Following a recent announcement from the Georgia Department of Education, DeKalb County School District (DCSD) has claimed top honors in the number of top-performing Title I schools.

The Georgia DOE released its annual list of Title I Distinguished Schools, or top-performing Title I schools, on December 4. Distinguished schools are among the top 5 percent of all Title I schools in the state.

Six DCSD schools—tied for the most in metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia—made the list, including Arabia Mountain High School, DeKalb Early College Academy (DECA), Henderson Mill Elementary, Livsey Elementary, Robert Shaw Theme School, and Wynbrooke Elementary.

“Once again, DeKalb County School District has proven it has what it takes to defy expectations and beat the odds when it comes to education,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green. “The students at these six schools are living proof that, no matter the circumstances, academic excellence and opportunities through education are possible. These schools, through tremendous leadership and a dedicated cadre of educators, are taking their schools to the next level. I congratulate them, and I urge all others to join them in soaring to new heights.”

As certified Distinguished Schools, each will be eligible to apply for the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program award. Two schools in Georgia—selected from this list—will be eligible for the award, which entails national recognition as well as additional Title I funds.

State Superintendent Richard Woods claimed Title I Distinguished Schools should be counted among some of the best in the entire state, regardless of distinction.

“In addition to identifying schools in need of additional support, it’s important for us to recognize and applaud schools when they’re doing well,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These public schools are among the very best in the state and are doing extraordinary work on behalf of their students and communities. I extend my thanks and congratulations to every teacher, administrator, staff member, student, parent, and community partner who contributed to their success.”

For more information, visit www.gadoe.org.