Eight Richmond County School System (RCSS) schools were named "Literacy Leaders" and “Math Leaders” by the Georgia Department of Education for exceptional achievement and growth in reading and mathematics on Nov. 7. The statewide recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate excellent student progress and proficiency.      

“It’s wonderful to see our schools recognized for the progress our students are making” said Shawnda Stovall, president of the Richmond County Board of Education. “Our educators, administrators, and district staff have worked hard to help students grow as readers and thinkers, and to make math something every student can feel confident in.”   

A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School, Gracewood Elementary School, and Jamestown Elementary School were named 2024-2025 Literacy Leaders. Literacy Leader honors were given based on exceptional student achievement and growth on Georgia Milestones assessments, with awards determined by the percentage of students reading or performing at or above grade level in key “gateway grades” (third, sixth, and high school) and by significant year-over-year improvement across all grade levels.   

The 2024–2025 Math Leader honorees include Freedom Park K-8 School, John M. Tutt Middle School, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Warren Road Elementary School. Similar to the literacy recognition, Math Leaders are determined by exceptional performance on Georgia Milestones assessments, particularly in “gateway grades” (fifth and eighth), where at least 90% of students achieved proficiency or higher, or where schools showed significant annual growth in performance.   

As part of the school system’s literacy initiative, all RCSS schools work to improve literacy and instill a lifelong love of reading through curriculum, year-long reading challenges, and special events like the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl. All RCSS students receive a free library card through a partnership with the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System. In math, students sharpen their skills through the Annual Districtwide Math Competition. At the same time, teachers collaborate in professional learning communities where they share strategies, refine instructional practices, and strengthen students’ problem-solving and reasoning skills across all grade levels.