A little school with a lot of personality, Livingston Elementary has had its difficulties when it comes to test scores, but they have buckled down and have committed to making sure they are the best of the best.

"I would have to say that Livingston is a school that is truly focused on learning," said Principal Shari Thomas.

"At this age, students are learning to handle themselves emotionally and socially, set academic goals and take responsibility for their own learning and behavior.

Students are reminded often that being respectful is the best way to be respected. The staff strives to form meaningful relationships with parents, students, each other and the community. There is a feeling of family and community throughout the building. Students may not like everything every day, but they feel at home at Livingston. Students know they are our main concern."

"With 72 percent of its student body eligible for free and reduced lunch, Livingston is certainly one of our Newton County schools which is ‘beating the odds' when it comes to performance in the accountability program associated with the former No-Child-Left-Behind," said Superintendent Gary Mathews. "Having earned AYP coming into last 2011-12 school year, and despite the mathematical model which predicted that LES would not make AYP, the school boasts scores in the 80s and 90s in all tested grades with the notable exception of third-grade math. Going forward, I am confident that LES staff and administration are working on the right work in the right ways committed to our district's capacity-building efforts. They will show progress."