For a fifth consecutive year, a third of all Fulton County schools have been recognized for improving and promoting academic excellence, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

The Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) recognition program awarded 31 Fulton County schools — the second-highest number of any school system in the state — in two categories: Greatest Gains and Highest Performance.

Schools in the Greatest Gains category showed the greatest improvement in scores on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) or the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT). Those in the Highest Performance category demonstrated the highest achievement on the CRCT or GHSGT. Awards are granted in four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. (See chart for a description of awards criteria)

In addition, three of Fulton’s four Greatest Gains schools — Heards Ferry Elementary, Alpharetta High and TEACH Charter High —also were featured in the High Performance category. Of the 327 schools listed statewide, they are three of only 20 schools statewide to receive awards in both categories. Fulton County has the most schools statewide earning the award in both categories.

Greatest Gains

Platinum

Heards Ferry Elementary

Alpharetta High

Gold

TEACH Charter High

Bronze

Sandy Springs Middle

Highest Performance

Platinum

Findley Oaks Elementary

Shakerag Elementary

Alpharetta High

Chattahoochee High

Northview High

Gold

Barnwell Elementary

Crabapple Crossing Elementary

Medlock Bridge Elementary

Mountain Park Elementary

Wilson Creek Elementary

Summit Hill Elementary

Milton High

Silver

Abbotts Hill Elementary

Cogburn Woods Elementary

Dolvin Elementary

New Prospect Elementary

Ocee Elementary

State Bridge Crossing Elementary

Autrey Mill Middle

Fulton Science Academy

Northwestern Middle

River Trail Middle

Webb Bridge Middle

Roswell High

TEACH Charter High

Bronze

Creek View Elementary

Heards Ferry Elementary

Lake Windward Elementary

Sweet Apple Elementary

Centennial High   

The SSAS award structure combines criteria for making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a cornerstone of the No Child Left Behind Act, with performance data on state curriculum exams.

The recognized schools will receive an acknowledgement letter from State Superintendent Kathy Cox and a special banner announcing the award.