Carmel Elementary Named National Distinguished School

Woodstock Community News | Woodstock, GA

Carmel Elementary School has been named a 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School, placing it among the top academic performers in the country, according to Cherokee County School District. Only two schools in each state receive this prestigious annual recognition for exceptional academic achievement.

The honor recognizes schools that rank in the top 5% statewide in English Language Arts and Math based on College and Career Readiness Performance Index Content Mastery scores. Out of 93 high-performing Title I schools in Georgia, only two were selected to represent the state nationally — and Carmel Elementary earned the distinction.

Carmel Elementary received recognition as a Category 1 school, highlighting outstanding student performance and academic growth. The school is led by Principal Lisa Rich and assistant principals Lea Henderson and Dana Thompkins.

The National ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) award will be formally presented at the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators' annual conference, where Carmel representatives will participate in professional development sessions focused on increasing student success.