The Georgia Department of Education and state school superintendent Kathy Cox announced Walker County schools honored as Title I Distinguished Schools. The Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools that meet and exceed adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three or more consecutive years.

Elementary schools make AYP through academic achievement and attendance standards. Distinguished schools receive a certificate of accomplishment and a monetary award when available.

Walker County elementary schools that received "Distinguished" status and have made AYP for eight consecutive years are Chattanooga Valley, Fairyland, Naomi and Stone Creek. Walker County elementary schools with seven years of consecutive AYP are Cherokee Ridge, Gilbert, North LaFayette, Rock Spring and Rossville Elementary. Rossville Middle School gained Distinguished Title I School status for the fourth consecutive year.