The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has officially released its 2025 lists for Distinguished and Reward Title I schools. These lists spotlight the highest-performing and most significantly improved K-12 schools throughout the state. Recognized institutions have demonstrated exceptional achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, based on the latest statewide assessments.
Distinguished Schools represent the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia for overall academic performance. Meanwhile, Reward Schools are celebrated for showing the most substantial improvement in ELA and math over the past two years. Both categories primarily focus on schools that serve communities with lower-income populations, emphasizing a commitment to academic excellence and measurable progress.
Criteria for Recognition of Distinguished and Reward Schools
To be eligible for these accolades, schools must operate under Title I status and must not be identified for Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI) or Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI). Distinguished Schools are chosen based on their cumulative ELA and math scores. Conversely, Reward Schools earn their recognition by demonstrating the highest gains in these scores across two consecutive school years, as detailed in GaDOE’s official announcement.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods, quoted by WSBTV, expressed his admiration, stating, “Just as we work to help all schools continuously improve, it’s essential that we take time to celebrate schools as they make great gains for students.” He further highlighted the importance of acknowledging schools that have “faced real barriers and kept the focus on preparing students for life,” emphasizing their unwavering dedication to supporting children and communities.
South Georgia Schools Among the Distinguished and Reward Lists
Several schools from the South Georgia region proudly earned a place on both distinguished and reward lists, as reported by WALB News. Eight schools from this area were named Distinguished Title I schools, a testament to their strong academic standing. They include:
- Atkinson County High School
- Berrien County Elementary School
- Berrien Primary School
- Hamilton Elementary School
- Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet
- Lee County Primary School
- Clyattville Elementary School
- Dewar Elementary School
Additionally, five South Georgia schools received recognition as Reward Schools for their significant strides in improvement:
- Atkinson County Middle School
- Ben Hill County Middle School
- Ben Hill County Primary School
- Norman Park Elementary School
- Stringfellow Elementary School
These institutions are among the top 5% in the state for showing improvement in combined ELA and math scores over the last two academic years, showcasing impressive progress in student learning.
Title I Schools Set Standards for Academic Excellence and Growth
The distinction between Distinguished and Reward Schools underscores a dual commitment: upholding high academic achievement and nurturing continuous improvement within Title I schools. The 2025 recognitions serve as inspiring benchmarks for other schools striving to overcome challenges and enhance educational outcomes across Georgia.
Superintendent Woods reiterated, as reported by WSBTV, that these schools “believed in their kids and their communities, and that determination made all the difference.” These honors truly reflect the profound commitment of both educators and students to advancing learning, particularly in challenging environments.
Parents and community members are encouraged to review the complete listings released by GaDOE to determine if their local schools have received acknowledgment in this year’s Distinguished or Reward categories. These detailed rankings offer valuable insights into the institutions leading Georgia in academic performance and growth among Title I schools.