COVINGTON, Ga. - Eastside High School is a 2017 Gold Level Greatest Gains School according to Governor Nathan Deal. The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement recently announced that Eastside High School was one of only six high schools in the state recognized at the Gold Award level. This marks the third consecutive year that Eastside High School has been recognized by the GOSA as a Greatest Gains School. 

“I’m extremely proud of our students and staff for their investment of time and energy over the past three years,” Jeff Cher, Eastside principal, said. “We emphasize hard work, continual growth and a deep love of our students and plan to continue that tradition in the future.”

The school awards, developed by GOSA and approved by the State Board of Education, are part of Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System. Highest Performing schools must earn a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Achievement Score that ranks in at least the 93rd percentile. Greatest Gains schools must earn a three-year average CCRPI Progress Score that ranks in at least the 93rd percentile. 

“I would like to congratulate the Eastside High School students, teachers, leaders, support staff, and parents on this fantastic accomplishment,” Samantha Fuhrey, NCSS superintendent, said. “I am extremely proud of this designation as it has confirmed Eastside High School’s position among the very best in Georgia. The Eastside team is very deserving of this honor; they have worked very hard to reach their goal of being the very best and receiving this special designation from Governor Deal three years in a row shows they are well on their way!”

“Congratulations to the educators and administrators in Georgia’s award-winning schools who have exceeded expectations in preparing their students," Deal said. “By implementing the best methods for teaching young minds, educators at Highest Performing and Greatest Gains schools are going above and beyond to help their students develop the skills needed for future success. Young minds are Georgia’s most valuable resource and we appreciate the schools across the state working to provide each student with an opportunity to succeed.”