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District News

A Cozy Day of Online Learning at Home

Forsyth County woke up to a wintry mix today, and while the roads may be slick, learning isn’t slowing down. With safety as the top priority, the district shifted to an online learning day, allowing students to stay warm indoors while continuing their classes. Teachers have posted assignments, activities, and check-ins through the district's online learning platform, making the transition smooth and familiar for families.

Across the county, students are settling in at kitchen tables, home offices, and cozy corners with laptops and Chromebooks in hand. Many teachers are offering flexible schedules, recorded lessons, and quick virtual touchpoints to help students stay on track without the stress of travel. It’s a different kind of school day, but one that keeps everyone connected and engaged.

As the weather continues to unfold, the district will keep families updated through its website, social media, and messaging systems. For now, it’s a perfect moment to brew something warm, stay safe, and make the most of a calm, productive day of learning from home.

A young girl is sitting at a table, using a laptop computer and appears to be engaged in an online learning activity.
A young woman sits on a leather couch, intently focused on her laptop while a colorful, patterned blanket covers her legs.
A young girl with glasses and a bright pink sweater is sitting at a table, smiling and holding a laptop computer that displays a video game screen.
A young girl in a purple sweater is intently focused on a laptop computer placed on a wooden table in a cozy living room setting.
A young girl with long, curly hair is sitting at a desk in a cozy home environment, surrounded by windows overlooking a wooded outdoor scene.
A young child is sleeping peacefully on a couch, wrapped in a colorful patterned blanket, with a window in the background revealing a wintry outdoor scene.
A young child, wearing a green sweater, is sitting at a table and using a laptop computer, with a scenic outdoor view visible through the window behind them.
A laptop computer screen displays various application icons, while a small dog rests on a couch in the foreground.
A young person sits at a desk, focused on a computer screen displaying a colorful, abstract design.
A young boy with a cheerful expression is sitting on the floor in front of a colorful space-themed rug, giving a thumbs-up gesture.
A person is sitting on a colorful, patterned blanket, using a laptop computer while surrounded by framed photographs hanging on the wall behind them.
A young girl with long blonde hair is sitting at a desk, surrounded by various art supplies, and appears to be drawing or writing on a piece of paper in front of her. The background includes a kitchen-like setting with cabinets, shelves, and other household items.
Two young girls are intently focused on a laptop computer, their heads bent close together as they collaborate on something on the screen. The image is set in a cozy, domestic environment with a ceiling fan visible in the background.
A person in pajamas is sitting on a chair in front of a laptop, with a window and blinds visible in the background.

Celebrating MLK's Legacy: Creativity, Compassion, Community

Across Forsyth County Schools, students honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with creativity, compassion, and a shared commitment to service. Classrooms and hallways spotlighted powerful artwork inspired by Dr. King’s messages of justice, unity, and hope, ranging from vibrant murals and portraits to poetry, collage, and symbolic displays created by students of all ages. Each piece reflected not only Dr. King’s enduring impact but also the voices and perspectives of our young learners as they explored what it means to lead with courage and kindness.

Beyond the art room, students stepped into service projects that brought Dr. King’s call to action to life. Schools organized donation drives, wrote letters of gratitude, assembled care kits, and partnered with local organizations to support families and neighbors in need. These hands-on experiences helped students understand that service is more than a single day; it’s a mindset that strengthens our community year-round.

Together, these expressions of art and acts of service show how Forsyth County students continue to carry Dr. King’s legacy forward, learning that even small actions can create meaningful change.

A colorful and whimsical illustration depicting a surreal landscape with a sun, clouds, and a dreamlike figure in the foreground, accompanied by the text %22I have a dream%22.
A group of people, including adults and children, are standing together in a room with colorful walls and decorations.
The image shows a group of people, including several young children, gathered around a table filled with various items, likely in a school or community setting.
The image depicts a hand-drawn poster celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring the text %22MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY!%22 and %22I Have a Dream%22 along with a painted American flag and silhouettes of people.
A large, crowded room with many people seated at tables, engaged in various activities, with a stage and curtains visible in the background.

