six Hispanic students attend Second Chance in 2023-24, a 40% drop from last year

In the 2023-24 school year, six Hispanic students attended Second Chance, marking a 40% decline compared to the prior year, reports the Georgia Department of Education.

The school’s total student count reached 53 for the 2023-24 school year. Hispanic students made up 12% of the total population, making them the second least represented ethnic group at the school.

Second Chance is part of Evans County School District and has its central office in Claxton.

Claxton Elementary School, one of four schools in Evans County School District, saw the highest number of Hispanic students enrolled in 2023-24, tallying 191 students.

The Georgia Department of Education’s Fiscal Year 2025-3 report states that more than 1.7 million students attended Georgia public schools. Elementary school students accounted for approximately 806,891 (46.5%), with 393,308 (22.7%) in middle school and 536,379 (30.9%) in high school.

Chronic absenteeism persists as a serious concern in Georgia schools since the pandemic. In 2024, 20.7% of students missed 10% or more of all school days, Georgia Department of Education numbers show. In response, GaDOE implemented a statewide push featuring a real-time attendance dashboard, expanded public awareness efforts, and direct support for high-need districts aiming to improve daily attendance.

A new law passed by Georgia lawmakers in 2025 now prohibits expulsion solely for absenteeism. The measure introduces additional reporting duties and coordinates with alternative programs that give students options to receive diplomas.

As of 2025, Georgia’s average student-to-teacher ratio is about 14:1, which is better than the national average of 15:1. The best ratios in the state occur in preschool at about 13:1; elementary and middle schools average 14:1, and high schools have a larger average ratio at 16:1.