By Jessica Wilson
The Buford City School system produces excellence.
Years of accomplishments from every department are showcased throughout each of the school buildings. Glass cases full of trophies and awards line the halls, and are a constant reminder of what a child can accomplish when given a strong foundation of education.
This year, Buford was once again ranked the number one school district in Georgia by Niche.com. The school system was also named number one in the state as the best school district for athletes, the safest school district, the district with the best teachers, and the best place to teach by Niche.com.
SchoolDigger.com also named Buford City Schools as the number one school district in Georgia. Rankings are based upon the Milestone Assessment test scores in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. These scores are released to the public by the Georgia Department of Education.
There is no argument when it comes to education, Buford is the best. Still, many would ask where this path to excellence begins. According to City of Buford Commission Chairman, Phillip Beard, it starts with the teachers.
Teachers see their students five days a week for the better part of the day and are some of the most influential people in a child’s life. Buford believes having teachers that possess a passion for their subjects, as well as genuine care for the students they teach, have a direct influence on enhancing student learning.
Throughout the years of reporting on school events and interviewing students in Buford, there is a consistent trend among the teachers, they not only watch their students grow but they also actively help them grow. At every school function, there are teachers there supporting the event by working, volunteering, and attending to see their students perform, compete, and succeed. This support helps the students have a continued thirst for learning and acquiring knowledge that develops more with each passing year.
Buford has a feel of family about it. The staff at Buford City Schools is heavily invested in their community. At system wide meetings staff that went to Buford when they were children are asked to stand up. Sixty percent stand. Buford tries very hard to hire their former students when they return after college. This further strengthens teachers and makes them feel invested. Their children attend Buford, they play on the same rec league team as their students. They attend the same churches, shop at the same stores, live in the same neighborhoods as their students.
This community oriented environment where staff believes in the process, is emotionally invested in the school fosters excellence.
The history of excellence surrounding the students at Buford has been obtained through the hard work and commitment provided by the faculty within the Buford City School district.