Forsyth County Schools Spelling Bee Shines a Spotlight on Young Scholars

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The image shows several large, golden trophies or awards on a table, with a blue background featuring the text %22Spelling Bee%22 prominently displayed.
The image shows a stage with a large screen displaying the text %22Forsyth Spelling Bee%22 and rows of chairs in the foreground, suggesting a formal event or competition.
A stage with a large screen displaying the text %22Spelling Bee%22 is surrounded by a crowd of people, likely participants or audience members, in a dimly lit theater setting.
A group of young people, some holding signs, sitting together in a brightly lit setting with colorful graphics in the background.
A group of people, some standing and some seated, are gathered on a stage with a large graphic display in the background.
A group of people, some wearing numbered bibs, stand on a stage with a backdrop of geometric shapes and patterns.
A group of young people, some holding signs, are seated on a stage with a large logo in the background.
A group of students sitting on chairs in front of a stage with a %22Spelling Bee%22 banner displayed in the background.
The image shows two individuals on a stage, with one person wearing a yellow shirt and the other wearing a dark-colored outfit. In the background, there is a banner for %22Forsyth County Schools%22 and several trophies displayed on a table.
The image shows a group of people standing on a stage, holding various trophies and awards. The background features a large banner with the text %22OSYTH%22.

The excitement was buzzing as students from across Forsyth County Schools gathered for this year’s districtwide Spelling Bee. Families, teachers, and classmates filled the room with encouragement as students stepped up to the microphone, demonstrating not only impressive spelling skills but also confidence, composure, and a love of learning. Each round brought a mix of suspense and celebration as participants tackled increasingly challenging words.

What stood out most wasn’t just the spelling talent on display, but the spirit of perseverance each student brought to the competition. Whether they advanced through multiple rounds or bravely took on their very first word, every participant showed the kind of determination and curiosity that defines our learners. Their hard work in preparing for the Bee, studying word lists, practicing with teachers, and cheering each other on, was evident throughout the event.

Forsyth County Schools is proud of every student who represented their school at this year’s Bee. Their dedication reminds us that academic growth happens one word, one challenge, and one moment of courage at a time. Congratulations to all of our spellers for making this year’s competition such a memorable celebration of learning.

FCS Mathletes Shine at Regional Competition

Mathletes from across Forsyth County Schools delivered an outstanding performance at the fourth MathLeague regional competition on Saturday, showcasing teamwork, problem‑solving, and academic excellence. Whitlow Elementary earned a first‑place team finish, while South Forsyth Middle, Daves Creek Elementary, and Hendricks Middle each secured strong second‑place results. Administrators and teachers were on hand to cheer on their students, creating a supportive atmosphere that highlighted the district’s commitment to academic enrichment. Full results for the December Grades 3–6 and Grades 6–8 regional competitions are available below.

Looking ahead, the February regional event will serve as the final qualifying round and will be held on February 21, 2026, at Matt Elementary. Registration has just opened and will reach capacity quickly. Families and schools can find links to the Grades 3–6 February Regional information below as the district prepares for another exciting round of competition.

Forsyth County Schools Spotlight

Alexander Joseph Wins Two National Chess Titles in Spokane

A young man holding up two medals

Forsyth County Schools is celebrating a remarkable achievement by Alexander Joseph, a fourth-grader at Johns Creek Elementary, who brought home not one but two national chess championships at the 2025 U.S. Chess National K–12 Grade Championships in Spokane, Washington.

Over the three‑day event held December 12–14, Alex earned the rare distinction of winning both the 4th Grade National Championship and the K–6 Blitz National Championship, a combination rarely seen at the same tournament. The two formats demand completely different strengths: long‑form strategy and stamina in standard play, and lightning‑fast calculation and precision in blitz. Excelling in both is a testament to Alex’s exceptional versatility and focus at the board.

Alex’s success extends far beyond this event. He has represented the United States on the international stage at the World Youth Chess Championships and the Pan-American Youth Chess Championship, competing against top young players from around the globe. His accomplishments have also earned attention outside the chess world, including a feature in Forsyth County News and an upcoming spotlight in the January issue of Khabar Magazine.

Forsyth County Schools is proud to celebrate Alex’s dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. His achievements highlight the incredible talent within our community and inspire students across the district to pursue their interests with curiosity and confidence.

