Exciting things are happening in education and Wilkes County has it "going on"!

Recognized as Distinguished Title I Schools, Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School, Washington-Wilkes Middle School, Washington-Wilkes Elementary School and Washington- Wilkes Primary School are recognized throughout the state for the excellent education provided to Wilkes County children!

When teachers and administrators engage in activities with other school systems, it is not uncommon for others to seek out Wilkes County educators to ask "What are you doing to get such wonderful results with your students? How is it possible to make the gains your students are making? How is it possible to have 96 percent of second graders meeting or exceeding reading standards on the Georgia CRCT (Criterion Referenced Competency Test)? What are you doing in Wilkes County to have a 94.8 percent graduation rate?"

The answer: Wilkes County schools do whatever it takes to achieve "Excellence Without Exception"!

W-W Primary School, recognized as a Distinguished Title I School for ten consecutive years, has a very unique academic program that ensures success for all students—with no exceptions! How do they accomplish that?

W-WPS closely and continuously monitors student progress, providing differentiated instruction that meets each student's individual needs. Unlike many schools that provide instruction to large numbers of students all day, exposing students to generic whole group instruction, WWPS implements a scheduling model which allows teachers to work with small groups of students during critical reading and math times. No longer do students have to wait for others to catch on or move on before they're ready!

This unique scheduling model also affords WWPS the opportunity to support and enrich the experiences of its students outside the regular classroom. Struggling students are additionally supported through the Early Intervention Program or within the Inclusion setting. All students receive daily enrichment opportunities in the Enrichment Labs, where Science and Social Studies concepts are taught through real-life, hands-on experiences. Qualifying students receive additional enrichment through the DELTA (Differentiated Enriched Learning Through Acceleration) program. Wow! What an exciting time in education!

Each week in the "Academic Corner," Wilkes County schools will highlight some of the programs and practices that are helping make Wilkes County schools and their students so successful. Schools are the backbone of every community. Join us as we celebrate and support the public schools of Wilkes County!