Five schools within the Jackson County School System were recognized by the Georgia Department of Education and state Superintendent Richard Woods during a ceremony at Legacy Knoll Middle School on Wednesday. 

The five schools -- Gum Springs Elementary, Legacy Knoll Middle, Maysville Elementary, West Jackson Elementary and West Jackson Middle -- were recognized as either Math or Literacy Leaders by GaDoe. The recognition is based on last year's mandatory state testing and recognizes an increase in achievement rates by schools.

Gum Springs Elementary School and Legacy Knoll Middle School were honored as both Literacy and Math Leaders. West Jackson Elementary School received recognition as a Literacy Leader, while Maysville Elementary School and West Jackson Middle School were named Math Leaders.

Gum Springs and West Jackson Elementary each achieved Literacy Leader status for third-grade gateway growth, recognizing significant increases in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. Legacy Knoll Middle School earned Literacy Leader honors in two areas— sixth-grade gateway growth and eighth-grade growth — reflecting strong progress in literacy achievement across grade levels.

In mathematics, Gum Springs Elementary and Maysville Elementary were recognized for third-grade growth and fifth-grade gateway growth, which highlight schools demonstrating substantial improvement in the number of students scoring proficient or higher on Georgia Milestones assessments.

Legacy Knoll Middle School also stood out for its eighth-grade growth and high school achievement, while West Jackson Middle School earned recognition for high school achievement in mathematics.

These distinctions underscore the dedication of JCSS educators and students to academic growth and excellence across all grade levels.

LKMS and WJMS were each recognized as Math Leaders last year, as well.