15 APS schools earn Distinguished Schools awards from state, more than $43,500 in award money

Fifteen APS schools earned Title 1 Distinguished Schools awards and $43,598 in award money from the Georgia Department of Education for their academic performance during the 2009-2010 school year.

The winning schools achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in terms of their student academic performance as measured by standardized tests for at least three consecutive years. Those achieving AYP for four consecutive years receive a monetary award, funded by the federal government.

The APS Title 1 Distinguished School award winners are:
Burgess-Peterson Academy — $7,384
Continental Colony ES — $7,384
Sylvan Hills MS — $7,384
Bunche MS — $7,384
Garden Hills ES — $7,384
Brown MS – Certificate
South Atlanta HS School of Health and Medical Science – Certificate
Centennial Place ES — $1,113
Inman MS — $742
KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars — $742
Charles Drew Charter — $742
Atlanta Charter MS — $742
Early College High School at Carver — $742
Sutton MS — $742
E. Rivers ES — $1,113

Title 1 schools have a significant number of students who are economically disadvantaged, according to federal standards.

“I congratulate the students, teachers, principals and staffs for their hard work and commitment to excellence in earning this special recognition from the state,” said Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall. “This level of achievement underscores the effectiveness of urban school reform initiatives put in place over the past decade that have escalated student academic achievement consistently over time.”

A total of 868 schools across the state earned the Georgia Title 1 Distinguished Schools awards this year.