Several local schools made the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s outstanding achievement list that recognizes 327 schools.

Gainesville High, North Hall High and West Hall High schools made Georgia’s Single Statewide Accountability System list which awards schools based on their performance on state curriculum exams and annual No Child Left Behind reviews. The local schools were honored for their high-performing students who met and exceeded state standards.

North Hall High was awarded the silver medal for having at least 96 percent of students meet or exceed standards. Gainesville and West Hall high schools earned the bronze medal for having at least 95 percent of students meet or exceed standards.

"Congratulations to the principals, teachers, parents and students at these 327 schools," State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox said in an e-mail. "Even in these very difficult economic times the schools we are awarding continue to have a no excuses attitude and are more focused than ever on the goal of providing a world-class education to every student."

Buford High School, Dawson County High School and Jack P. Nix Primary in White County also made the list.

In Forsyth County, 17 schools made the list. Three Forsyth schools, Sharon Elementary, Daves Creek Elementary and Riverwatch Middle schools, earned the platinum medal recognizing that at least 98 percent of students met or exceeded standards.