The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement has named five Oconee County schools to their list of Highest Performing Schools and/or Greatest Gains Schools. Statewide, less than 10% of schools receive this level of recognition, which is based on College and Career Ready Performance Index data from the last three years. In Northeast Georgia, a total of seven schools were named to the list – five of which are in Oconee County.

“I commend our teachers, principals, students and parents for their dedication to sustained excellence – as this award is based on achievement and progress over a three-year period,” said Superintendent Jason Branch. “We are very blessed in Oconee County to have such dedicated teachers and administrators, supportive parents and incredibly hard-working students who continue to achieve at the highest of levels.”

Highest Performing Schools must earn a three-year CCRPI Achievement Score in at least the 93rd percentile. Greatest Gains Schools must earn a three-year CCRPI Progress Score in at least the 93rd percentile.

The full list of schools honored in Oconee County is below:

Highest Performing Schools

• High Shoals Elementary School (Bronze)

• Malcom Bridge Elementary School (Silver)

• North Oconee High School (Gold)

• Oconee County Elementary School (Silver)

• Oconee County High School (Gold)

Greatest Gains Schools

• High Shoals Elementary School (Bronze)

• Malcom Bridge Elementary School (Gold)

• North Oconee High School (Platinum)

• Oconee County High School (Bronze)

Only 2.5% of schools in the state were named to both lists, and four out of 55 of those schools are in Oconee County.

“Congratulations to the educators and administrators in Georgia’s award-winning schools who have exceeded expectations in preparing their students," said Governor Nathan Deal. “By implementing the best methods for teaching young minds, educators at Highest Performing and Greatest Gains schools are going above and beyond to help their students develop the skills needed for future success. Young minds are Georgia’s most valuable resource and we appreciate the schools across the state working to provide each student with an opportunity to succeed.”