Original Research by School Decision on Bob Richards Regional Youth Detention Center
Bob Richards Regional Youth Detention Center is an alternative school serving grades five through twelve, operated by the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. It is located in Rome, a mid-sized northwest Georgia city known for its historic downtown and riverfront revitalization.
The school serves a small cohort of students, with enrollment concentrated in the ninth and tenth grades. About two-thirds of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The student body is racially diverse, with a majority Black student population alongside White and multiracial students.
State assessment data for the school is not publicly reported at the proficiency level. The school participated in Georgia Milestones testing in mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies during the most recent school year, with small numbers of students tested in each subject and grade. Because proficiency rates are not available in the state data, it is not possible to characterize academic performance using standard measures. This gap reflects the nature of alternative and institutional settings, where state reporting practices often differ from those for traditional public schools. A parent seeking detailed information about student progress and outcomes at this facility should contact the school directly.
The school's setting in Rome places it within a city experiencing downtown revitalization and growth as a bedroom community for Atlanta. Housing in the area is more affordable than state and national benchmarks, and the local economy combines healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail. The city has a walkable downtown core centered on Broad Street, with a network of parks, libraries, and public transit serving residents.
Graduation rate data was not available for this school, which is typical for alternative and detention facilities where students may have varied pathways and timelines toward credential completion. Information about specialized programming, course offerings, and support services would be best obtained directly from the school or the Department of Juvenile Justice.
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