7 Major Updates And Achievements At Cedar Shoals High School You Need To Know In 2025

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Cedar Shoals High School (CSHS), a cornerstone of the Athens, Georgia community since 1972, is currently undergoing a period of significant transformation and success, making the 2024–2025 school year one of its most dynamic. This article provides a deep dive into the most current and critical updates, from a massive, multi-phase renovation project to prestigious academic accolades and a renewed focus on post-secondary student success.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the school, known as the home of the Jaguars and a proud part of the Clarke County School District (CCSD), is buzzing with new construction, academic honors, and preparations for its biggest annual athletic event. The commitment to academic excellence and student development at Cedar Shoals continues to set it apart in the region.

The Latest CSHS Biography and Institutional Profile

Cedar Shoals High School is a public institution with a rich history, serving the eastern side of Athens-Clarke County. Its profile reflects a diverse and dedicated student body, focused on preparing students for college and careers.

  • Location: 1300 Cedar Shoals Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30605
  • Established: 1972
  • School District: Clarke County School District (CCSD)
  • Mascot: Jaguar
  • Enrollment: Approximately 1,537 students (Grades 9–12)
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Rivalry: Clarke Central High School (The "Classic City Championship" in football is a major annual event)
  • Recent Recognition: Named an AP Honor School for 2025

1. The Massive 2024–2025 E-SPLOST Renovation Project

One of the most visible and impactful changes at Cedar Shoals is the kick-off of its second major renovation since the school’s founding. The project, funded through the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST), began in January 2024 and is expected to reach completion in Fall 2025.

This comprehensive building refresh is addressing needs that have accumulated over the past two decades, ensuring the facilities match the school's high educational standards. The project is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption to the learning environment.

Phase 3: Focus on Athletic Facilities

Recent plans highlight a significant investment in the school's athletic infrastructure, particularly for the Jaguar baseball and softball programs. Key components of Phase 3 include:

  • New construction of a modern Baseball Pressbox and Concession building.
  • Construction of a new Batting Cage facility to enhance practice capabilities.
  • Interior renovation of the existing Softball pressbox and concession facilities.

These facility upgrades are critical for supporting the student-athletes and the broader Cedar Shoals community that attends games and events.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School Status for 2025

Academically, Cedar Shoals High School continues its upward trajectory, earning the prestigious designation as an Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School for 2025. This recognition from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is based on the results of the 2024 AP exams and places CSHS among an elite group of high schools across the state.

The AP Honor School status reflects the school's success in broadening access to rigorous coursework and ensuring students perform well on college-level examinations. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of both the students and the teaching faculty in fostering a culture of academic excellence.

3. Major Grant for Post-Secondary Success

In a significant boost to its college and career readiness programs, Cedar Shoals High School was awarded a substantial $135,000 Graduates Ready to Attain Success in Post-Secondary Success (GRASP) Grant.

The GRASP Grant, provided by the Georgia Department of Education, is specifically designed to expand and enhance the resources available to students as they navigate the complex application processes for college, technical school, or military service. This funding is crucial for increasing the school's graduation rate and ensuring students transition smoothly to their next phase of life.

4. Recognition of 2025 STAR Students and Scholars

The 2024–2025 school year has already seen the recognition of top-tier academic talent. Cedar Shoals announced its STAR Student for the 2025 graduating class—an honor given to the senior with the highest SAT score in their class.

Furthermore, in previous years, the school has celebrated students named as a Georgia Scholar, a distinction recognizing exceptional academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities. These individual successes underscore the overall quality of education and the competitive spirit within the school community.

5. The Enduring Rivalry: Classic City Championship

The biggest annual athletic event on the Athens calendar, the Classic City Championship football game, continues to be a highlight for the Jaguars. The 59th installment of this heated rivalry against Clarke Central High School is scheduled to open the season in August 2025.

While the 58th championship in 2024 resulted in a tough loss for CSHS, the tradition remains a powerful rallying point for students, alumni, and the entire Clarke County community, fostering school pride and a deep sense of local history.

6. Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Diversity

Cedar Shoals High School actively celebrates its diverse student body. A notable recent event was the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, where the school hosted festivities to honor Hispanic culture and heritage. Events like this are key to creating an inclusive environment and providing students with opportunities to share their background and learn from their peers.

7. Notable Alumni Who Found Success Beyond Athens

The success of Cedar Shoals graduates speaks volumes about the foundation the school provides. The list of notable alumni includes individuals who have reached national prominence in the arts and professional sports.

  • Tituss Burgess: An Emmy-nominated actor and singer, widely known for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Burgess is an Athens native and a proud CSHS alumnus.
  • DeDe Lattimore: A professional football linebacker who played in the NFL.
  • Ryan Huff: A professional football safety, further demonstrating the school's ability to develop collegiate and professional athletes.
  • Jalen Jackson: Another notable football alumnus who has made his mark in the sport.

From Broadway to the NFL, these alumni serve as an inspiration to current students, embodying the potential for success rooted in a Cedar Shoals education.

The Future is Bright for the Jaguars

The combination of major facility upgrades, prestigious academic honors like the AP Honor School designation, and dedicated funding through the GRASP Grant paints a picture of a school aggressively pursuing excellence. As the renovation nears its Fall 2025 completion, Cedar Shoals High School is poised to offer its students an even better environment for learning, competing, and growing. The ongoing commitment from the Clarke County School District and the Athens community ensures the Jaguars will continue to thrive.

7 Major Updates and Achievements at Cedar Shoals High School You Need to Know in 2025
cedar shoals high school
cedar shoals high school

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