GREENSBORO, Ga. — Lake Oconee Academy is proud to be recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GDE) as one of the top leading schools in both math and literacy for the 2023-2024 school year. The GDE honors schools that demonstrate exceptional achievement or growth in these academic areas and recognize the vital role these subjects play in students’ education and future careers. Overall, 624 schools were recognized as Math Leader Schools, while 324 were recognized as Literacy Leader Schools. Lake Oconee Academy is proud to be among the distinguished schools recognized in both categories.

Schools received recognition based on their achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above in Mathematics and Literacy. The 2023-2024 Math Leader Awards emphasize the importance of numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades. At the high school level, recognition was based on performance in the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End-of-Course (EOC) exam, the state’s designated math assessment. For the Literacy Leader Awards, schools received recognition based on their achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. The awards emphasize the importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades, with higher growth expectations set for schools with lower initial achievement levels. At the high school level, recognition was based on performance in the American Literature End-of-Course (EOC) exam.

Dr. Brad Bowling expressed his pleasure in receiving this distinction, “we are honored to be recognized as both a Math Leader and Literacy Leader school by the Georgia Department of Education. This achievement reflects our commitment to fostering strong, foundational skills in math and literacy, ensuring every student is equipped for success. Our dedicated teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to create a supportive, engaging, and challenging learning environment, and we look forward to continuing this important work for our students and community.”