FCS Students Return for the First Day of the Second Semester

Three smiling young girls, two with glasses, stand together in a school hallway.
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A person wearing glasses and a jacket is walking on a concrete path surrounded by brick columns and other people in the background.
The image shows a large tree with bare branches in the foreground, surrounded by a group of people, including a woman in a yellow shirt and several children, standing near the tree on a grassy area with a paved walkway and parked vehicles in the background.
A young person in a red jacket is sitting on a bench in a parking lot surrounded by various vehicles.
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Two individuals, a man and a woman, are walking together in front of a brick building. In the background, a silver truck can be seen parked on the street.
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Two young boys wearing school uniforms stand in the foreground, with a parking lot and buildings visible in the background.
Two young women standing together in front of a brick building, one wearing a black sweatshirt and the other a light blue sweatshirt, with a paved area and parked cars visible in the background.
The image shows a large %22Welcome to EAST%22 sign in a hallway with people walking in the background.
A group of young people, some wearing casual clothing, are walking through a spacious indoor area with large windows and a tiled floor.
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A group of people, mostly young adults, are walking through a large, open indoor space with a gymnasium visible in the background.
A group of young women, some wearing casual clothing and others in more formal attire, are standing together in what appears to be a hallway or corridor with brick walls and signage visible in the background.
A crowded hallway with people walking in various directions, some carrying backpacks or bags, and the walls are lined with lockers or storage spaces.

Administrators, staff, and teachers across Forsyth County welcomed students back to school today for the first day of the second semester with smiles, new lessons, and renewed momentum. From kindergarteners bundled in cozy jackets to high school seniors returning for their final stretch, schools across the county were buzzing with fresh energy after the winter break.

The spring semester is always a meaningful chapter for Forsyth County Schools, filled with academic growth, performances, competitions, and milestone moments that bring our community together. Here’s to a strong start and an inspiring second half of the school year.

FCS Dominates at MathLeague Regionals

Whitlow Elementary Participants

Pictured below is the first place team from Whitlow Elementary, led by coach Katie Harder.

Forsyth County Schools students were dominant again at the third MathLeague regional competition on Saturday.  Congratulations to Whitlow Elementary on their first-place team finish, and to South Forsyth Middle and Settles Bridge Elementary for placing second.  A big thank you to all administrators and teachers who came out to support your students.  See the results below.

The January regionals are at Fulton Science Academy, and registration is already open for that contest:

Helping Young Readers Thrive

UFLI Foundations

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Three children dressed in colorful costumes, resembling Minions from the Despicable Me franchise, are sitting on the floor and engaged with a tablet device in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting.
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A group of children sitting on the floor, engaged in various activities and surrounded by shelves, books, and other classroom materials.
Three young boys sitting at a desk, smiling and holding a piece of paper, in what appears to be a classroom setting.
A young child is lying on a patterned couch in a room with bookshelves and other furniture in the background.
Two young children, a girl and a boy, are sitting on the floor and reading books from the shelves behind them, which appear to be in a classroom or library setting.
A young child is sitting at a desk, intently working on a worksheet with colorful shapes and stars, surrounded by various classroom materials and supplies.
A young child in an orange shirt is intently focused on writing or drawing on a paper on a wooden desk in a classroom setting.
A young girl with dark hair is sitting at a desk, working on a learning activity involving colorful star-shaped objects.

Forsyth County Schools is excited to share a powerful tool that’s helping students become confident, capable readers: UFLI Foundations, a research-based reading program developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute.

So, what makes it special?

Step-by-step learning: UFLI teaches reading in a clear, structured way, starting with sounds and letters and progressing to whole words and sentences.

Designed for all learners: Whether your child is just starting or needs extra support, UFLI meets them where they are and helps them grow.

Engaging and hands-on: Lessons include visuals, movement, and sound. Students stay focused and have fun while learning.

Practice that makes sense: Students read short, decodable stories that match what they’ve learned, helping them build confidence and fluency.

Teachers love UFLI because it’s easy to use and backed by science. Families love it because they see their children making real progress and enjoying the journey.

Want to support your child at home? Ask them to show you the sounds they’ve learned, read a decodable passage together, or play a quick word game using their classroom materials. Every little moment helps!

Together, we’re building strong readers—and stronger futures.

