Selected schools must demonstrate

strong student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging

standards and curriculum; active teaching and learning; professional community;

leadership and educational vitality; school, family, and community partnerships;

and indicators of success. Since its beginning in 1984, 20 Fulton schools

have been recognized as a Georgia School of Excellence.

"Woodland Elementary Charter

School is a place where all students are valued and respected," said

Woodland Elementary Principal Noris Price. "We work to meet the needs

of all students, helping each of them reach their fullest potential. This

is a thrilling announcement for all of us ­ our staff and community

are to be commended for their unyielding support."

Tri-Cities High School Principal

Mimi Davis agrees. "The Tri-Cities staff and community has worked

hard to make receiving this award a reality. We are so pleased that the

Department of Education is recognizing our successes," she said.

Each local school district

is invited to nominate one elementary school, one junior high or middle

school, and one high school to the Schools of Excellence program. Up to

39 schools can be named Georgia Schools of Excellence each year: one elementary,

one middle or junior high school, and one high school from each of Georgia's

13 congressional districts. Woodland was one of nine elementary schools

selected statewide and Tri-Cities was one of six high schools chosen.

Both schools represent Congressional District 5.

In December 2002, a panel of

highly qualified educators reviewed and evaluated each nominated school's

written application. In March, reviewers conducted site visits and evaluated

each school against the available performance data in the department that

indicated whether significant school improvement had been made.

Woodland Elementary Charter

School and Tri-Cities High School will be honored along with the other

18 statewide winners in May at a banquet hosted by State School Superintendent

Kathy Cox.