ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Education has recognized Literacy and Math Leader schools that demonstrated growth and excellence.
Release:
The Georgia Department of Education is recognizing schools that demonstrated exceptional achievement or growth in reading and mathematics during the 2024-2025 school year — naming Literacy Leader schools for excellence in reading and Math Leader schools for excellence in mathematics.
The Literacy Leader and Math Leader honors celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course assessments. The criteria recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades, and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.
“Strong literacy and math skills open the door for every opportunity our students will encounter in school, in their future careers, and in life,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The schools recognized as Literacy Leaders and Math Leaders have shown a deep commitment to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. I’m proud to honor their work and the positive impact they’re making on students across our state as we work to prepare all students for life.”
A total of 406 schools met the qualifications for recognition as 2024-2025 Literacy Leaders. Awards were given based on the outlined criteria at the elementary and middle-school levels, and at the high-school level based on the American Literature EOC, which is the state test for ELA in high school. Literacy Leader qualifications use the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which is based on the Lexile score associated with students’ performance on a subset of questions on the ELA assessment. GaDOE also recognized Literacy Leader schools for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.
A total of 479 schools met the qualifications for recognition as 2024-2025 Math Leaders. Awards were given based on the outlined criteria at the elementary and middle-school levels, and at the high-school level based on the Algebra: Concepts and Connections EOC, which is the state test for mathematics in high school. Math Leader qualifications are based on students achieving the Proficient Learner level or above on the Georgia Milestones mathematics assessments. GaDOE recognized Math Leader schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Woods will visit select schools identified as Literacy Leaders, Math Leaders, or both to recognize and congratulate them.
“It was truly an honor for Walnut Grove Elementary to receive these two recognitions, and we’re grateful for this program, which shines a light on schools that are making meaningful progress for students,” said Dr. Kenneth Cline, Principal of Walnut Grove Elementary in the Walton County School District. “The teachers and staff at Walnut Grove Elementary are deeply dedicated to the success of all learners, and receiving these recognitions is a reflection of their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence.”
Georgia’s continued progress in literacy and mathematics reflects sustained, statewide efforts to strengthen foundational learning. In recent years, GaDOE has implemented new, high-quality K-12 Mathematics Standards and launched comprehensive initiatives to support evidence-based literacy instruction, including professional learning, coaching support, and resources for classrooms. This school year, new English Language Arts standards — developed by Georgia educators and aligned to the science of reading — also took effect, ensuring students build strong reading, writing, speaking, and language skills from the earliest grades.
Statewide averages show strong increases in mathematics proficiency, with two consecutive years of improvement following the implementation of the new mathematics standards. The state is also seeing momentum in literacy, particularly in areas of intensive focus – such as the highest-need elementary schools where GaDOE placed school-level literacy coaches.