Families and Teachers Light the Night for Education

Forsyth Central Participants
Big Creek Participants
Lakeside Participants
Brandywine participants
Children Running
Team Daves Creek
Participants running
Children running
Little girl in a tutu
Mitch with two educators from Daves Creek
Lambert

Forsyth County Schools educators, families, and community members gathered Sunday evening for the Dr. Jim and Peggie Morrow Glow Run for Educators 5K, turning the streets around Forsyth Central High School into a glowing celebration of school spirit.

Participants of all ages joined the 5K and 1K races, running and walking under the glow of neon lights and festive decorations. More than a fitness event, the Glow Run honored the educators who light the way for students every day. Proceeds benefit the Forsyth County Education Foundation, supporting programs that directly impact teachers and classrooms.

Teams from across Forsyth County showed up in glowing gear, cheering each other on and reinforcing district unity. Families lined the course with light sticks, encouraging runners as they crossed the finish line inside Forsyth Central’s football stadium.

The Glow Run is becoming a tradition of gratitude and engagement. By spotlighting educators and inviting the community to “get their glow on,” Forsyth County Schools continues to build a culture of inclusion, wellness, and celebration.

Photo Gallery

A group of runners in bright green shirts are participating in a race, with a wooded area and buildings visible in the background.
The image shows two women holding a large sign with the text %22Run Glow Run%22 and various colorful graphics, standing in front of a building with a covered patio area.
A young woman in a bright green shirt stands in front of a colorful, artistic backdrop promoting a %22Glo Run%22 event.
The image shows a group of people gathered outdoors, with a woman in the foreground wearing a black shirt with a graphic design and a woman next to her wearing a blue tank top. In the background, there appears to be a covered outdoor seating area.
A colorful and vibrant pedicab or rickshaw with a %22Glow Run%22 sign and decorations, parked in an outdoor setting with trees and a building in the background.
A man and a young child are standing in front of a colorful sign that says %22Run Glow Run%22 with various shapes and silhouettes of runners.
A group of people in bright green shirts holding a large banner that says %22Run Glow Run%22 in a nighttime outdoor setting with a covered structure in the background.
The image shows a colorful and vibrant sign for a %22Run Blow Run%22 event, with silhouettes of runners and other graphics. In the foreground, a person is standing next to the sign, wearing running gear.
The image shows a colorful and vibrant sign for a %22Run Glow Run%22 event, with a person standing in front of it wearing athletic gear and a bright smile.
The image shows a woman in athletic clothing posing in front of a colorful sign advertising a %22Run Glow Run%22 event, with a backdrop of a building and trees.
A woman pushing a stroller with a young child inside, walking on a paved path with various vehicles and structures in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing in front of a colorful sign that reads %22Run Glow Run%22, with participants wearing bright neon-colored clothing and holding glow sticks, suggesting a nighttime running event or race.
A group of people posing in front of a colorful %22Run Glow Run%22 sign, with a building and outdoor setting in the background.
The image shows a person wearing a bright green shirt and hat, standing in front of a green building with a sign that says %22House%22. There are other people visible in the background, and the scene appears to be outdoors on a sunny day.
A man with a beard and sunglasses wearing a gray t-shirt and a neon green headband stands in the foreground, giving a thumbs up gesture, while a crowd and event setup can be seen in the background.
A large group of people wearing colorful and vibrant clothing, including green shirts, are gathered together and walking in a crowd, with a person in the foreground wearing a floral dress and sunglasses.
A group of people, some in colorful athletic wear, are gathered around a person in a wheelchair on a paved path surrounded by trees and greenery.
A large group of runners in colorful athletic gear are gathered at the start of a race, with a crowd of spectators and a wooded area in the background.
A large group of people wearing bright green shirts are gathered at an outdoor event, with a large inflatable arch in the background.
Three individuals, two women and one man, are standing in front of a brick building. The women are wearing bright green tulle skirts, while the man is wearing a black t-shirt with a colorful design. They all appear to be smiling and enjoying themselves.
A group of people, some wearing colorful clothing, are gathered together and appear to be engaged in a lively conversation or interaction.
A group of young athletes in bright green uniforms standing together on a sports field, with a stadium and trees visible in the background.
Two women in casual clothing, one wearing a bright green t-shirt and the other a patterned sweater, are engaged in a conversation outdoors against a backdrop of buildings and other people.
A group of people in athletic clothing standing in front of a brick building with a sign for %22Forest Central Athletics%22.
A group of people wearing bright green shirts and holding race bibs stand in front of a brick building with a sign for %22Festival of Lights%22.
A family of three wearing matching green shirts stands in front of a covered outdoor area with people in the background.
A man in a blue shirt and baseball cap is interacting with a young child wearing a green shirt, with other people and structures visible in the background.
A young boy with blond hair and a green shirt is excitedly taking a photo with a smartphone, while an adult figure stands in the background.
A group of people, including a young girl and an adult woman, are interacting and engaging with each other in an outdoor setting.
Two smiling young women wearing bright green t-shirts stand in front of a building, with a grassy field in the background.
A smiling young person wearing a colorful tie-dye sweatshirt stands in front of a background of greenery and a sunny sky.
A woman in a baseball cap and sunglasses is interacting with a young girl wearing a green shirt in what appears to be an outdoor setting with other people and structures visible in the background.

