The first release of School Climate Star Ratings by the Georgia Department of Education show that Fayette’s schools provide encouraging, nurturing environments that foster high academic achievement, and positive character development.
School climate refers to the quality and character of school life, the “culture” of a school. Sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and student learning, which are essential environments for academic success, career-skill improvement, and overall quality of life. The School Climate Star Rating helps determine whether a school is on the right path to school improvement.
The majority of Fayette’s schools received 5 and 4-star ratings, with a handful receiving 3-star ratings. The interpretations of the ratings are as follows: 5-star (excellent); 4-star (above average); 3-star (average); 2-star (below satisfactory); and 1-star (unsatisfactory).
Here’s how the schools ranked: (5-star rating) J.C. Booth Middle, Oak Grove Elementary, and Spring Hill Elementary; (4-star rating) Bennett’s Mill Middle, Braelinn Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, Crabapple Lane Elementary, Flat Rock Middle, Huddleston Elementary, Inman Elementary, Kedron Elementary, McIntosh High, Rising Starr Middle, Robert J. Burch Elementary, Sara Harp Minter Elementary, Starr’s Mill High, Whitewater High, and Whitewater Middle; (3-star rating) Fayette County High, Fayetteville Elementary, North Fayette Elementary, Peachtree City Elementary, Peeples Elementary, and Sandy Creek High.
School Climate Star Ratings are required by state law; they also serve as a companion to the Department of Early Care and Learning’s “Quality Rated” program, which includes an assessment of the learning environment.
