Choice & Alternate Programs

Location:GUilford College

The Early College at Guilford seeks to foster the academic, creative, and social gifts of students through two levels of study: accelerated high school and college. Students take Honors and AP courses in grades 9 and 10 and are enrolled as full–time college students at Guilford College in grades 11 and 12.

Highly qualified teachers from GCS teach 9th and 10th grade courses at the Honors and AP levels. Although students primarily interact with other 9th and 10th graders, they also have access to Guilford College resources, including Hege Library, the Learning Commons, and dining facilities.

In addition, The Early College at Guilford offers students a variety of opportunities for service, teamwork, and leadership development through participation in the school’s many clubs and competitive academic teams.

In consultation with the college liaison, 11th and 12th grade students build Guilford College schedules—at least four courses per semester—that meet their individual needs and interests as well as high school graduation requirements. Guilford College’s academic program includes 38 majors and 54 minors, providing a wide range of liberal arts and preprofessional opportunities. Students are enrolled in these courses with undergraduate students and taught by Guilford College professors. Additionally, students enroll in a seminar class each semester for academic/social support and guidance. Early College students graduate with a high school diploma and two years of college credit from Guilford College.

Students with a solid record of excellent academic performance and desire for a challenging academic experience should apply to the Early College at Guilford. A strong candidate typically scores at or above the 93rd percentile on state or national norm–referenced tests. Successful ECG students are willing and able to approach difficult problems or situations with creativity, fortitude, and resilience.

Students are selected to attend the school in a competitive process that evaluates academic achievement, standardized test results, academic recommendations, personal essays, and self–reported interests and activities.

Location: Greensboro College

Greensboro College Middle College (GCMC) offers a challenging curriculum and the opportunity for dual enrollment in both high school and college courses to capable high school juniors and seniors. GCMC harnesses the power of the college campus as a means of engaging, challenging, and empowering students in an accepting, unique environment.

Students have access to most campus facilities, excluding the dormitories and residence halls. They may also participate in all campus activities and events, except sports and athletics. GCMC operates on a block schedule and has a calendar that is closely aligned to the college’s calendar. The school day begins at 7:45 a.m., ends at 2:45 p.m., and runs on a semester

schedule with four classes per day. Students have the potential to take up to two college courses per semester. GCMC offers only the Future Ready Core. It favors a smaller class size

in a nurturing, family–like environment where students can form close, personal relationships with adults. Students who were disengaged before attending GCMC find that the relationships they build with the faculty, small class sizes, power of the college campus, and ability to balance freedom with responsibility are strong motivators for academic re–engagement. Students must be in the 11th or 12th grade to attend and should apply during the 10th grade year to enter as an 11th grader.

Location: Hodgin Hall

In a collaborative agreement with NC A&T State University, GCS is proud to provide the first all–male public school in North Carolina and one of a few in the nation. This unique publicly funded school offers smaller class sizes and the opportunity for students to build supportive relationships with teachers and administrators. The classroom environment allows students the chance to receive the individual attention and support necessary for academic success. Students have access to courses required for graduation. The school’s goal is for every student to graduate with a high school diploma and two transferable college credits with tuition paid by the school district.

The Middle College at NC A&T State University is open to all male high school students in grades 9 through 12. Students interested in attending the Middle College must complete an application, submit letters of reference, and attend an interview accompanied by their parent/guardian.

Location: GTCC, Greensboro Campus

The Middle College at GTCC–Greensboro provides the opportunity to complete high school and earn up to an associate degree. The faculty and staff of the Middle College at GTCC–Greensboro help students identify their strengths and true potential in a supportive environment, empowering them to develop and achieve goals. The school strives to meet and exceed state and national accountability standards and is

committed to using staff, community, and technology resources to meet these challenges.