Math Minds Shine at November Regionals!

Forsyth County Schools (FCS) students once again dominated at the November 2025 Math League Regional Competition, held this past Saturday. With students from 24 different FCS schools placing in the Top 10 across grade levels, the event showcased the depth of talent and teamwork across our district.

Special congratulations to:

  • South Forsyth Middle School and Daves Creek Elementary for their first-place team finishes
  • Hendricks Middle School and Whitlow Elementary for their second-place team finishes

Thank you to all families, coaches, and staff who came out to support our students. Your encouragement fuels their success!

Explore the complete list of winners:

These competitions are part of the MathLeague.org series, which brings together students from across the country and the world to solve challenging problems in logic, number theory, algebra, and other mathematical disciplines. Forsyth County teams continue to lead the way, with strong showings in both individual and team rounds.

Next Up: December Georgia Qualifier 

Registration is now open:

Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into the final regional of the semester. Good luck to all teams preparing for December!

Georgia Department of Education Recognizes Literacy & Math Leaders

“Strong literacy and math skills open the door for every opportunity our students will encounter in school, in their future careers, and in life,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “The schools recognized as Literacy Leaders and Math Leaders have shown a deep commitment to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed.” 

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has announced the 2024-2025 Literacy Leader and Math Leader schools, honoring campuses across the state that demonstrated exceptional achievement and growth in reading and mathematics. 

These recognitions celebrate schools where students are making extraordinary progress and reaching proficiency on annual end-of-grade and end-of-course assessments. The criteria emphasize the importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades, as well as numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades, while requiring higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels. 

Literacy Leaders 

  • Four hundred six schools earned recognition as Literacy Leaders in the 2024-2025 school year. 
  • Awards were presented at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with high schools recognized based on their performance on the American Literature End-of-Course assessment. 
  • Literacy Leader qualifications are based on the Georgia Milestones Reading Status indicator, which uses Lexile scores tied to ELA performance.
  • GaDOE has recognized Literacy Leader schools for three consecutive years, reflecting sustained progress in reading achievement.

Math Leaders 

  • Four hundred seventy-nine schools earned recognition as Math Leaders in the 2024-2025 academic year. 
  • Awards were presented at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with high schools recognized based on their performance on the Algebra: Concepts and Connections End-of-Course assessment. 
  • Math Leader qualifications are based on students achieving the Proficient Learner level or above on Georgia Milestones mathematics assessments. 
  • GaDOE also recognized Math Leader schools in the 2023-2024 school year, demonstrating continued statewide improvement. 

Statewide Progress 

Georgia continues to see substantial gains in literacy and mathematics:

  • Two consecutive years of improvement in mathematics proficiency following the new K-12 Mathematics Standards.
  • Momentum in literacy, particularly in high-need elementary schools, is supported by school-level literacy coaches.
  • New English Language Arts standards, aligned to the science of reading, took effect this year to strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills from the earliest grades. 

Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Woods will visit select Literacy Leader and Math Leader schools to recognize and congratulate their achievements.

Forsyth County Schools Shine Across All Levels in 2026 U.S. News Rankings

Forsyth County Schools continues to set a standard of excellence from the earliest grades through high school. The newly released U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings recognize our students, teachers, and schools for outstanding achievement at every level.

