Forsyth County Schools is home to five outstanding high schools (click here for a two-page fact sheet of each). As you read the 2013-14 Course Digest and study the course descriptions, you will see course sequences, grade level recommendations, and prerequisites. Teachers and counselors have provided this information based on academic success students have experienced in those content areas. This information can assist you in making decisions that will aid your child in achieving academic success.

Course Registration Procedures

Fall registration is completed during the preceding spring, at which time all students meet with their advisors to select courses. Registration proceeds as follows:

1. Orientation

Registration information is discussed in student advisement, and subject selection sheets are distributed.

2. Academic Advisement

Students may discuss with their counselor, advisor, teachers, or parents/guardians course selections based on academic performance, future goals, and graduation requirements.

3. Schedule Changes and Course Offerings

Student-initiated schedule changes for  2013-2014 will be completed by the end of the first full week of school.  After this time, no schedule changes will be made. Schedule changes made during the initial days of the new school year are based on the following criteria ONLY: (a) completion of a scheduled course during summer school; (b) computer errors; and (c) administrative changes.

 

Only those courses for which there is adequate enrollment and/or faculty will be of­fered in the upcoming school year. Courses, numbers of sections, and staff assignments are determined on the basis of need; it is imperative, therefore, that students determine which courses are required for graduation. Each high school reserves the right to cancel, without prior notification any course listed in this guide and/or rearrange any prescribed course sequence, and make schedule changes for the purpose of leveling class size.

• Special Education

In-County: In order to receive Special Education services, students must meet Georgia eligibility requirements. Each disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) has specific criteria that must be met for eligibility. Once a student is deter­mined to be eligible under IDEA, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is created and Special Education services begin. Student IEPs transfer from other schools in Forsyth County.

 

Out-of-County: In order to receive Special Education services, parents and/or guardians should contact the Forsyth County Special Education Department. Parents of the transferring student must provide a current IEP or sign a release of records form so that the high school may obtain current information. To determine appropriate services, all records will be reviewed by FCS Special Education personnel and an IEP committee. 

• English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

English to Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) provides opportunities to acquire proficiency in English while continuing to learn content-specific skills.  The Transition Services Office is located in the Almon C. Hill Center, at 136 Elm Street, Cumming, GA  30040 (678-947-0274) provides initial assessment services for high school students.  The Hill Center also evaluates world transcripts and advises on course placement for newcomers to Forsyth County Schools. Please click here for ESOL information in the Course Digest.

• Honors/Horizons (Gifted and Talented)

Any student who is currently enrolled in the Horizons (Gifted) program in a Forsyth County school is eligible for gifted services. Any student who is in a gifted program from another Georgia school is eligible as soon as the high school receives the appropriate documentation from the student’s former Georgia school. Any student who was in a gifted program from another state must be evaluated and possibly tested for Georgia Gifted eligibility. Please contact the Gifted Coordinator for details. Please click here for Horizons information in the Course Digest.

Advanced Courses and College Credit

• Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are postsecondary-level classes which are provided at high school in the course of a regular school day. Many colleges and universities award either course credit or possibly exemption from certain required coursework. Not all postsecondary institutions honor AP exam credit, however, each college or university has its own standards by which it weights AP coursework taken in high school. Students are advised to check with the respective institution for details on its AP course and exam policies. AP examinations are conducted in May of each year, and students who take AP exams are responsible for paying AP examination fees (approximately $85 per exam) un­less Georgia State legislature provides funding. Please click here for more information.

• International Baccalaureate (IB)

Forsyth County Schools' IB program is located on the campus of South Forsyth High School, and it open to all Forsyth County high school-age students. The IB program incorporates a rigorous curriculum which provides perhaps the most thorough preparation for university-level study available. IB teachers strive for a shared academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and exposure to a variety of viewpoints that fosters tolerance and intercultural understanding among our students.To prepare for the IB program , which begins in the 11^th grade, students are strongly encouraged to begin taking appropriate coursework in the ninth grade. Please click here for more information. 

• ACCEL Program (Academic-Related Dual Enrollment)

The ACCEL Program is a lottery-funded dual enrollment program administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). Rules promulgated by the GSFC provide for eligible juniors and seniors to take certain courses from postsecondary institutions that count for high school graduation credit and postsecondary credit. Please click here for additional information. 

• Lanier Technical College (Career-Related Dual Enrollment)

Students who have completed their sophomore year may be approved to attend Lanier Technical College. Course credit earned at Lanier Tech can apply toward high school graduation. Students will attend classes Monday through Thursday of each school week. Check with school counselors on program offerings for each school and the cost of participating in these programs. Please click here for additional information.

•  Arts and Humanities: Visual and Performing Arts and Languages
•  Business and Communication Systems: Business, Communications, Marketing and Information Systems
• Engineering, Energy and Natural Resources: Engineering, Technology, Transportation and Agricultural Science
• Consumer Services Pathway: Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Education/Teaching, Family and Consumer Services, Government/Public Safety Healthcare Science