CCSD Elementary School Named a State Distinguished School

A Cherokee County School District elementary school has been named a 2023 Distinguished School for Georgia!

Carmel Elementary School ranked among the top 5% of highest-performing Title I schools statewide to earn this recognition.  The award honors students’ performance on the English language arts and math sections of the Georgia Milestones test.  Title I schools serve communities with higher rates of students receiving free or reduced price meals due to family income levels.  

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower applauded the teachers and staff of Carmel ES, led by Principal Kim Hagood, for their dedication to improve student learning.

“Congratulations to Carmel Elementary School and thank you to everyone who made this success possible: the teachers and staff, parents, volunteers, business and community partners and, of course, our outstanding students!” Dr. Hightower said.  “Our Title I schools often face greater challenges than others, and it’s wonderful to see Carmel recognized for overcoming obstacles and earning statewide recognition.  We know Carmel is one of the best schools in the state, and we’re so delighted to see it honored as such.”

Carmel ES now is eligible for the prestigious National ESEA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Distinguished Schools award, which is presented to only two schools from each state for outstanding achievement.  Winning schools, which each will receive an additional $20,000 in federal funding, are selected based on three areas: exceptional student performance, closing the achievement gap between student groups and excellence in serving special populations of students, such as homeless students and English Learners.
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