Pickens County School District is pleased to report that Hill City Elementary, Harmony Elementary, Jasper Middle, Pickens Junior High and Pickens High all received four-star ratings and Tate Elementary received a three-star rating from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Climate Star Rating.
The GaDOE Climate Star Rating is an annual evaluation system, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, designed to assess and improve school environments by focusing on safety, relationships, and overall conditions that support student learning.
"When we create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and supported, they are empowered to reach their full potential,” said Superintendent Dr. Travis Thomas.
School climate is a broad term that describes the quality of school life by measuring student and adult (families, teachers, and staff) experiences related to academics, relationships, safety, and the physical environment. The climate survey is a diagnostic tool used to determine if a school is on the right path to school improvement. The rating is based on four components: 1) student, teacher, and parent perceptions of a school’s climate; 2) student discipline; 3) a safe and substance-free learning environment; and 4) school-wide attendance.