T. J. Elder Middle School reports enrollment of 141 white students for 2024-25

T. J. Elder Middle School recorded 141 white students enrolled in the 2024-25 school year, marking a 4.7% decrease from the prior year, reports the Georgia Department of Education.

With an overall enrollment of 591 students in 2024-25, white students represented 24% of the school’s population, standing as the second-largest demographic group.

The school is a part of Washington County Schools, whose central office is located in Sandersville.

Within Washington County Schools, which includes four schools, Washington County High School saw the highest count of white students in 2024-25, enrolling 214 students.

The National Center for Education Statistics indicated Georgia’s public school student demographics as roughly 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 be a significant challenge for Georgia schools, with 20.7% of students in 2024 missing 10% or more of school days, the Georgia Department of Education reports. To address this, GaDOE started a statewide campaign utilizing a real-time attendance dashboard, launching a public awareness initiative, and providing targeted support in high-need districts to encourage daily attendance.

New school attendance legislation was passed by Georgia lawmakers in 2025, prohibiting expulsions for absenteeism alone and mandating added reporting requirements, while expanding options for students to earn diplomas through alternate programs.

As of 2026, Georgia’s average student-teacher ratio was about 14:1, which is ahead of the national rate of 15:1.