The Georgia Department of Education recently recognized eight Richmond County schools for outstanding academic improvement and performance, with one school exiting a state improvement list for students with disabilities. C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School was also named a Title I Distinguished School, ranking among Georgia's top performing Title I schools.

"This recognition highlights the hard work and determination of our students, educators, and families to achieve meaningful progress," said Dr. Malinda Cobb, Interim Superintendent of Schools. "Making gains on these state lists shows that our schools are committed to overcoming challenges, closing gaps, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality education."

C.T. Walker Magnet is among Georgia’s top 5% of Title I schools based on combined English Language Arts and math content mastery scores from statewide assessments.

Eight Richmond County schools received recognition for significantly improving academic performance over the past year. Schools demonstrated at least a 5% increase in their College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Content Mastery score to qualify for the list.

Our 2023-2024 CSI Progress schools are A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School, Bayvale Elementary School, Copeland Elementary School, Glenn Hills Elementary School, Jenkins White Elementary School, Richmond Hill K-8 School, Spirit Creek Middle School, and W.S. Hornsby Elementary School.

In addition, Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School successfully exited the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) list in the subgroup for students with disabilities for making key improvements in college and career readiness. Five schools were added to the list in the same subgroup, including Barton Chapel Elementary School, T. Harry Garrett Elementary School, Monte Sano Elementary School, Richmond Hill Middle School and John M. Tutt Middle School.

The Georgia Department of Education lists CSI and TSI schools every three years and updates them annually, giving schools the opportunity to exit by demonstrating improved performance.