Submitted by Grayson Williams
Hart County Charter System
The Hart County Charter System is proud to announce that Hartwell Elementary School and South Hart Elementary School have been recognized by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) as part of the 2025 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) awards.
As mandated by O.C.G.A. 20-14-37 and State Board Rule 160-7-1-.01, GOSA develops award criteria under the SSAS and presents them to the State Board of Education for approval. These awards honor schools across Georgia that demonstrate either high academic performance or significant academic growth.
“The Single Statewide Accountability System, or SSAS, is Georgia’s framework for understanding how schools are serving students. It is grounded in state law and is designed to provide every school in Georgia with a fair, consistent and honest measure of performance. These awards are not handed out lightly. They go to schools that have genuinely earned them, because growth is hard to manufacture. It requires intentional instruction, consistent effort and, most of all, a belief that every student is capable of more,” said MJ Kim, Director of Policy, Research and Evaluation at the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
For this year’s awards, the agency used College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) data from the three most recent school years—2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025—to evaluate schools in two categories: Greatest Gains and Highest Performing. Each category includes four tiers of recognition: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Hartwell Elementary School and South Hart Elementary School were both awarded Bronze recognition in the Greatest Gains category, highlighting their commitment to continuous improvement and student academic progress.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the teachers, staff, parents and students. Teachers and parapros don't get enough credit for the work they do in the trenches each day, so it's great they received this award,” said South Hart Elementary School Principal Marion Hanahan.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized at the state level by GOSA with the SSAS award. This achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of our teachers, staff, students, and families at Hartwell Elementary. Together, we live out our motto: Every student, every day, whatever it takes,” said Hartwell Elementary School Principal Ashley McNeill.
Award-winning schools will receive certificates from GOSA to display in their buildings.
“This recognition reflects the hard work of our students, teachers and staff who are committed to growth each and every day. We are proud of Hartwell Elementary and South Hart Elementary for their focus on continuous improvement and their belief in every child’s potential,” said Superintendent Jennifer Carter.
For more information about the SSAS and CCRPI, visit the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement website.