Lassiter High School
Lassiter High School is a public four-year high school in Marietta, Georgia, United States, serving students in grades 9 through 12 as part of the Cobb County School District.[1][2] Established in 1981 and named after Leamond N. Lassiter, a former Cobb County Board of Education member who served from 1944 to 1956, the school is located at 2601 Shallowford Road in suburban Atlanta and enrolls approximately 2,000 students (as of the 2024–25 school year).[1][3] The school emphasizes academic excellence through a flexible curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, where it holds AP Merit, STEM, and Humanities designations, as well as a nationally accredited STEM Academy offering biomedical and engineering pathways.[4] It is also certified as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) school, focusing on career preparation and diverse teaching methods to foster student responsibility and a positive learning environment.[4][5] Lassiter has earned repeated recognition for its performance, including multiple Georgia Public School of Excellence awards and designation as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, along with accreditation by Cognia for six years as of its most recent review.[1][4] In 2023, it ranked 13th among Georgia high schools and 406th nationally according to U.S. News & World Report, based on state test performance, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics; its students achieved average SAT scores of 1206 and ACT scores of 24 in 2025 and 2024, respectively, surpassing state and national averages.[6][4][7] The Class of 2024 saw 89% of graduates pursue four-year colleges, with the school producing 13 National Merit semifinalists for the class of 2025 and securing over $7 million in scholarships.[4] Athletically, Lassiter competes in Georgia High School Association Class 7A and has secured state championships in girls' soccer (2022), boys' soccer (2022 and 2023), and girls' swim and dive (2020 through 2025), among other successes.[4][8] The school's motto, “Reaching Excellence and Climbing Higher,” reflects its commitment to community involvement and extracurricular opportunities beyond academics and sports.[1]Overview and administration
Location and enrollment
Lassiter High School is situated at 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066, in the East Cobb area north of Atlanta.[9] Established in 1981 as part of the Cobb County School District, it serves students in grades 9 through 12.[1] As of the 2024–2025 school year, Lassiter High School enrolled 2,005 students, reflecting a slight increase from 1,949 in the 2023–2024 school year.[3][2] As of the 2023–2024 school year, the student-to-teacher ratio was 17.62 to 1, supporting a structured environment for its high school population.[2] Lassiter High School's colors are maroon and gold, and its mascot is the Trojans.[10][11] Student-led publications include Arête, the literary magazine; The Laureate, the student newspaper; and The Odyssey, the yearbook, which contribute to the school's vibrant campus culture.[4][12]Leadership and facilities
Lassiter High School operates as a public institution under the oversight of the Cobb County School District, which manages its governance, policies, and funding through mechanisms like the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Ed-SPLOST).[2] The school's administrative team, led by Principal Dr. Chris Richie as of 2025, focuses on student success and operational efficiency.[13] Key administrative contacts include the main office at (678) 494-7863 for general inquiries, the attendance office at (678) 494-7871 for absence reporting, and the counseling office at (678) 494-7866 for academic and personal support services.[1] The campus infrastructure supports a comprehensive educational environment with main academic buildings housing classrooms and specialized areas. Science labs are equipped for advanced coursework, including Project Lead The Way (PLTW) biomedical science programs and robotics stations as part of the STEM Academy.[14] The Lassiter Concert Hall, opened in 2013, serves as the primary auditorium for performing arts events, accommodating instrumental and choral performances with specialized acoustics.[15] Athletic and physical education needs are met by a modern competition gymnasium, completed in the late 2010s, which includes locker rooms and a multipurpose wrestling area.[16] The Media Center functions as the central library, providing resources, technology access, and instructional support to foster student-centered learning.[17] Facility management emphasizes integration of modern tools for academics and athletics, such as digital resources in labs and updated equipment in the gymnasium. As of 2023, no major expansions had occurred, though theater modifications were completed under Ed-SPLOST V initiatives to enhance performance spaces.[18] Ongoing maintenance efforts prioritize safety features, accessibility improvements, and routine upgrades across buildings to sustain a functional campus for over 1,900 students.[1]Historical background
Founding and naming
Lassiter High School was established in 1981 as part of the Cobb County School District's efforts to expand educational facilities in East Cobb, responding to the rapid population growth in the northern suburbs of Marietta.[19] This development addressed the increasing demand for secondary education in the area, where suburban expansion had outpaced existing school capacities during the late 1970s and early 1980s.[20] The school was named in honor of Leamond N. Lassiter (1879–1966), a lifelong resident of Cobb County who dedicated much of his life to advancing public education. Born in 1879, Lassiter served on the Cobb County Board of Education for 12 years from 1944 to 1956, including two years as chairman, during which he contributed significantly to improving school facilities and access to quality education across the district.[1] His advocacy for equitable public schooling left a lasting legacy, prompting the board to name the new high school after him upon its founding.[1] Upon opening in the fall of 1981, Lassiter High School welcomed its inaugural class of students, marking a key milestone in the region's educational infrastructure. The school's establishment reflected broader trends in Georgia's suburban growth, providing a dedicated facility for grades 9 through 12 in a community eager for enhanced academic opportunities.[21]Milestones and awards
