Eleven Aiken County schools today received state Palmetto Gold and Silver awards, according the state Education Department.
The program, in its ninth year, recognizes schools for closing achievement gaps and attaining high levels of performance.
General performance gold winners include: Aiken Elementary, Hammond Hill Elementary, Chukker Creek Elementary and the Aiken County Career Center. Silver winners include: Midland Valley High, North Augusta Middle, Belvedere Elementary, Gloverville Elementary, North Augusta Elementary, Busbee Elementary and Warrenville Elementary.
General awards were based on absolute and growth ratings on a schools' report card.
Closing the Achievement Gap awards were also given to schools making gains in four subgroups -  African American students, Hispanic students, students receiving free or reduced lunch and students with non-speech disabilities.
Aiken County schools receiving silver awards include: Aiken Elementary, Clearwater Elementary, Gloverville Elementary, Greendale Elementary, Hammond Hill Elementary, Busbee Elementary, Silver Bluff High, South Aiken High. Midland Valley High, and Wagener-Salley High.
Edgefield County's general excellence winners include a gold for the Strom Thurmond Career Center and a silver for Parker Elementary.