THOMASVILLE- Thomas County Schools is proud to announce that both Thomas County Middle School and Bishop Hall School have been recognized as Math Leader Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. This prestigious recognition highlights schools with exceptional achievement or growth in mathematics, underscoring the district’s commitment to fostering essential numeracy skills for student success.

This is the first year of the Math Leader Awards, recognizing excellence in mathematics at the elementary, middle, and high school levels across Georgia. Schools were honored for their success in increasing the percentage of students scoring at the Proficient Learner level or above on state mathematics assessments. The criteria emphasize the importance of numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades and set high expectations for growth, especially for schools with historically lower achievement levels.

“We are honored to be included in this first group of Math Leader schools,” said Dr. Lindsay Thompson, Secondary Curriculum Director for Thomas County Schools. “With the state of Georgia implementing new K-12 math standards last school year, our math teachers worked hard to adjust their instruction to meet the updated expectations. Their dedication and the hard work of our students have led to this success.”

Thomas County Middle School earned recognition for Outstanding Achievement, including a remarkable 100% passing rate on the algebra End-of-Course exam by students in Stacie Layne’s Algebra class. These students, now high school freshmen, were well-prepared for their continued academic journey.

“Receiving this award is an honor, but the real credit goes to my Algebra students from last year,” Layne said. “Their dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm for learning made all the difference. This achievement truly belongs to them as much as it does to me.”

Bishop Hall School received accolades for Gateway Growth, with Charles Scott’s Algebra class achieving a notable 15% growth in proficiency on the EOC.

“I could not be more proud of my students for this achievement,” Scott said. “Those attending Bishop Hall come from all walks of life, and although I am extremely grateful and appreciative of the support from Dr. Thompson and the entire math department at Thomas County, I want the spotlight to shine on my students who deserve this recognition.”

These accomplishments place TCMS and Bishop Hall among an elite group of only 624 schools across Georgia recognized as Math Leader Schools.

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods praised the efforts of Math Leader schools, saying, “The skill of numeracy is an essential one, both as students progress through their K-12 education and in their futures. These schools and their educators, students, families, and communities have worked hard to implement the new K-12 Mathematics Standards and prepare all students for life.”

Georgia’s new K-12 Mathematics Standards, adopted in 2021 and implemented during the 2023-2024 school year, aim to provide students with a clear and developmentally appropriate understanding of mathematics. These standards prioritize mastery of concepts and real-world application, preparing students for long-term success in education and their careers.

“This achievement showcases the incredible potential of our students when they are supported by passionate educators along with a system and community that believe in their success,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, Superintendent of Thomas County Schools. “It’s inspiring to see our students rise to the challenge and exceed expectations. Their success in mathematics is a reflection of their commitment and dedication to learning.”

The success of Thomas County Schools reflects the district’s dedication to delivering high-quality education and empowering students to achieve their full potential.