News Summary
Several high schools in the Savannah area have been recognized among the top in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report for their outstanding academic performance. Savannah Arts Academy leads the pack at No. 12, followed by Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School, and Savannah Early College High School. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is also launching a series of literacy initiatives to boost reading levels among students, including family literacy nights and the introduction of a new charter school aimed at supporting at-risk students.
Savannah, Georgia – A recent report from U.S. News & World Report categorized several Savannah area high schools among the best in Georgia, highlighting their performance on college readiness, curriculum breadth, student performance, and state assessments. The rankings underscore the commitment of these schools to academic excellence and student success.
The top-ranked high schools in the Savannah area include Savannah Arts Academy, which achieved an impressive rank of No. 12 in Georgia. Following closely is Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School, which ranks No. 73, and Savannah Early College High School at No. 78. Additional rankings feature Richmond Hill High School at No. 102 and Islands High School at No. 129 in Georgia.
In an effort to strengthen literacy in schools, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System will participate in a series of Literacy Week events from September 30 through October 4. Approximately 54% of the district’s 3-5 and 6-8 graders are currently reading at grade level based on data from the Georgia Milestones Assessment System.
To promote family engagement in literacy, each school in the Savannah-Chatham district will host a family literacy night, featuring hands-on activities and tips for parents to support their children’s reading. Additionally, LitTalks will occur on October 3 at Alfred E. Beach High School, designed to enhance family literacy partnerships.
On October 4, Parent University will deliver workshops focused on developing “literacy builders” at home, scheduled at the Davis-Edwards-Harris Complex. This event will include free lunch and childcare, making it easier for families to participate.
An invite-only Readers Rise Summit will take place on October 9, bringing together educators, caregivers, and community leaders to discuss strategies for fostering early learning success among students.
In addition to these literacy initiatives, the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education approved the establishment of REACH Public Schools, a new charter high school that is set to open in the 2026-2027 school year. This school aims to deliver flexible learning models and individualized graduation plans to support at-risk students.
The district also launches the Positive Peer Influencer program on September 23, training 250 local high school students as mentors for middle schoolers. This program is designed to foster positive peer relationships and support student development.
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Superintendent Denise Watts has acknowledged the ongoing challenges in improving literacy across grade levels, particularly in light of the 2024-2025 GMAS results. To address literacy gaps, a $250,000 pilot tutoring service named Ignite Reading will provide targeted support for grades 2-3 with certified tutors. This initiative is aimed at delivering personalized one-on-one tutoring to meet students’ individual reading needs, with a goal of closing achievement gaps.
The effectiveness of Ignite Reading has been validated by research from Johns Hopkins University, indicating promising results in reducing literacy achievement disparities among students. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System to enhance educational outcomes and foster a culture of literacy throughout the district.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Literacy Week Events
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- WTOC: High School Students as Mentors
- Google Search: Savannah Chatham County Public Schools
- WJCL: New Charter High School in Savannah
- Google Scholar: Education Initiatives
- Savannah Now: Virtual Literacy Tutoring
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Programs
- WTOC: Islands High School Fight Response
- Google News: Savannah Chatham County Schools
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
