Georgia among states with highest proportion of low-income...

The majority of students in U.S. public schools now come from low-income households, according to an analysis of new federal data by the Atlanta-based Southern Education Foundation.

The latest numbers, collected from states by the National Center for Education Statistics, show that 51 percent of public school students were from low-income households in 2013, according to the report.

Mississippi topped the list, with nearly three out of four students eligible for the federal free or reduced-price meal program in schools. Georgia had the seventh largest proportion of low-income students, at 60 percent.

The finding echoes research by the U.S. Census Bureau, which found rising child poverty rates since the Great Recession, especially in the South and West. The growth in what Georgia calls "economically disadvantaged" students predates the recession though, and has taken a toll on classrooms in metro Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in December. Low-income students became the majority in Georgia in 2007, up from 42 percent in 1995.

About the Author

Before indictment of schools chief, DeKalb audited P-cards. Here’s what they found.

The audit found instances where people spent more than the daily limit and made unauthorized purchases.

Blank Foundation pledges $50 million to boost grad rates at Atlanta’s HBCUs

The 10-year initiative will provide "gap scholarships" to help nearly 10,000 students at Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Morris Brown and Spelman finish their degree program.

DeKalb superintendent’s alleged financial misdeeds were public before 2023 hiring

Allegations that DeKalb County Superintendent Devon Horton awarded no-bid contracts to his friends pre-date his hiring in DeKalb.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Before indictment of schools chief, DeKalb audited P-cards. Here’s what they found.

Blank Foundation pledges $50 million to boost grad rates at Atlanta’s HBCUs

DeKalb superintendent’s alleged financial misdeeds were public before 2023 hiring

Featured

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

Council president race highlights politics of policing in Atlanta

The race pits an established council member who warns against public safety changes against a progressive who wants a new approach.

Why some Atlantans are saying ‘Hello’ again, or for first time, to landlines

Whether it’s a parent restricting a child’s access to social media or a young adult avoiding doom scrolling, a new generation of landlines is trending.

I-85’s landmark piano in the sky to come down ahead of music shop’s move

This is the sign’s swan song. Cooper Piano in Brookhaven has sold its building on Northeast Expressway and will move its showroom to a smaller space in Chamblee.