Students who need accommodations for a diagnosed medical condition to access learning at school, but who do not require specialized education services, may qualify for a 504 plan. A 504 plan provides support for a student with a condition that makes it challenging for them to participate in the typical grade-appropriate learning process. Examples of impairments for which a 504 might help are: allergies, chronic asthma, diabetes, ADD/ADHD, a temporary disability like a broken leg, or a mental health condition. 

If you believe your child may need support to participate in the learning process, contact your child’s teacher and the school’s 504 coordinator. 

Students with specific, diagnosed disabilities who need special education services may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP includes learning goals, modifications, progress monitoring plan, and any needed related services. 

If you believe your child may have a specific disability requiring specialized instruction to be able to access and progress in their learning, contact your child’s teacher and the school’s Exceptional Children lead teacher.  

Click here for information about parents' rights and responsibilities in Special Education. 

Click here for resources for parents of Exceptional Children and dispute resolution. 

Students whose address changes from one school attendance area to another within the district during the same school year may choose to complete that school year in the same school or attend school in the area to which they have moved. 

If families elect to remain in the first school for the remainder of the year, the student shall be required to attend the school according to the area in which they live at the beginning of the next school year. If the criteria in Board Policy 4150 School Assignment are met, families may request reassignment to remain through the highest grade of the school.  

Families who elect to remain in the first school shall be responsible for their own transportation to and from school. 

Click here for more information from the Student Assignment Department. 

It is never too early to start planning if you are interested in a GCS choice school or program for your student. GCS gives families the power of choice to find the best fit for their child’s unique needs and interests. 

For the 2025-26 school year, the choice application window will occur in FALL 2024. See 2025-26 Choice Application Window. 

Stay tuned for more details, and click here to learn more about Choice Schools and Programs in GCS. 

GCS provides driver’s education through the North Carolina Driving School to eligible students outside the school day. Students must be at least 14 1/2 years of age on the day the class begins. Students must complete Driver’s Education and meet academic eligibility requirements to qualify for a driver’s permit or license. State law also says that students who do not maintain academic progress, students who drop out, and/or who are suspended for more than 10 days for offenses related to substance abuse, weapons possession or assaulting a school employee may have their driving permit/license suspended.  

Click here for more information about Driver’s Education in GCS.