Elementary Schools Leading the Way

  • Daves Creek Elementary ranked No. 4 in Georgia
  • Johns Creek Elementary ranked No. 8 in Georgia
  • Big Creek Elementary ranked 22nd statewide, third in the district
  • Brookwood Elementary ranked 29th statewide, fourth in the district
  • In total, seven of 23 elementary schools finished in Georgia’s top 50

Middle Schools Excelling

  • Riverwatch Middle School ranked No. 4 in Georgia
  • South Forsyth Middle School ranked No. 5 in Georgia
  • Piney Grove Middle School ranked No. 10 in Georgia
  • Seven of our middle schools are in the state’s top 64, and all 11 received state rankings

High Schools Recognized

  • Forsyth County high schools earned accolades in the U.S. News rankings released in August, further confirming the district’s record of excellence.

How Rankings Are Determined

U.S. News evaluated student performance on state assessments in math and reading/language arts, while considering student background and achievement in core subjects. Student-teacher ratios were used to break ties in overall scores.

What This Means for Forsyth County Schools

These rankings are more than numbers—they reflect our daily commitment to building an environment where students are safe, connected, and supported to thrive. From elementary classrooms to high school pathways, our students benefit from dedicated teachers, staff, and families who make success possible.

Safety in Every Step

A Day with Kim Driesse

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” -Charlie Chaplin

Kim D
Kim and Ziva

Kim Driesse, Assistant Director of School Safety

From supporting school administrators with discipline concerns to guiding them through high-stakes safety decisions, Kim Driesse’s work is rooted in service and support. As Assistant Director of School Safety, she is often the steady voice schools turn to, whether it’s navigating a difficult parent conversation, coordinating a behavioral threat assessment, or ensuring administrators are equipped with the latest training and protocols.

Beyond procedures, Driesse leads with relationships. She organizes safety training across the district and manages a team of Student Advocacy Specialists who work with Forsyth County’s most at-risk students, ensuring schools have a trusted adult to connect with the children who need it most. Known for her calm under pressure and collaborative approach, she partners daily with administrators, counselors, social workers, and law enforcement to keep students safe and cared for.

At the heart of her work is a simple goal: to provide every school leader with top-notch support, enabling them to focus on what matters most - helping students learn and thrive in a safe environment.

School Safety in Action

Georgia Students Selected for 2025–2026 State Advisory Council

Big news from the Georgia Department of Education: 79 high school students from across the state have been selected to serve on Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2025–2026 Student Advisory Council. Out of more than 1,200 applicants, these students stood out for their innovative ideas, leadership skills, and passion for enhancing education.

Throughout the school year, council members will meet with Superintendent Woods to share how state policies impact their classrooms, provide feedback, and discuss broader issues such as curriculum, testing, and access to resources. They’ll also participate in service projects that give back to their communities—everything from cleanup efforts and fundraisers to student-led workshops.

“This council is about hearing directly from students—the ones experiencing our schools every day,” said Superintendent Woods. “Their ideas will help guide our work and keep us focused on what matters most: supporting every student’s success.”

For the first time, two private school students will join the council to help broaden the conversation and bring new perspectives to the table. All selected students submitted thoughtful essays on topics like graduation requirements, teacher support, and equity in rural schools.

The council includes students from every region of Georgia, representing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The first meeting will take place this November at the Georgia Department of Education’s offices.

Congratulations to all the students selected—and thank you for using your voice to shape the future of education in Georgia!

Partner Up, Power On: Forsyth Connects Community to Classroom

Forsyth County Schools is inviting local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations to make a lasting impact through Partner Connect—a dynamic initiative that bridges community expertise with classroom innovation. Whether you're offering mentorship, guest speaking, internships, or resources, Partner Connect makes it easy to collaborate with educators and empower students across the district. This platform streamlines engagement, celebrates meaningful partnerships, and helps shape the future of Forsyth County by connecting real-world experiences to lifelong learning. Join today and be part of a movement that transforms education through community connection.

