COVINGTON, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Education released the 2018 School Climate Star Ratings for all schools in the Newton County School System. The ratings reflect school climate data from surveys taken by students, teachers, staff and parents during the 2017-2018 school year. Included in the final calculations are data from the Georgia Student Health Survey 2.0, Georgia School Personnel Survey and Georgia Parent Survey, as well as student discipline data and attendance records for students, teachers, staff and administrators.
School climate refers to the quality and character of school life – the “culture” of a school. A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and student learning, which are essential elements for academic success, career-skill improvement and overall quality of life. The School Climate Star Rating is one measure that helps assess whether a school is perceived to be moving forward.
School Climate Star Ratings are required by 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.
All schools received star ratings of one to five, with five stars representing an excellent school climate, and one star representing a school climate most in need of improvement. School Climate Star Ratings are an informational tool for schools, administrators, and parents; they do not affect the school’s College & Career Ready Performance Index score.
According to the report, the majority of Newton County’s school scored a three, four or five. Fairview Elementary, Livingston Elementary, and Liberty Middle each earned a perfect score of five stars in 2018.
“Our Newton County teachers and leaders are committed to ensuring students are taught in environments that are supportive of their needs,” Samantha Fuhrey, NCSS superintendent, said. “We continue to implement and explore programs that address the social and emotional well-being of our students so that they are equipped to meet future demands of life beyond high school. Our school leaders, teachers and staff are to be commended for their hard work and effort. And a special congratulations to Fairview, Livingston, and Liberty for earning perfect scores in 2018!”
Each Newton County school’s final score and star rating is listed below:
Elementary Schools
East Newton: 4
Fairview: 5
Flint Hill: 4
Heard-Mixon: 4
Live Oak: 4
Livingston: 5
Mansfield: 4
Middle Ridge: 4
Newton County Theme School: 4
Oak Hill: 4
Porterdale: 4
Rocky Plains: 3
South Salem: 2
West Newton: 4
Middle Schools
Clements: 4
Cousins: 4
Indian Creek: 4
Liberty: 5
Newton County Theme School: 4
Veterans: 4
High Schools
Alcovy: 3
Eastside: 3
Newton: 4
