Two Dougherty County School System Elementary Schools were added to a list of distinguished Title I schools for being among the top 10 percent of schools in Georgia for improving student achievement on statewide assessments.

Lincoln Elementary Magnet School and International Studies Elementary Charter School were named a “High-Progress Reward School,” by the Georgia Department of Education.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods called the work being done at the two schools “exemplary,” and commended all of those involved in the educational process for the designation.

"Title I Reward schools, including those in Dougherty County, are doing exemplary work educating all students. I commend the educators, students, and parents in Dougherty for the work they've done and the example they've provided," Woods said.

Quote from Mr. Dyer:

“We’re proud of the work these schools are doing to keep the focus on student achievement and how they’re helping their students grow,” Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said.

According to the GaDOE, Reward Schools are Title I schools that fall into one of two categories:

• A Highest-Performing School is among the five percent of the state’s Title I schools with the absolute highest performance, over three years, for the “all students” group on the statewide assessments. A school may not be classified as a Highest-Performing School if it has been identified as a Priority or Focus School.

• A High-Progress School is among the 10 percent of the state’s Title I schools making the most progress in improving the performance of the “all students” group over three years on the statewide assessments. A school may not be classified as a High-Progress School if it has been identified as a Priority or Focus School.

Dr. Zeda George, the principal at International Studies Elementary Charter School, praised the hard work of her staff and students.

"We strive every day to give our students the best opportunities to succeed," Dr. George said. "We're grateful for the recognition from the state and will continue to put students first at International Studies."

Similarly, Dr. Todd Deariso, the principal at Lincoln, lauded the work of his staff and students.

“Lincoln has a long track record of providing a high level of instruction for our students,” Deariso said. “This honor is well deserved for our teachers and students who go the extra mile every day.”

The schools will be honored during the state Title I Conference in June.