Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - The Governor's Office of Student Achievement and the Georgia Department of Education have recognized 18 Gwinnett County Public Schools for improving and promoting excellence in student academic achievement.

The recognition is part of the Single Statewide Accountability System, which recognizes Georgia schools for their continuous improvement in raising student achievement and closing achievement gaps, according to a news release from the school district.

Associate Superintendent Cindy Loe said in a statement the number of Gwinnett schools on this year's list is evidence of the teaching and learning that takes place in classrooms.

"Our teachers and administrators are focused on helping each student achieve Gwinnett's rigorous and challenging Academic Knowledge and Skills curriculum standards." Loe said. "This commitment to high expectations for all students has resulted in greater achievement and a narrowing of the achievement gap. Gwinnett students can be confident that by mastering Gwinnett's AKS, they will be prepared to meet and exceed the state's testing goals, and compete with the best and brightest students from around the world."

Schools are recognized in two categories: highest performance, indicating the percentage of students meeting and exceeding academic standards, and greatest gains, indicating the greatest gain in percentage of students meeting and exceeding academic standards.

In each category, there are four award levels - platinum, gold, silver and bronze. The schools will receive certificates and banners from the state.

SideBar: At a glance

The Gwinnett schools recognized this year are:

Highest Performance:

Simpson Elementary, Platinum

Parsons Elementary, Gold

Riverside Elementary, Gold

Crews Middle, Gold

Brookwood High, Gold

Camp Creek Elementary, Silver

Duncan Creek Elementary, Silver

Freeman's Mill Elementary, Silver

Head Elementary, Silver

Osborne Middle, Silver

Brookwood Elementary, Bronze

Suwanee Elementary, Bronze

Collins Hill High, Bronze

North Gwinnett High, Bronze

Parkview High, Bronze

Greatest Gains:

McConnell Middle, Platinum

Annistown Elementary, Gold

Simonton Elementary, Silver