DARLINGTON, SC – The South Carolina Department of Education announced on Tuesday that 11 Darlington County School District schools have earned 2014-15 Palmetto Gold Awards for excellence in academic performance and growth.

Dr. Eddie Ingram, superintendent of Darlington County School District praised the schools’ achievements.

“We are certainly proud of the incredible accomplishments of our Palmetto Gold schools,” Ingram said. “We appreciate the honor, and it is indicative of our district’s pledge for continuous improvement and high student achievement.”

The awards are based on 2013-14 state report card ratings and data. The program recognizes high levels of academic performance, high growth rates and substantial progress in closing achievement gaps in school.

Each of Darlington County School District’s four high schools earned Gold Awards in the program’s two categories: general performance and closing the achievement gap. Six other schools earned a Gold Award for general performance.

State Superintendent Molly Spearman announced the awards Tuesday morning. She commended schools for striving to attain the goals outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

“I am pleased that so many schools are being recognized for their excellent performance and closing the achievement gap,” Spearman said. “These awards are well-deserved and indicate the great strides administrators, principals, teachers, and students are making across the state. We will continue to embrace the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate to achieve educational excellence in every district.”

The Darlington County School District schools earning awards are:

 

General Performance                      Closing the Achievement Gap

Lamar High School                                                      Gold                                                     Gold

Darlington High School                                               Gold                                                     Gold

Hartsville High School                                                 Gold                                                     Gold

Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology Gold                                                     Gold    

Darlington County Institute of Technology                   Gold

Cain Elementary School                                                Gold

Carolina Elementary School                                         Gold

Lamar Elementary School                                             Gold

North Hartsville Elementary School                             Gold

Pate Elementary School                                                Gold

Southside Early Childhood Center                                Gold