Facts about the Middle College at GTCC–Greensboro:

School Day – 11:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. • Block schedule • Small class sizes with a student–teacher ratio of 12:1 • Honors–level high school classes as part of an NC Future Ready Core • School year is aligned with the college schedule starting in early August • Five–year option to complete an associate degree at GTCC • Student Council and National Honor Society • Student clubs • More than 80 percent of students are enrolled in college classes • Awards and Recognitions: Graduation Rate 100 percent, multiple years; nationally recognized for excellence by US News and World Report for 2015; nationally recognized as a Top High School in America by Newsweek for 2014 and 2016

Location: GTCC, High Point Campus

The Middle College at GTCC–High Point is an innovative high school located on the campus of GTCC on South Main Street in High Point. It began in 2005 and currently enrolls 125 students in grades 9–12. Our size allows us to offer small classes and the personalized education that all students deserve.

The aim of the middle college model is to graduate students with a high school diploma as well as two years of transferable college credit or an associate degree, all at no cost to their families. The target population for the middle college includes first-generation college–goers, disengaged students, historically underserved populations, and students who would benefit from an accelerated curriculum.

Students interested in attending the Middle College at GTCC–High Point must possess the maturity and independence to accept the challenges of this innovative school. We are a small, nontraditional public school that offers a specialized high school experience. Our school offers real–world learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. Our students can participate in college visits, various clubs, and student–led service–learning projects.

The school operates Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and follows a calendar similar to GTCC’s academic calendar, beginning in early August and ending in late May. All high school core classes are taught at the Honors level, and our personal investment in each student focuses on stretching their potential for academic and career success.

Location: GTCC, Jamestown Campus

The Middle College at GTCC–Jamestown opened in 2001 along with Greensboro College Middle College, becoming NC’s first middle college high schools. Students in grades 9 through 12 attend Honors level classes at the school from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In 2004, the school became one of five reform high schools in NC selected by Governor Easley’s Learn and Earn initiative. The specific goals of the Middle College at GTCC–Jamestown are:

• to create and maintain a model academically rigorous middle college high school serving grades 9–13;
• to serve a diverse student body that reflects the diversity of the GCS district with an emphasis on first–generation college students, underrepresented populations, and students at risk who would benefit from a small, nontraditional environment;
• to ensure that students graduate with both a high school diploma and at least some college credit, up to and including an associate degree (or college credential) or two years of college credit within four or five years; and
• to promote a career– and college–ready culture through integration of extensive career exploration via job shadowing, school–wide business field trips, guest speakers, and personal self–exploration.

College visit field trips and a personalized college and/or career plan will be developed for each student.

The school staff is committed to providing individualized attention and celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of each student. The school district pays for all textbooks and tuition for college–level courses. Transportation is also provided for classes between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The mission of the Middle College at GTCC–Jamestown is to provide rigorous, relevant, and engaging instruction to develop positive relationships with students, prepare them to cope with life’s challenges, and ensure that each and every one of our diverse students graduates in four or five years with an associate degree or some college credit and is prepared to be a resilient, productive global citizen.

Location: UNCG

The vision of the Middle College at UNCG is to develop and prepare globally responsible individuals for the health and life sciences to be college, career, and life ready.

In collaboration with our parents and community partners, we will continuously create an academically rigorous, nurturing, and safe learning environment where students explore health, medical, and youth development careers as they increase their knowledge of STEM.

The Middle College at UNCG was established in 2011 to provide a unique educational experience for students who are seeking and/or need a different educational experience from the traditional setting. Students may be disengaged or at risk for not getting the level of instruction needed to reach their full potential. Each year, 50 students who are primarily interested in the health and life sciences will be selected to share this unique educational opportunity. The average teacher–to–student ratio is 1 to 17.

In addition to offering Honors and AP classes, the Middle College at UNCG gives students the opportunity to earn up to two years of college credits—primarily medical and/or health–related—beginning their freshman year. Meanwhile, students can meet their high school graduation requirements while earning these college credits. The college courses selected can serve as a basic foundation for preparing students to pursue a degree in the health and medical fields and/or general college readiness. Leadership skills, service–learning, and character development are also emphasized throughout the program. Students are required to earn 250 service learning hours beginning their freshman year.

Other components of the program include opportunities to get early hands–on exposure to health, medical, and community and youth–development careers. Students participate in “Pathways to Medical and Health Careers” on a weekly basis. During the freshman year, students explore different aspects of health, medical, and youth–development careers. In their sophomore, junior, and senior years, students are involved in shadowing and internship experiences with various partners throughout the community.