North Forsyth Grad Emma Rose Named to JA of Georgia’s Nineteen Under Nineteen

Emma Rose

Emma Rose, a standout 2025 graduate from North Forsyth High School, has been named one of Junior Achievement of Georgia’s Nineteen Under Nineteen—a statewide honor spotlighting young changemakers who are already leading, creating, and inspiring before age 19.

Emma’s resume reads like a masterclass in ambition. She was named Engineering Student of the Year, launched her own business (Big Eeemma’s Bakery), and donated her first $500 in profits to Meals by Grace. She’s a four-year varsity basketball player, a GHSA State Runner-Up, and a student leader in multiple honor societies. Through Her Internship at Forsyth, she earned the Intern of the Year award while working in data analysis—and she still found time to serve her community through food drives and church outreach.

Now a freshman at Georgia Tech studying Architecture, Emma hopes to one day design and fund her dream bakery. She credits Junior Achievement for helping her think like an entrepreneur early on: “JA taught me how to manage responsibilities effectively,” she shared.

This year’s Nineteen Under Nineteen honorees were selected from over 50 public nominations across Georgia. Winners receive scholarships, networking opportunities with top business leaders, and a feature in JA of Georgia’s annual magazine.

Emma Rose is proof that the next generation isn’t waiting to lead—they’re already doing it.

Forsyth County Schools Earns Top National Ranking—Again!

Forsyth County Schools Niche Rankings

Celebrating Excellence in Education, Year After Year

Forsyth County Schools has once again earned recognition as one of the nation's best school districts.

In the 2026 Best Schools and Districts rankings by Niche, Forsyth County Schools (FCS) earned an impressive spot—ranked top large district in Georgia, #3 overall in Georgia, and #209 nationwide out of more than 11,000 districts. That's no small feat, especially considering Niche evaluates over 93,000 public schools and 30,000 private schools across the nation.

Even more exciting? FCS has consistently received an A+ overall grade every single year since Niche began publishing these rankings in 2020. That kind of consistency speaks volumes about the dedication of our educators, staff, students, and families.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or neighbor, this recognition is something we all have in common. It reflects the heart and hard work that go into making FCS a place where every learner is safe, connected, and thriving.

Let's keep the momentum going—and continue building a district we're proud to call home.

Forsyth County Schools Earns Economic Development Partnership Designation

ED Presentation

Forsyth County Schools has been named an official Economic Development Partnership (EDP) district by the Georgia Department of Education, in collaboration with GEDA and Georgia Power. This prestigious designation recognizes the district’s excellence in aligning K–12 education with workforce development and economic growth.

Through robust Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways, expanded work-based learning, and strong industry partnerships, Forsyth County Schools equips students with real-world skills while actively contributing to regional business recruitment and retention. The EDP honor highlights the district’s leadership in preparing a career-ready, technically skilled workforce and its commitment to long-term economic vitality.

Click here to learn more about the EDP designation.

Leaders In Action

Forsyth Central High School Principal, Tracey Winkler, and Assistant Principal Louis Daniel were recently honored during the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Awards. Winkler and Daniel were recognized for their exemplary work. On hand to celebrate alongside these two leaders was Forsyth County School’s superintendent Dr. Mitch Young. #theforsythway

Heritage Leadeship

Congratulations, FCS Teachers of the Year!

Teacher of the Year Header
Teacher of the Year Recipient
Teacher of the Year Recipient
Teacher of the Year Recipient
Teacher of the Year Awardee

We are proud to recognize and celebrate our Teachers of the Year! These outstanding educators were selected for their dedication, creativity, and passion for helping every student succeed. Each honoree represents the very best of Forsyth County Schools, bringing learning to life every day in their classrooms.

Forsyth County Schools Welcomes New Teachers with Mascots

A bird mascot
Three ladies singing
Educators sitting together
FCS Lights
Mascot Walk
Dawn Phipps
Mitch Young
Mascot and the band
A teacher hugging a mascot
Junior ROTC
Brookwood Mascot
Four mascots standing together
A mascot and the band
District staff members
Nat and the grill master
Mascots
West Forsyth HS Cheerleaders
Mascots

On behalf of Forsyth County Schools, welcome to a new school year! We are so excited to partner with you as we begin another year of learning, growth, and connection.

Together, we’re building a safe, connected, and thriving school community for every student, every family, and every school.

Please come back often for community update on students and staff.