FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2025
PITTSBORO, N.C. — Chatham County Schools (CCS) is proud to announce it has been recognized as a 2025 Cognia System of Distinction, an honor awarded to only 35 schools and school systems worldwide for demonstrating excellence in education.
This prestigious recognition follows a rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review conducted by Cognia, a global nonprofit improvement organization that evaluates and supports schools through a research-based framework of continuous improvement. Among more than 1,100 reviews conducted during the 2024–2025 school year, CCS emerged as one of only seven public school systems in the United States to receive this top distinction.
“This recognition affirms the deep commitment of our educators, staff, and leadership to fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and high expectations,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson. “Being named a Cognia System of Distinction is a testament to the hard work happening in every school and classroom across Chatham County Schools.”
A Commitment to Excellence
The Cognia review process highlighted CCS’s strength in several key areas:
High-quality teaching and learning across all grade levels and subjects.
A positive and supportive school culture that fosters student engagement and well-being.
Effective leadership and collaborative decision-making at all levels.
Evidence of growth in student learning and continuous system-wide improvement.
“Chatham County Schools exemplifies what it means to be a system committed to educational excellence and equity for ALL students,” said Mr. Christopher Poston, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services. “This distinction reflects our ongoing mission to ensure every student is empowered to reach their full potential.”
Cognia President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Elgart praised the recipients, stating:
“Congratulations to the 2025 Schools and Systems of Distinction for demonstrating excellence in education in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards. These institutions are living their commitment to improve the educational experience for every one of their students – a commitment that will serve these children for years to come.”
About Cognia Accreditation
Cognia accredits more than 40,000 public and private educational institutions across 100+ countries. Its Performance Standards for K–12 are rooted in the latest research on learning, teaching, and leading. Schools and systems that achieve accreditation undergo a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation by third-party experts and commit to sustained improvement and review every six years.
More information about the 2025 Cognia Schools and Systems of Distinction can be found on the Cognia website at www.cognia.org/schools-of-distinction/#schools. For more information about Chatham County Schools, please contact CCS’s Public Information Officer, Jessica Pasión, at (919) 542-3626 or visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us.
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Media Contact:
Jessica Pasión
jpasion@chatham.k12.nc.us
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626
About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 9,000 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, anπd engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.
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