Upson-Lee Middle School has been named a 2024–2025 Literacy Leader School by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), a statewide recognition honoring schools that demonstrate exceptional achievement or growth in reading. The designation places Upson-Lee Middle School among an elite group of schools across Georgia that are making measurable, meaningful progress in literacy.
The Literacy Leader program celebrates schools based on performance on the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which reflects whether students are reading at or above grade level. Schools may be recognized for overall achievement, significant growth, or both. For middle schools, sixth grade serves as a “gateway grade,” meaning schools must demonstrate strong performance or growth in that grade to qualify for recognition at additional grade levels. Literacy Leaders Criteria
According to GaDOE, a total of 406 schools statewide met the qualifications to be named 2024–2025 Literacy Leaders, underscoring the strong statewide focus on evidence-based reading instruction and improving literacy outcomes. Literacy growth DOE
State School Superintendent Richard Woods praised the efforts of Georgia’s Literacy Leader schools, emphasizing the critical importance of reading proficiency in school and beyond. “Strong literacy skills open the door for every opportunity our students will encounter in school, in their future careers, and in life,” Woods said. “The schools recognized as Literacy Leaders have shown a deep commitment to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed.” Literacy growth DOE
Upson-Lee Middle School’s recognition reflects the school’s continued investment in high-quality literacy instruction, teacher collaboration, and student support systems. This statewide honor acknowledges the hard work happening daily in classrooms and highlights the school’s commitment to preparing all students for long-term success.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, Superintendent Woods and GaDOE leadership will visit selected schools recognized as Literacy Leaders to celebrate their achievements.