Related careers that students may be interested in pursuing include Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, Medical Accounting, Prosthetic Engineering, Doctor, Veterinarian, Medical Artist, Music Therapy, Ophthalmology, EMS, Medical Administration, Sports Medicine, Optometrist, Orthopedist, Social Worker, and Genetic Counseling.

We encourage serious–minded students who are looking for a more hands–on educational experience and interested in the health, medical, and youth–development fields to apply. These students must be mature enough to handle the responsibilities of being on an open college campus.

We strongly encourage all our students to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their attendance at the Middle College at UNCG, where we are “Preparing Every Student to Be College, Career, and Life Ready!”

Location: NC A&T State University Campus, Smith Hall

The STEM Early College at NC A&T State University is a unique school that offers students challenging courses and project–based learning activities that delve into the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students are made aware that future careers will be in these fields, and the challenge of the staff and administration is to ensure that they are college, career, and future ready as they explore programs based on four academic strands: Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering/Computer Science, Renewable Energy, and Information Technology.

Students begin work on an NC-approved rigorous course of study in the 9th grade, preparing them for dual enrollment in college courses during their junior and senior years. Students in 9th and 10th grades take Honors and AP courses taught

by select teachers from GCS in a block schedule and/or A/B Day schedule. Students are enrolled in eight courses per year as well as one course for two summers. The challenging curriculum prepares students for a smooth transition to NC A&T State University.

The STEM Early College also offers clubs, academic teams, and activities that provide enrichment and the requisite character–education and service–learning opportunities that foster leadership, service, and collaboration.

Students who attend The STEM Early College are self–motivated, responsible, and highly organized. They are creative and independent thinkers and learners who appreciate academic and personal challenges. Students are selected to attend the school through a rigorous process that evaluates academic achievement, standardized test results, academic recommendations, personal essays, and a culminating interview. Successful candidates typically are academically competitive with a strong interest in STEM careers. Additionally, students must be formally accepted into NC A&T at the end of their sophomore year. Students graduate with a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit from NC A&T State University.

Location: Andrews High School

The Aviation Academy is an Early College Program that prepares advanced students for the aerospace and engineering fields through a hands–on, project–based, inquiry–driven process. Five specific tracks are offered: engineering, pilot, airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic, avionics technician, and airport management.

Students can earn industry and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications/licenses and graduate with up to 68 college credits—tuition and books are free! Students are given the opportunity to finish the associate degree at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) while in high school and then transfer the credits to the Greensboro campus of Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University or to other colleges and universities, such as A&T or NC State. After two years post high school, students can earn a bachelor’s degree!

Students can also take advantage of job shadowing experiences and paid internships in the aviation field, complete a SolidWorks mechanical engineering 3D modeling certification test, and use an FAA approved flight simulator to gain dual instructional time logged in a personal pilot logbook. When students graduate, they can have an associate college degree as well as certifications, licenses, and work experience in their chosen field!

Students interested in joining the aerospace industry or those who simply love aviation and engineering will enjoy the rocketry, aviation, engineering, structural design, and testing components of the program, as well as the flight simulators in the Aviation Lab.

Location: Andrews High School

Through a collaborative program developed by GCS and area colleges and universities, students have the opportunity to pursue college credit while in high school. Students selected to be in the program will take a rigorous high school course of study, including related health science courses. The high school senior year will consist of a full–time course of study in which students will attend GTCC at Jamestown. Students must also meet the criteria for admission status to GTCC. Andrews Early College of Health Sciences offers an opportunity for motivated students to prepare for a future career in the field of health sciences, including nursing, biotechnology, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, and medicine, to name a few. Early College Academy students may also be afforded the opportunity to earn certifications (Certified Nursing Assistant [CNA], pharmacy tech, etc.) through our program. Those who take full advantage of the senior dual–enrollment year avail themselves of the benefits of gaining exposure to the college experience; exhibiting high scholarship potential to their choice college; earning college credit hours; and engaging in a challenging environment that stimulates learning, encourages academic development, and perpetuates maturity. Students who complete the Early College Program earn an Early College diploma in addition to the GCS diploma.

