FORSYTH COUNTY -- More than half of the public schools in Forysth County received awards from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for data from 2016.

The 22 schools — there are 37 in the Forsyth County Schools district, including the Forsyth Virtual Academy — were among 218 Georgia public schools in 53 districts that received either a Highest Performing or a Greatest Gains award.

“Seventeen of these schools are two-year award winners,” Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden said. “We are proud to see them again on this list and are excited to have two elementary, two middle and one high school be added to the list this year.”

The school awards are part of Georgia Single Statewide Accountability System (SASS).

Highest Performing schools must earn a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Achievement Score that ranks in at least the 93rd percentile.

Greatest Gains schools must earn a three-year average CCRPI Progress Score that also ranks in at least the 93rd percentile.

Schools can receive awards in both categories and are given a bronze, silver, gold or platinum level award.

The 2016 Greatest Gains award winners consist of 139 schools across 50 districts. The 2016 Highest Performing award winners consist of 130 schools across 22 districts, and 51 schools in 14 districts, including 14 schools in Forsyth County, are award winners in both categories.