February 12, 2026 — The banners lined the stage at Harrison High School’s Performing Arts Center Theatre, serving as bright symbols of focus, growth, and achievement. 

Earlier this week, State School Superintendent Richard Woods stood before educators and school leaders to recognize more than 40 Cobb schools as Literacy Leaders, Math Leaders, or both. But the banners tell only part of the story. 

The Georgia Department of Education named 406 schools statewide as 2024-2025 Literacy Leaders and 479 schools as Math Leaders. Schools qualified based on exceptional achievement, growth, or both on Georgia Milestones assessments. 

"Our strength is serving the whole community while seeing every student as an individual. We continuously improve because being the best matters, but making sure our kids have a bright future matters more," said Board Chair Randy Scamihorn. 

“Across the state, we’ve seen great growth in literacy over the past couple of years,” Superintendent Woods said. “Math started off strong. We’ve been very steady with those numbers. Today, this is very reflective of what we saw in Cobb County.” One data point stood out. “The large number of their middle schools — not only are we seeing great growth, but we’re seeing 100% proficiency for those students taking the Milestones at the high school level in middle school,” he said. 

That means middle school students taking advanced high school math courses are mastering the material at exceptional levels. It also reflects a culture of high expectations supported by strong instruction.

"You have one of the highest, if not the highest, 100% passage rates when it comes to math, which speaks to how intentional you are. And for Cobb's high schools, the literacy scores at your schools are a rarity, I assure you," said the State School Superintendent.  

2024-2025 Math Leader Schools

For Cobb families, those gains represent something deeply personal. They reflect teachers who analyze student work, adjust instruction, and stay after school to provide extra help. They reflect principals who build systems of support and celebrate progress, and they reflect students who rise to challenges and discover confidence in their abilities. 

"This doesn't happen by chance, especially the large number of awards we are giving Cobb today. That doesn't happen by chance," said Superintendent Woods.

Superintendent Woods praised Cobb’s commitment to offering students meaningful options beyond the traditional classroom experience. “Especially in Cobb County, your students have great choices here,” he said, pointing to dual enrollment opportunities, partnerships with technical colleges and the University System of Georgia, and robust career and technical education programs.

2024-2025 Literacy Leader Schools

Superintendent Woods used the word “intentionality” to describe Cobb’s success. That word captures the heart of the district’s work. Throughout Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s tenure, CCSD teachers and leaders have intentionally fostered student growth by focusing on each student’s unique interests, strengths, and talents. 

Success in Cobb is not accidental. It is the result of clear priorities, thoughtful leadership, and a daily commitment to helping every student thrive.