Savannah High Schools Earn Statewide Honors

Students and educators celebrating the recognition of academic excellence in Savannah high schools.

News Summary

New Hampstead High School and Woodville-Tompkins Technical & Career High School have received top accolades in the 2024 Single Statewide Accountability Awards. New Hampstead secured a Silver award, while Woodville-Tompkins achieved a prestigious Platinum award, recognizing their exceptional academic achievements and growth. Celebrating this accomplishment highlights the collaborative efforts of the entire Savannah-Chatham County educational community, showcasing the dedication of teachers, students, and parents in fostering a nurturing environment for learning.

Celebrations in Savannah as Two High Schools Shine Bright!

In the vibrant city of Savannah, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as two local high schools, New Hampstead High School and Woodville-Tompkins Technical & Career High School, have recently received outstanding recognition. They were honored with the prestigious 2024 Single Statewide Accountability Awards for their incredible academic achievements. These awards were handed out by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, making it a proud moment for the entire Savannah-Chatham County community.

Recognizing Excellence

The awards were given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance and growth over the years. This year, both New Hampstead and Woodville-Tompkins were recognized in the Greatest Gains category, showcasing their commitment to student success and learning. The evaluation was based on the most recent College and Career Ready Performance Index scores, which reflect how well students are prepared for the challenges beyond high school.

A Silver and a Platinum Star

New Hampstead High School made quite an impression by securing a Silver award. This reflects their significant growth in student achievement over the past three years, placing them in the top 5% of schools across the state. That’s no small feat! Meanwhile, Woodville-Tompkins Technical & Career High School stole the spotlight even more by snagging a Platinum award, which is the highest accolade possible. It’s one of only 15 schools statewide that has shown remarkable academic growth, landing in the top 1%. Excitement is in the air as these schools set an example for others to follow.

Community Efforts Pay Off

The success of these schools didn’t happen by accident. The Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, Joy Hawkins, praised the collaborative spirit that permeates these institutions. The teamwork from teachers, principals, parents, and, of course, the students has been instrumental in achieving such impressive results. This shared dedication underscores the saying that it indeed takes a village to raise a child.

A Proud Moment for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System organized an awards ceremony. This event wasn’t just about the awards; it was a grand celebration of the hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the educational journey. Denise Watts, the Superintendent of the school system, highlighted the pivotal role teachers play in motivating and inspiring students to reach their full potential.

Spotlighting Educators

During the ceremony, certificates were presented to School-level Teachers of the Year who have gone above and beyond for their students. The excitement didn’t stop there! The 2025 District Teacher of the Year finalists were announced, showcasing some of the most dedicated educators in the district, chosen through rigorous evaluations that considered teaching observations and interviews. The anticipation is building for the annual gala, where the District Teacher of the Year will be unveiled on February 2, 2025. A new recognition award for the Principal of the Year will also make its debut during this event.

Inspiration All Around

Current and former Teachers of the Year took the stage during the awards ceremony to share their experiences and words of encouragement. Their stories serve as an inspiration to fellow educators, illustrating the impact that dedicated teachers can have on the lives of their students. Events like these are crucial in fostering a strong educational community driven by a shared commitment to excellence.

As the city of Savannah celebrates this momentous occasion, it’s clear that the achievements of these schools go beyond awards; they reflect a thriving educational environment that prioritizes student growth and achievement. Here’s to the future of education in Savannah, where students are empowered to dream big and reach their goals!