In Greenville County Schools, eight high schools, 15 middle schools, 37 elementary schools, and three career centers have earned state recognition for their academic performance and/or closing achievement gaps. The Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards program recognizes schools that attain high levels of absolute performance and growth, and schools that close the gap between subgroups of students.
Area school receiving either Gold or Silver for General Performance included:
Woodmont High, Silver; Ralph Chandler Middle, Gold; Woodmont Middle, Silver; Ellen Woodside Elementary, Silver; Fork Shoals Elementary, Silver. All three Career Centers received Gold. They are Donaldson Career, Golden Strip Career and J. Harley Bonds Career.
The Education Oversight Committee (EOC) revised the criteria for Palmetto Silver General Performance this year.
For 2011-12, schools that had a growth rating of Average or better for three consecutive years and an absolute rating of Below Average or better received a Palmetto Silver Award.
For 2012-13, schools must have a growth rating of Good or better for two consecutive years to receive a Palmetto Silver Award. Schools that have a growth index of Average or better for three years are no longer eligible for a Palmetto Silver Award.