Cherokee County School District schools have earned high ratings for cultivating a positive school climate! 
 
The District earned a 4-star average on the 5-star scale in the Georgia Department of Education’s annual ratings, which measure how a community views the quality of its school’s culture and character; the highest possible rating is 5 stars.  The rating is based on a survey of students, parents and teachers; student discipline issue rates; and daily attendance.
 
Schools with positive school climates report better test scores and graduation rates and create a culture for students of feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe, according to research shared by the GaDOE.  
 
“Accountability in our books is defined by more than just test scores – it’s also measured by how well we’re ensuring that our students, families, employees and partners feel like they’re a part of a family that cares about them and their success,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “Overall culture and climate impacts student academic success and well-being and an employee performance, which is why it matters and deserves our attention.”
 
Two middle schools – Creekland and Freedom – earned perfect scores of 5, up from 4 the previous year.  All elementary and other middle schools earned 4 stars each, with two elementary schools – Clayton and Oak Grove Fine Arts Academy – rising a level.  Cherokee High earned 3 stars (with its highest-ever calculated score at 8/10ths of a point from a 4); CCSD’s other high schools each earned 4 stars. 
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