Department of Exceptional Students

Forsyth County School System special education programs are founded upon the belief that all children are capable of learning and being successful in school experiences, which are designed to develop academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and independence skills for active participation in their community. The district offers a variety of services and resources for parents.  For the district web page.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive Special Education services, students must meet Georgia eligibility requirements. Once a student is determined to be eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), an IEP or Individualized Education Plan is written and services begin.

Out of County: 

Parents or guardians should contact the School Special Education Coordinator (contact information below) or the Forsyth County Special Education Department. Transfer students will need to provide a current IEP or sign a release of records so that current student information may be obtained. All records will be reviewed by Forsyth County personnel and an IEP committee to determine appropriate services.

In County: 

IEP’s from within the county transfer automatically to DHS.  

Service Models

General Education: Students with disabilities are served in the general education classroom with no special education personnel support.

Consultation: Students with disabilities receive one hour / month of service.

Supportive: Students with disabilities receive service from paraprofessionals in a general education class.

Co-taught: Students with disabilities receive service from certified teachers in a general education class.

Special Education Class: Students with disabilities meet in a small group with a special education teacher. Support is offered in 9th-12th grade for math, math support, literature, science (most classes) and history. There are also specialized instruction classes for students with Mild, Moderate, Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and an Emotional/Behavioral class.

Survival Tips for Parents

Parent Portal in Infinite Campus is a web-based application and allows you access to pertinent information about your child’s performance, attendance, health records. Information is available at Parent Portal Instructions.

itsLearning is our Learning Management System and our teachers post copies of assignments, calendars and other info that will help you help your child keep organized.  Find information about itsLearning at itslearning FAQs for Parents.

Contact your child’s case manager to set up a parent/teacher conference or IEP meeting when needed.

 Parent Resource Links

Special Education Parent Guide 

Your Rights as a Parent 

Your Rights as a Parent (Condensed) 

Your Rights as a Parent (in Spanish) Sus Derechos como Padres  

Department Contact Information

Suzanne Bertz

IRR Special Education Department Chair

sbertz@forsyth.k12.ga.us 

(470) 533-2521, ext. 512421

Fax: (470) 533-2522

Tammie Hennelly
SI Special Education Department Chair
thennelly@forsyth.k12.ga.us
(470) 533-2521, ext. 512652
Fax: (470) 533-2522