Two Greene County schools receive awards

Greene County Schools recently received awards for Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) and Greene County Primary School (GCPS).

LOA was given a gold honor roll distinction in advanced placement (AP) programs at the school. The College Board recognizes AP classes as an opportunity for students to receive college credit while in high school. Enrolled students follow a rigorous academic model throughout the year, and participation reflects a commitment to increasing college readiness.

There are currently 22 AP courses offered at LOA, with 14 dedicated teachers offering the curriculum. LOA Executive Director Dr. Brad Bowling acknowledges the importance of offering AP courses to provide a firm foundation for student success in the post-secondary arena.

“I am incredibly proud of our school community for being recognized with this distinction,” Bowling said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff. It also reflects our commitment to academic excellence and our support for advanced placement programs.”

GPCS was recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as one of the top-performing Title I schools in the state. Title I is a federally funded program that provides services to schools based on student economic needs. It is designed to support both local and state reform efforts tied to improving teaching and learning for schools.

The GCPS Georgia Milestones test results over the last two years recently showed that 64 percent of third graders were proficient and distinguished in math, exceeding the state average by 18 points. It received the designation recognizing it as among the greatest improving top 5 percent of schools when comparing the content mastery scores from recent two-year statewide assessments conducted.

“This is a great honor and achievement for the school system,” Superintendent Dr. Chris Houston said. “We have seen the school achieve better results each year since the COVID pandemic. It is a great validation of the hard work that the staff, students, and parents have done to make the school a success.”

Four years ago, students from Greensboro Elementary and Union Point Elementary were combined when the old elementary school was closed.

GCPS Principal Ashlie Miller has spent her career working with the children of Greene County.

“We took the two school communities and made one family,” Miller said. “The award is a welcome validation of the dedicated work of the staff. We worked tirelessly to make our school what it is.”

Miller also acknowledged and credited the school’s parents and the community.

“Our parents have been so supportive,” she said. “They are here for our afterschool events. We also have wonderful volunteers who help us in our efforts. We anticipate that our school will achieve even more when we are able to have the entire Pre-K through fifth-grade program in one building.”