Banks County High School teachers and staff were recognized this week with four awards celebrating significant academic growth and continued excellence across the 2024–2025 school year. The honors reflect strong gains in student achievement, an improved graduation rate, and positive behavior supports.
State assessment results from the Georgia Milestone Assessment System (GMAS) showed significant increases across multiple subjects at BCHS, with Algebra standing out as a major area of success. The school earned a Top 3 ranking in the RESA for Algebra and reached 90% weight achievement. This is an achievement that reflects a year of focused instruction, strong collaboration, and consistent expectations for students.
“Our teachers have strengthened instruction, reinforced standards, and maintained consistent expectations for students. We have had a positive culture shift, and this is the result,” shared Principal Will Foster.
Principal Foster emphasized that the results are a clear reflection of what happens when teachers set high expectations and provide the rigor and support students need to meet them.
This growth also marked a significant accountability milestone for the school: Banks County High School was removed from the Georgia Promise list after making tremendous progress, rising from 60% to 74.6% in a single year.
Superintendent Dr. Ann Hopkins praised the work of the entire faculty and staff, emphasizing that every teacher contributed to the school’s success and that the achievements reflect a true schoolwide effort. Assistant Superintendent Joy Edwards and Curriculum Director (6–12) Michael Williams joined members of the district Teaching and Learning Team on-site to celebrate the BCHS team's accomplishments.
Banks County High School received the following awards for 2024–2025:
Award 1: CCRPI Closing Gaps – Weighted Content Achievement in GMAS
Award 2: Algebra Achievement Recognition, Top 3 ranking for high schools in the RESA, Percent Proficient, and Weighted Content Achievement on GMAS
Award 3: Graduation Rate – 92.7%
Award 4: PBIS Operational Level
Banks County Schools has been working diligently to advance its vision of success for every student: “Expectations Influence Success.” Through high standards, rigorous instruction, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement, the district remains focused on helping students achieve at high levels in the classroom and beyond.
For more information about GMAS results, please contact Dr. Amanda Dale, Director of School Improvement and Assessment at [email protected] 706-677-2224