Chattooga County Schools are celebrating a significant achievement as two of its elementary schools, Leroy Massey Elementary and Lyerly Elementary, have been designated 2024–2025 Literacy Leaders by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). This prestigious honor recognizes schools across the state that demonstrate exceptional achievement or growth in reading.

Leroy Massey Elementary and Lyerly Elementary are among 406 schools statewide to receive this commendation, highlighting their outstanding commitment to fostering strong literacy skills among their students.

Specifically, Leroy Massey Elementary was recognized for its outstanding growth in 3rd Grade reading under the rigorous Gateway Growth criteria. Lyerly Elementary mirrored this success with its 3rd Grade reading achievements, also under the Gateway Growth framework, and further distinguished itself with impressive 5th Grade Reading Growth.

The GaDOE’s Literacy Leader and Math Leader honors celebrate schools demonstrating extraordinary student progress and proficiency on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course assessments. The criteria emphasize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades, requiring higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels to ensure equitable progress for all students.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods underscored the importance of such recognition, stating, “Strong literacy and math skills open the door for every opportunity our students will encounter in school, in their future careers, and in life. The schools recognized as Literacy Leaders and Math Leaders have shown a deep commitment to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. I’m proud to honor their work and the positive impact they’re making on students across our state as we work to prepare all students for life.”

Chattooga County Schools expressed immense pride in this dual recognition. In a statement, the district extended heartfelt congratulations to their students, dedicated educators, supportive families, and the entire community for this remarkable achievement. Looking forward, the district expressed excitement for continued success and growth in fostering strong literacy skills for all students.