Location: Dudley High School

GCS offers an exciting academy program through a collaborative partnership with area colleges and universities. Students begin an approved rigorous course of study in 9th grade, preparing them for dual enrollment as high school seniors and first–year college students. The courses for

the programs are set for each Academy area, with some opportunity for student selection. All Academy students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of service–learning opportunities before graduation.

A highlight of the senior–year experience is the opportunity to spend the final year of high school studying on a local college or university campus. GCS pays for tuition and books at NC A&T State University for students in the Early College Academy of Engineering. GCS pays for tuition and books at GTCC for students in the Education and Health Science Academies. During this year, students are encouraged and supported to apply for scholarships to assist with continuing their undergraduate education (e.g., money for tuition and fees) once they graduate from high school. All graduates of the Academies will be Future Ready Core and College Tech Prep completers, which will provide them the opportunity to continue in their chosen areas of study. Students begin work on an NC-approved rigorous course of study in the 9th grade, preparing them for dual enrollment in college courses during their senior year. Students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades take Honors and AP courses taught by select teachers from GCS in a block schedule and/or A/B Day schedule. The challenging curriculum prepares students for a smooth transition to NC A&T State University or GTCC.

Highly motivated rising 9th graders who are interested in a rigorous academic program that leads to a future career are excellent candidates. To be considered for the Dudley Early College Academies, applicants should have scored at Level III, IV, or V on Math and Reading EOG tests. Students must meet any college/university entrance requirements for the dual-enrollment year. Students completing the program are often the beneficiaries of high scholarship potential, connections that foster success throughout their postsecondary years, and exceptional academic development and maturity.

Locations: Grimsley High School, High Point Central High School, Page High School, Smith High School

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme offers a rigorous, two–year course of study for high school students. Designed for the self–motivated and hardworking individual, IB provides successful candidates with an internationally recognized diploma and preparation for study in the world’s most demanding colleges and universities.

Diploma candidates complete a series of written and oral examinations at the completion of courses during their junior and senior years. In addition to study in the areas of English, World Language, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, and an IB Elective, students must satisfactorily complete the Theory of Knowledge course, write an Extended Essay, and participate in approved Creativity, Activity, and Service extracurricular activities.

Course offerings are based on interest, participation, and the school’s ability to schedule and support them. Please check with the IB coordinator at a particular school to see whether a course is offered at a given location.

Location: Kearns Academy

Students attending the Academy of Computer and Information Science at Kearns Academy will explore emerging areas of technology, such as ethical hacking and data analytics. Students are expected to graduate with a series of industry certifications, professional and technical skills, and college credits, making them ready to enter one of the fastest-growing, highest-paid professions available. Experiences provided through our industry partners will help students connect learning to the real challenges faced by computer scientists.

Majors in this academy include: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. This academy has an assigned attendance zone.

Location: Northeast Guilford High School

Students attending the Academy of Computer and Information Science at Northeast Guilford High School will learn to interact with computers and computer systems through coding, networking, and data analytics. Students are expected to graduate with a series of industry certifications, professional and technical skills, and college credits, making them ready to enter one of the fastest-growing, highest-paid professions in the world. Experiences provided through our industry partners will help students connect learning to the real challenges faced by computer scientists. Majors in this academy include: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. This academy has an assigned attendance zone.

Location: Penn–Griffin

Penn–Griffin School for the Arts offers courses in eight arts disciplines: Band, Chorus, Dance, Guitar, Modern Band, Orchestra, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts. Unique to Penn–Griffin is the opportunity for students to journey through the arts in one school from 6th through 12th grade. School acceptance is based on a comprehensive application process, including academics, an audition, and an interview. Upon acceptance into the high school program, the student will continue formal study in their art concentration through a supportive environment with other students who share a passion and love for the arts.

High school students who are interested in applying to Penn–Griffin School for the Arts will complete and submit an online application by the deadline. Students who continue in the application process will be contacted for an audition and interview.

Location: Southern Guilford High School

Southern Academy of Education and Advanced Sciences offers academy programs in three strands: Education, Agriscience, and Medical Science. The Academy is designed to give highly motivated students the opportunity to explore a focused educational and career path through specialized courses in their selected strand.

The Education Strand offers Teacher Cadet courses and internships at area elementary and middle schools. It also offers Early Childhood courses involving internships to area daycares. In the Agriscience Strand, students may focus on Animal Science or Horticulture. During their senior year, students participate in an internship that offers real-world experience. Students in the Medical Science Strand pursue a course of study in Medical Careers, leading to becoming a CNA. Students may also receive endorsements in Pharmacy Technology.

All students in the Medical Science Strand participate in internships at local healthcare facilities that introduce them to a career in the medical field.

Working together, the student, parents, and Academy director create a schedule and program of study that meet all Academy and NC graduation requirements. Upon successful completion of the prescribed course of study, students graduate with a local endorsement as an Academy student.

The Southern Academy is ideal for students who desire to get a head start on their college and career preparation but still want the complete high school experience. Most Academy students at Southern participate in sports and/or a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities. Additionally, all Academy students are given the opportunity to take Honors and AP courses. Academy students may also take courses offered to other students at Southern, which include electives in scientific visualization, journalism, the performing and visual arts, and a full slate of career and technical–education courses.

This exciting and rewarding opportunity is available to all students throughout Guilford County. All interested students must apply for admission through the High School choice application process.

Location: Smith High

Students attending the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Ben L. Smith High School will study technologies of designing, improving, and producing products. Students complete their junior and senior year CTE courses on the site of an industry partner or at Guilford Technical Community College, depending on each student’s customized program of study. Students are expected to graduate with industry credentials, professional and technical skills, and college credits, making them more marketable to colleges and employers than many nonacademy peers. Majors in this academy to include: Integrated Production Technology and PLTW Engineering. This academy has an assigned attendance zone.

Location: Southeast High

Southeast HS is a comprehensive high school with a student population of approximately 1,175 students. We are a dynamic learning community where academic excellence meets real-world preparation. Home to the largest Career & Technical Education department in Guilford County Schools, we offer comprehensive honors and AP courses alongside our innovative Academy of Manufacturing & Engineering. Through NC SPARK, students gain hands-on experience with industry partners, earning recognized credentials before graduation. Our awardwinning NJROTC develops leadership through discipline and service, while Student Government, Robotics, and extensive club offerings empower every student to discover their potential. With state-of-the-art technology labs and guaranteed industry exposure, we don’t just prepare students for the future—we help them create it.

Location: The Academy at Smith

Students attending the Academy of Biomedical Technology and Specialized Health Sciences at the Academy at Smith will use the equipment and tools of medical researchers to explore and find solutions to some of today’s most pressing medical challenges. Mentorship from industry professionals is an expected element of each student’s program of study.

Students are expected to graduate with industry credentials and professional, technical, and research skills, as well as college credits, making this an appealing school for students wishing to continue education in the medical field. Majors in this academy include PLTW Biotechnology Research and Development, Pharmacy Technician, and Counseling and Mental Health.

Students will complete core subject area classes and requirements for a high school diploma. Students may earn dual credits during their junior and senior years at GTCC, which may be transferred to other colleges and universities, or they may graduate from high school in three years and apply to a college or university of their choice. The Academy at Smith builds on this foundation with an opportunity for students to gain practical experience and dual enrollment in both high school and college courses. Academy students will graduate with the competitive edge needed to be successful in a new global economy.

The Academy serves grades 9 through 12. Classes are small, with no more than 20 students. Students are offered opportunities to take Honors and AP courses. Students have opportunities to earn national certifications, such as CNA I, in their career pathway, where they complete required job shadowing, apprenticeships, and/or clinicals.

Location: Phillip J. Weaver Education Center

Weaver Academy for Advanced Technology and Performing and Visual Arts, located under the Philip J. Weaver Education Center, showcases two extraordinary educational programs in the district: a part–time school for students interested in advanced technology courses and a full–time school for creative students immersed in a performing and visual arts track of study. Located in downtown Greensboro, Weaver Academy specializes in advanced technology and audition-based performing and visual arts courses. The full–time Academy for Performing and Visual Arts high school has an enrollment of over 330 performing and visual arts students in grades 9 through 12. More than 500 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students are enrolled in the part–time Academy for Advanced Technology.

Weaver Academy for Advanced Technology offers unique CTE courses that expand the opportunities available to high school students. Courses are available in IT in the areas of Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and Computer Programming. In addition, instruction is provided in state–of–the–art labs in the areas of Apparel Production, Interior Design, Electronics, Heating and Air Conditioning, Game Art Design, Modeling and Animation, Electrical Trades, Culinary Arts, Health Sciences, Media Productions Pathway, Carpentry, Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, Collision Repair, and Metals Technologies, and Project Lead the Way programs in Biomedical and Engineering Technologies. Weaver Academy provides a cutting–edge learning environment with opportunities for students to earn nationally recognized certifications. Students who wish to take advantage of these opportunities continue to be members of their districted school and are transported each day to Weaver and back to take selected courses. Weaver course offerings can be found on the high school registration sheet and should be selected along with other high school courses during the registration process.

The Weaver Academy is a full–time choice high school (grades 9 through 12), which offers the added ingredient of correlating the arts with academics. The Academy provides career preparation in an artistic discipline through individualized instruction and cultural enrichment. Weaver prepares its graduates for college and university admission. Highly motivated and talented students who are interested in a rigorous academic program with a concentration in performing or visual arts are encouraged to apply. Prospective students may apply in the following principal areas: Dance, Drama, Guitar, Piano, Recording Engineering, Strings, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music. Our mission is to challenge the most talented, artistic students to perform, critique, and respond to a high level of art while pursuing a lifelong passion for the arts, professionally and academically. Weaver enhances a student’s art experience and offers creative opportunities in a caring and supportive setting.

Location: Western Guilford High School

The Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Academy at Western Guilford High School is the first school in NC to partner with the College Board in its launch of AP Capstone programming. The Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to apply critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, and research skills in a cross–curricular context.

Students will engage in a rigorous academic experience combined with the support systems necessary for success. Enrichment sessions led by the AP coordinator and AP staff in addition to enriching off–campus experiences will foster leadership skills and innovative practices by students.

The College Board’s AP Capstone Program is built on the foundation of a new, two–year high school course sequence—AP Seminar and AP Research—and designed to complement and enhance the in–depth, discipline–specific study provided through AP courses. The Capstone Program will also expose students to performance tasks, research methodology,

and multimedia communication. Successful completion will culminate in the students’ ability to make cross–curricular connections and possess the skill sets to conduct college–level research while working toward earning the AP Capstone Diploma or AP Capstone Certificate.

Students will begin an approved rigorous course of study in their freshman year, which may include AP courses. Freshman and sophomore students will be exposed to a writing–intensive curriculum that will prepare them for collegiate–level coursework. During their junior and senior years, students will select in–depth, discipline–specific AP courses aligned with their interests and abilities, while meeting NC’s Future Ready Core course of study. Students will complete AP exams each May. This may result in academic recognitions, credit hours at the college or university level, and the College Board recognized AP certificate or diploma.

Students will be taught on a traditional schedule by AP certified teachers, whose overall proficiency rate surpasses that of NC. Students will be expected to complete the requirements of the GCS Learning Diploma and attend the Academy’s lecture series, which will feature area leaders and speakers from local universities. Through intense academic rigor and service-learning, students will be able to produce solutions to real–world problems that prepare them for a successful collegiate–level experience.

Location: Western Guilford High School

Students attending the Signature Career Academy of Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics at Western Guilford High School will study innovations in planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water. Students learn in a simulated work environment. Students are expected to graduate with industry credentials, professional and technical skills, and college credits, making them more marketable to colleges and employers than many non–academy peers. Majors in this academy include Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Drone Technology.

Theme/Program: English Language Learning for Multilingual Students                                         

GCS is proud of its diversity. Across the district, students speak more than 100 languages and dialects. Approximately 9,000 English Language Learners (EL) are enrolled in GCS. We strive to provide an environment that meets the needs of EL students. Students who speak a language other than English and are in their first year in a US school have the option to attend one of the two schools for newcomers. Both schools serve students in grades 3 through 11. Students qualify to attend these schools for up to two semesters before they transition to their assigned school. The goal of the schools and their staff is to accelerate language and academic skills and prepare English language learners to bridge the gap between a newcomer setting and the assigned school. Counselors and teachers work with students to ease the transition to their new culture and environment. Transportation is provided.