Cameron Crossman

Every year thousands of Georgia students complete the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test, a test designed to measure how well students acquire, learn and accomplish the knowledge and skills set forth in a specific curriculum or unit of instruction. Each school is then given an achievement score based on the percentage of students passing the reading and math sections. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation, a private, nonpartisan research and education organization, uses this score and assigns every Georgia school a rank. Listed below are the top elementary, middle, and high schools in the 24 counties that make up the metro Atlanta area. GPPF's full research, including a listing of all Georgia schools' achievement scores, can be found on the "Report Cards" link at gppf.org.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Brandon Elementary

Inman Middle

North Atlanta High

BARROW COUNTY

Yargo Elementary

Russell Middle

Winder-Barrow High

BARTOW COUNTY

Taylorsville Elementary

Woodland Middle at Euharlee

Woodland High

BUFORD CITY SCHOOLS

Buford Academy

Buford Middle

Buford High

CARROLL COUNTY

Whitesburg Elementary

Bay Springs Middle

Villa Rica High

CHEROKEE COUNTY

Woodstock Elementary

Creekland Middle

Etowah High

CLAYTON COUNTY

Oliver Elementary

Kendrick Middle

Lovejoy High

COBB COUNTY

Timber Ridge Elementary

Dickerson Middle

Walton High

COWETA COUNTY

Northside Elementary

Madras Middle

East Coweta High

DAWSON COUNTY

Kilough Elementary

Riverview Middle

Dawson County High

CITY OF DECATUR

Clairemont Elementary

Renfroe Middle

Decatur High

DEKALB COUNTY

Vanderlyn Elementary

Peachtree Middle

Chamblee High

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Mount Carmel Elementary

Chapel Hill Middle

Chapel Hill High

FAYETTE COUNTY

Kedron Elementary

Rising Starr Middle

McIntosh High

FORSYTH COUNTY

Big Creek Elementary

Riverwatch Middle

South Forsyth High

FULTON COUNTY

Mountain Park Elementary

River Trial

Northview High

GILMER COUNTY

Oakland Elementary

Gilmer Middle

Gilmer High

GWINNETT COUNTY

Riverside Elementary

Alton C. Crews Middle

Brookwood High

HALL COUNTY

Friendship Elementary

C.W. Davis Middle

North Hall High

HENRY COUNTY

East Lake Elementary

Austin Road Middle

Union Grove High

JACKSON COUNTY

North Jackson Elementary

West Jackson Middle

Jackson County High

LUMPKIN COUNTY

Blackburn Elementary

Lumpkin County Middle

New Lumpkin County High

CITY OF MARIETTA

Burruss Elementary

Marietta Middle

Marietta High

NEWTON COUNTY

Mansfield Elementary

Clements Middle

Eastside High

PAULDING COUNTY

Floyd L. Shelton Elementary

Lena Mae Moses Middle

East Paulding High

PICKENS COUNTY

Jasper Elementary

Jasper Middle

Pickens County High

ROCKDALE COUNTY

Lorraine Elementary

Edwards Middle

Heritage High

WALTON COUNTY

Walker Park Elementary

Loganville Middle

Loganville High

* If you're thinking about making a move to or within the Atlanta Metro area and need information on the local areas, contract Cameron Crossman for all your real estate needs!

At first glance, Atlanta may seem like a homogenous city made up of asphault, suburbs and skyscrapers. This Southern metropolis may not have a Chinatown, a SoHo or a Wicker Park, but have you ever heard of Sweet Auburn, Cabbagetown or Little Five Points? Every bit as eclectic, personal and diverse as those of other large cities, Atlanta's intown neighborhoods and metro suburbs are filled with old Southern charm, alluring history and bright global-minded futures.

ATLANTA INTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS:

Buckhead- A place where old Southern money mixes with young socialities. Buckhead is Atlantas answer to Beverly Hills. This prime financial center boasts some of the city's oldest and stateliest homes, premier shopping malls and a vibrant entertainment district.

Cabbagetown- Defined as the area between Oakland Cemetery and Memorial Drive, the once dilapidated area is being revitalized. Now home to young families, professionals, artists and students, this former textile town has undergone rapid generation gentrification at the hands of newcomers and small business owners.

College Park- With its close proximity to Atlanta's airport, MARTA transit and flavorful restaurants, College Park is one Atlanta's most active and global-minded suburbs. A city rich architectural and cultural heritage, College Park has the state's fourth largest urban historic district, and is near some of Atlanta's historically black colleges such as Morehouse and Spelman.

Decatur- The vibrant streets of downtown Decatur are lined with antique shops, coffee houses, live music and ethnic eateries. The oldest municipality in metro Atlanta, Decatur is where you'll find Emory University, Agnes Scott College and traditional city squares with restaurants and unique shops selling everything from folk art to handmade bags and jewerly.

Downtown- In the heart of it all, the city's downtown streets have been booming since the 1996 Olympic Games. The skyline is full of landmark buildings that house well-known corporations, like Coca-Cola, Georgia Pacific, AT&T and Turner Broadcasting, and some of the city's major tourist attractions, including Underground Atlanta, the New World of Coca-Cola, Turner Field and the Georgia Aquarium. Downtown is also home to Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and the Castleberry Hill arts district.

East Atlanta- East Atlanta Village is emerging from dilapidation to become one of the fastest-growing intown neighborhood. With three major music venues and cuisine options ranging from burritos to vegan and continental, East Atlanta is one of the best-kept secrets in the city, and has gone from being the site of the pivotal Battle of Atlanta, to being an early example of integration in the '60s.

Grant Park- Just outside the downtown area, historic Grant Park is home to some of Atlanta's biggest attractions, including Zoo Atlanta, the Cyclorama and the park that bears its name. The newly revived district is full of Craftsman bungalows and century-old neighborhoods. Located on the rail line, Grant Park flourished until the 1950s, when many of the neighborhood's middle and upper class residents sought more distant suburbs, only to return more than 50 years later.

Little Five Points- In the style of New York City's Greenwich Village, Little Five Points is filled with the sights and sounds of bohemian life. Little Five Points has a rich blend of independently owned shops, art houses, concert venues and edgy theaters. The streets of "Little Five" are always bubbling with students attending concerts the Variety Playhouse and shop owners setting up creative window displays.

Midtown- No other Atlanta neighborhood has experienced the kind of revitalization that has graced Midtown. Defined as the area between Ralph McGill Boulevard and Peachtree Street, Midtown is a mix of historic neighborhoods and modern skyscrapers, as well as an exciting fusion of cultural treasures like the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Fabulous Fox Theatre and former president Jimmy Carter's humanitarian Carter Center.

Sweet Auburn- This mile and a half stretch of Auburn Avenue is home to many historic buildings, including the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement. The area was named Sweet Auburn because of the freedom, prosperity and property ownership that many black Atlantans were tasting for the first time in the 1940s. The area is also home to the King Center, the Sweet Auburn Curb Market and new mixed-use developments.

Virginia Highland- More like a European village than a subsection of Atlanta, the Highlands is home to the eclectic group of artisans and artists, students and young families. Named after the intersection of Virginia and Highland Avenues, the area was developed in the early 1900s. Today it consists of six distinct commercial villages where lively bistros, art galleries and specialty shops abound.

ATLANTA METRO-MINDED SUBURBS:

Alpharetta- Alpharetta is currently home to 3,600 businesses ranging from global leaders to family owned operations. The city also has the largest fiber-linked network in the U.S., high-end shopping at North Point Mall, luxury apartment communities, plenty of green space and the 46-acre Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, featuring walking trails, a scenic creek, abundant animal life and historic sites.

Duluth- This suburban oasis has retained its small town appeal despite rapid residential and commercial growth. What began as Howell Crossing in 1821 evolved into a major railroad artery connecting renamed Duluth, GA to Duluth, Minn. The second largest city Gwinnett, Duluth is considered a model city with a vibrant, refurbished downtown and a thriving commercial corridor.

Dunwoody- This one-time farming community has grown into an elegant suburb with beautiful homes and a highly educated workforce. Dunwoody offers some of the best of what the Atlanta suburbs have to offer, including lush park land, minimal traffic congestion and historic gems like the Spruill Historic Home and the 150-year-old Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church.

Kennesaw- One of the fastest-growing suburbs in the metro area, Kennesaw is quickly becoming known as a safe and scenic place to live, work and raise families. The site of a major Civil War battle, the 2800-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a major draw, and nature enthusiasts also enjoy this northern town's close proximity to Lake Allatoona, Lake Acworth and Red Top Mountain State Park.

Marietta- One of Atlanta's oldest, wealthiest and most compact suburbs. The historically restored Marietta Square is a place where residents and tourists can find one-of-a-kind antiques, quaint shops and relaxation on the central green, Glover Park. Marietta is home to Dobbins Air Force Base, Lockheed-Martin and family theme parks Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Whitewater and American Adventures.

McDonough- One of the largest cities in Henry County, McDonough was incorporated in 1823 and named to honor War of 1812 hero Commodore Thomas McDonough. Located 25 miles southeast of Atlanta, the city's charming courthouse and downtown square are the focal points of community and county life, and is surrounded by interesting shops that provide the setting for the annual Geranium Festival each spring.

Newnan- Incorporated in 1828, Newnan is one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia, with an estimated population of 27,000. The city is the county seat of Coweta County. Located about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, the town was largely untouched by the American Civil War due to its status as a hospital city for Confederate troops, and as a result is still home to much antebellum architecture.

Norcross- Residents enjoy the unique dichotomy of living in a quiet, tree-lined city, while nearby are high tech industries. Norcross is the only location in Gwinnett County to have a district listed on the U.S. Register of Historic Places- 112 acres to be exact. A well-designed urban town, Norcross experienced rapid growth in the '90s, ushering in a period of commercial development from companies like Panasonic, Pfizer and Rock-Tenn.

Peachtree City- Renowned for its award-winning, 90-mile network of multi-use paths for pedestrians, cyclists and golf carts, Peachtree City is a master-planned community located just south of Atlanta. Founded in 1959, its 36,000 residents enjoy traveling from neighborhood to shopping centers, schools and parks through wooded scenery. The city is home to the annual Great Georgia Air Show and the largest 4th of July celebration south of Atlanta.

Roswell- Powered by the waters of the mighty Chattahoochee, Roswell quickly became a cotton community that thrived until the 1970s. Remnants of the old mill town are visible everywhere, in the form of historic churches, plantation homes and cemeteries. The character of Roswell's main square has experienced a revival that has brought antique shops, festivals and Southern comfort food back to the square.

Smyrna/Vinings- Just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Smyrna and Vinings are conveniently located near Atlanta's three major interstates. The new downtown Village Green area includes acres of green space, wide streets, mixed-use development and a brand new city hall. Similarly, neighboring Vinings was revitalized in 1986, when Atlanta developer Felix Cochran transformed the city's rundown town square into a thriving center with shops and restaurants.

* Move to ATLANTA! A mix of quaint to contemporary, and full of Southern allure!

If you're thinking of making a move to or in Atlanta, contact Cameron Crossman, for the best real estate service in Atlanta! He can provide you with following helpful information right to the convenience of your computer! Homes available, local Atlanta area information, great financing options and government stimulus down payment and tax credits, just to name a few!

Beyond your condo balcony Atlanta appears as never before, revealed by Luxe's exclusive Midtown location. Dazzling million-dollar skylines of Piedmont Park and the historic neighborhoods of Midtown and Ansley Park converge on almost every horizon. At Luxe condominiums, everything you desire is literally at your fingertips, including Atlanta's premier green space, Piedmont Park. With 189 acres of rolling hills, meandering paths and playing fields, it's the perfect neighbor for any outdoor enthusiast.

