These are Cobb’s 28 best or most-improved schools, says the state

State education staff have crunched the numbers and found that 28 of Georgia’s best and most-improved schools are in Cobb County.

There were 25 in the Cobb County School District and three in the Marietta City Schools system that won one of two types of Single Statewide Accountability System awards.

"This award is the result of commitment, dedication and high expectations set forth by each of these schools," said Marietta Superintendent Grant Rivera in a press release. "We celebrate their achievement and focus toward consistent student success."

"Highest Performing" schools must earn a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index — or CCRPI — score that ranks in the 93rd percentile. "Greatest Gains" schools must earn a three-year average CCRPI progress score in the 93rd percentile.

The Governor's Office of Student Achievement breaks down the categories further. Schools in the 93rd percentile get a bronze designation; the 95th percentile earns a school a silver distinction. Gold ratings are for schools in the 97th percentile, and the 99th percentile earns platinum.

“The bright minds of Georgia’s students are the state’s most precious resource and I commend the schools that are exceeding expectations in preparing their students for future success,” said Gov. Nathan Deal said in a statement.

The most important influence on a school's score is its performance on state standardized tests, currently the Georgia Milestones.

The CCRPI scores for Cobb and Marietta were released in early December. Schools are scored on a 0 to 100 point scale, with a possibility of 10 additional points.

In all, 218 schools received awards for the three-year success. You can find out more about how the awards were calculated.

Below are the schools with the biggest bragging rights, as they earned both “Greatest Gains” and “Highest Performing” awards, respectively:

• Dodgen Middle School, gold for both
• Garrison Mill Elementary School, platinum and gold
• Harrison High School, silver for both
• Hightower Trail Middle School, silver and gold
• Hillgrove High School, gold and bronze
• Kemp Elementary School, bronze for both
• Lassiter High School, platinum for both

These schools earned the “Greatest Gains” award: