Georgia DOE releases list of top and most improved K-12 schools for 2025; see if your child’s school made the list

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has published its 2025 lists of Distinguished and Reward Title I schools, highlighting the highest-performing and most improved K-12 schools across the state. These schools have demonstrated outstanding achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and maths content mastery, based on the latest statewide assessments.Distinguished Schools represent the top 5% of Title I schools in Georgia for academic performance, while Reward Schools are recognised for showing the greatest improvement in those subjects over the last two years. Both lists focus on schools serving low-income communities, emphasising academic excellence and progress.Criteria for recognition of distinguished and reward schoolsTo qualify, schools must be Title I and must not be identified for Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI) or Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI).

Distinguished Schools are selected based on their ranking in combined ELA and maths scores, while Reward Schools are chosen for the highest gains in these scores between two consecutive school years, according to GaDOE’s official release.State School Superintendent Richard Woods, as quoted by WSBTV, stated, “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 noted the importance of recognising schools that have “faced real barriers and kept the focus on preparing students for life,” underscoring their determination to support children and communities.South Georgia schools among the distinguished and reward listsSeveral schools from South Georgia were included on both lists, as reported by WALB News. Eight schools from this region made the Distinguished Title I schools list, highlighting their strong academic performance. They are:Distinguished Schools - South Georgia• 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 SchoolIn addition, five South Georgia schools were recognised as Reward Schools for significant improvement:Reward Schools - South Georgia• Atkinson County Middle School• Ben Hill County Middle School• Ben Hill County Primary School• Norman Park Elementary School• Stringfellow Elementary SchoolThese schools rank in the top 5% for improvement in combined ELA and maths scores over two recent school years, reflecting notable progress in student mastery of these subjects.Title I schools set standards for academic excellence and growthThe distinction between Distinguished and Reward Schools highlights the dual focus on maintaining high achievement and fostering improvement among Title I schools. The 2025 recognitions serve as benchmarks for other schools working to overcome challenges and improve educational outcomes.Superintendent Woods emphasised in his statement, as reported by WSBTV, that these schools “believed in their kids and their communities, and that determination made all the difference.”

The honours reflect the commitment of educators and students alike to advancing learning in challenging environments.Parents and community members can access the full listings released by GaDOE to see if their local schools have been acknowledged in this year’s Distinguished or Reward categories. The detailed rankings provide insight into the schools leading Georgia in academic performance and growth among Title I institutions.