And if that’s not enough to illustrate the exclusivity of Midtown’s ultimate parkside address, the Luxe condo amenity level will complete the picture. Spa-worthy and resort-inspired, the Luxe condo amenity level confirms the notion that the time has come for life in Midtown and the only way to go, is Luxe.

Overlooking Piedmont Park, Luxe features 112 Condos, five penthouses and 5,000 square feet of street-level retail space. The one, two, and three bedrooms homes range in price from $249,000 to over $1 million. Boasting a view of the Midtown Atlanta skyline, Luxe offers 24-hour concierge service, a furnished guest suite, club room with his and hers saunas, fitness center, pool and pet walk areas.

This 22 floor condominium is unlike any other in Atlanta, GA!

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Atlanta's reputation as one of the nation's most business-friendly cities keeps the metro area on the short list for start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. From its early beginnings as a railroad terminus in 1837, Atlanta quickly expanded, and just two decades later it became the hub for four railroads and a major manufacturing center.

Today the state's capital city is home to 10 Fortune 500 and 12 Fortune 1,000 companies. Topping the list of Atlanta's homegrown Fortune 500 firms are the world's best known soft drink company, The Coca-Cola Company, and Delta Airlines, a key player at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest passenger airport. Relative newcomer The Home Depot, founded by two Atlanta businessmen in 1979, is also listed among the top 25 Fortune 500 companies.

Atlanta continues to draw such top business names as UPS, ING Americas, Holiday Inn and Porsche Cars North America, all of which have established headquarters in the metro area.

Through various incentives, including the state's low corporate tax structure, favorable employment climate and right-to-work status, the metro area is an enticing destination for business looking to relocate or expand.

If you happen to be thinking of relocating to Atlanta, please don't hesitate to call me for your real estate needs!!

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Atlanta is a city that has a historic reputation for picking itself up by its bootstraps in times of struggle and charging ahead. Considering the current economic climate, long-time residents and executives have faith that history will repeat itself and Atlanta will once again welcome progress.

"Good things are happening," says Nick Masino, vice president of Economic Development at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. "This is where the young, educated, talented people are, and the metro area will benefit from that. I'd rather weather the storm here than any other place in the world."

Signs of progress are sprouting up throughout the city-residential housing construction saw a boost in February, companies are announcing expansions and Atlanta will host international life sciences companies at the 2009 BIO International Convention in May. Here's more good news on which companies are hiring and how the metro area is attracting global business expansions in the area.

WHO'S HIRING?

Atlanta has long been known for the strength of its jobs market. Opportunities exist- here's a list of companies looking for new hires:

AT&T. This major telecommunications company is expanding its wireless, broadband and video service areas, resulting in 3,000 new jobs. The number of jobs available in the metro area has not been officially reported, but the company's wireless unit, AT&T Mobility, and most of its video services are based in Atlanta.

GreenTech Manufacturing. The environmentally friendly construction product manufacturer is building a new facility in Douglas, Georgia, creating 320 new jobs.

Kia Motors. The Southern Korean automaker is set to open its first U.S. plant and produce SUVs by the end of the year, hiring 600 employees.

NCR. This Fortune 500 company is opening a global Center of Excellence in Georgia, which will encompass components of NCR's (National Cash Register Company) worldwide customer service operations. This expansion is expected to bring 325 jobs to Metro Atlanta.

Suniva. A company born out of Georgia's Institute of Technology's photovoltaics department, Suniva is a manufacturer of high value crystalline silicon solar cells. Suniva opened its first solar factory in Atlanta in December 2008 and will hire more than 100 employees by the end of 2009.

Verizon Wireless. This multi-media provider is expanding its presence in Alpharetta with a new Customer Service Center, bringing 600 jobs to the metro Atlanta area.

YesVideo. This digital video publishing technology company is opening its East Coast operations in Gwinnett County. This expansion will create 300 new jobs over the next three years.

For more information on these companies, but sure to check out their websites for more job opportunities. If you are thinking of relocating to beautiful Atlanta, I am here to serve your real estates needs.

Feel free to visit my website to search the Atlanta MLS or get local information!

www.cameroncrossman.com