Clayton County’s school district has full accreditation status, officials announced Tuesday.

Such designations have not been a given for Clayton, the state’s fifth-largest school district.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement revoked Clayton’s accreditation in 2008, in large part due to infighting among school board members. It was the first school system in the nation to lose accreditation in 40 years.

Colleges and universities typically require students to have graduated from an accredited school when considering admission.

Clayton regained its status in 2009, but was put on probation for two years. The district was accredited on advisement in 2013. The council elevated Clayton’s status from advisement to accredited, based on a progress report the district submitted earlier this year, Clayton officials said in a news release.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Devon Horton talks with members of the media after the DeKalb County Board of Education hired Horton for the superintendent position in April 2023. Horton discusses the district's priorities during an address Thursday. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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

Featured

Much of Georgia is under a Level 3 of 5 risk for severe weather on March 31, 2025. The far northern portion of the state is under a Level 2 and 1 risk.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News