The Georgia Department of Education has released the 2026 lists of Distinguished and Reward Schools, designations which honor the highest-performing and most-improved Title I schools in the state. Specifically, the Distinguished Schools designation recognizes the highest-performing Title I schools in Georgia, while Reward Schools are the Title I schools making the most significant improvements.

SCCPSS has four schools - Beach High, Johnson High, Gould Elementary, and Garden City Elementary - designated as Reward Schools in 2026, and one school - Savannah Classical Academy Charter School - recognized as a Title 1 Distinguished School. The definition of each of the designations is as follows:

Distinguished Schools are among the highest-performing 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Title I Targeted Assistance schools based on the combined ELA and math content mastery scores from the statewide assessments of the most recent year.

Reward Schools are among the greatest-improving 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Title I Targeted Assistance schools when comparing the content mastery scores from the most recent two years of statewide assessments.

SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts says, "These recognitions are powerful evidence of what is possible when talented educators, strong school leadership, engaged families, and hardworking students remain focused on academic excellence. To have SCCPSS schools recognized among Georgia’s top Title I schools—both for overall achievement and for significant academic progress—is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. I am especially proud that these honors reflect both where our students are performing and how much they are growing academically. That is the work: ensuring every student has access to a high-quality learning experience and the opportunity to achieve at increasingly higher levels. Congratulations to the students, teachers, staff, leaders, and families of Savannah Classical Academy, Johnson High School, Beach High School, Gould Elementary School, and Garden City Elementary School. Your results demonstrate that excellence is achievable, progress is measurable, and our collective commitment is making a difference.”