Lassiter High School secured its first state athletic championship in girls' cross country in 1982, marking an early triumph in the school's competitive history.[22] The school's marching band also began earning national recognition that decade, with its inaugural performance at the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1988, followed by appearances in other major events like the Bands of America competition.[23] The institution has received multiple prestigious awards for academic excellence, including the Georgia Public School of Excellence designation in 1992, 1999, 2008, and 2010.[24][4] In 2000, it was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education for outstanding performance.[25] More recently, the Cobb County School District, encompassing Lassiter, underwent a comprehensive Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review in 2024, resulting in a six-year renewal that affirms the school's adherence to high educational standards.[26] Enrollment at Lassiter grew steadily into the 2020s, surpassing 1,900 students by the 2023–2024 school year, reflecting the school's expanding role within the Cobb County School District amid ongoing attendance zone adjustments.[2][27] In the 2024–2025 school year, Lassiter was recognized as a Literacy Leader by the Georgia Department of Education for exceptional reading achievement and as a Math Leader for proficient performance on Georgia Milestones assessments.[28][29]Academic programs
Curriculum and accreditation
Lassiter High School offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the Georgia Department of Education standards, encompassing core subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students engage in a flexible program that includes traditional coursework alongside advanced options to support diverse learning paths and college preparation. The school emphasizes rigorous academic standards while providing opportunities for exploration in various disciplines.[30] The curriculum features an extensive Advanced Placement (AP) program with 30 courses spanning English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, and career-technical areas, enabling students to earn college credit through College Board examinations. Complementing this, the Lassiter High School STEM Academy provides a research-based education focused on inquiry-driven learning, with pathways in accelerated science and mathematics, biomedical science, and engineering to foster innovation and technical skills. Career-technical education (CTAE) pathways prepare students for global careers through sequences in business, marketing, audio-video technology, engineering, and Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC), integrating practical applications with academic foundations. Arts integration occurs via required fine arts courses and AP offerings, while the Renaissance program recognizes and promotes academic excellence and character development for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher, encouraging a culture of achievement.[31][14][32][33][34] Lassiter High School is accredited by Cognia, the successor to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, following a recent district-wide Accreditation Engagement Review that confirms adherence to high educational standards. This accreditation ensures the school's programs meet rigorous criteria for quality and continuous improvement, with alignment to Georgia state requirements.[1][35] To graduate, students must earn 23 units, including four in English (encompassing ninth-grade literature/composition and American literature/composition), four in mathematics, four in science, three in social studies, one in health and physical education, three in career-technical education or a related sequence, one in fine arts, and four electives that may include technology and additional fine arts options. This structure promotes a balanced education preparing students for postsecondary opportunities.[30][36]Performance and rankings
Lassiter High School demonstrates strong performance on state assessments, with students achieving high proficiency rates in key subjects. In the 2024–2025 school year, 80.8% of students scored proficient or better in American Literature and Composition on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Course assessment, significantly exceeding the state average of 52.8%.[37] The school was recognized as a Literacy Leader and Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education for exceptional achievement or growth in reading and mathematics during the same period.[29] Overall proficiency rates include 73% in reading and 64% in mathematics, based on recent evaluations.[6] In national rankings, Lassiter High School is rated 13th among Georgia public high schools and 406th nationally by U.S. News & World Report for the 2025–2026 school year.[6] The ranking reflects robust Advanced Placement (AP) participation, with 66% of students taking at least one AP exam and 60% passing at least one.[6] It also ranks 24th among Georgia public high schools and 30th for college prep public high schools according to Niche.[38] The school excels in college readiness metrics, with a 98% four-year graduation rate surpassing the state average of 87.2% for the Class of 2025.[5] Average SAT scores stood at 1206 and ACT scores at 24.6 in 2025, both well above Georgia averages of 1038 and 21.4, respectively.[7][39] Approximately 69% of graduates pursue college or vocational programs, indicating strong postsecondary transitions.[5] Recent achievements include standout performances by the class of 2025 top students. Valedictorian Obadiah Cao, with a 4.764 GPA, plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University for computer science, while salutatorian Vikram Sharma, with a 4.762 GPA, has undecided college plans.[40]Student body
Demographics
Lassiter High School enrolls 1,949 students in grades 9 through 12 during the 2023–2024 school year.[2] This represents a slight increase from 1,945 students in the 2021–2022 school year, reflecting stable enrollment patterns.[2] The student body is nearly evenly divided by gender, with 957 males (49.1%) and 992 females (50.9%).[2] Racially and ethnically, the composition is predominantly White at 67.2% (1,310 students), followed by Hispanic or Latino at 11.6% (226 students), Asian at 7.5% (147 students), Black or African American at 7.5% (146 students), two or more races at 5.8% (114 students), American Indian or Alaska Native at 0.3% (5 students), and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander at 0.1% (1 student).[2]| Racial/Ethnic Group | Number of Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,310 | 67.2% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 226 | 11.6% |
| Asian | 147 | 7.5% |
| Black/African American | 146 | 7.5% |
| Two or More Races | 114 | 5.8% |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 5 | 0.3% |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 1 | 0.1% |