GaDOE recognizes five Gwinnett schools on 2025 Distinguished and Reward Schools list

     Jackson Elementary School, Mountain Park Elementary School, Paul Duke STEM High School, and Trip Elementary School have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE)  as 2025 Distinguished Schools. Title I Distinguished Schools are among the highest-performing 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Title I Targeted Assistance schools based on the combined ELA and math content mastery scores from the statewide assessments of the most recent year. These four schools are among a select group of 188 schools from across Georgia that earned the designation.

     In addition, Arcado Elementary School is a 2025 Title I Reward School, one of 138 Georgia schools that earned the designation. Title I Reward Schools are among the greatest-improving 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Title I Targeted Assistance schools when comparing the content mastery scores from the most recent two years of statewide assessments.

     “We’re proud of the continued progress happening at these schools,” says GCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Al Taylor. “These results reflect high expectations, strong instruction, and a deep belief in our students’ potential. Our educators and leaders are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, and it’s encouraging to see that work reflected in these outcomes.”

     To be eligible for either distinction, schools must be Title I and must not currently be identified for Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI) or Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI). Each of the five schools will receive a certificate, a recognition flag, and will be listed on the GaDOE’s website. They are also eligible to apply for the National NSEA Distinguished School Award. Each year, the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) recognizes two schools from each state receiving Title I federal funding for their outstanding achievements in education.