Douglas County School System
The Douglas County School System is a public school district of over 24,500 students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade in 32 schools. There are currently 20 elementary schools, eight middle schools, four high schools and a Performance Learning Center program. Two new schools opened this year, Mason Creek Elementary School and Mason Creek Middle School, on adjoining campuses at Mason Creek Road and Johnston Road in the Winston area. Site preparation work is underway on our fifth high school located on Georgia Highway 92/166. The projected opening date is 2011.
With over 3,365 employees, the Douglas County School System is the county's largest employer. The school system's goal is to provide a challenging, comprehensive instructional program that will enable our students to become lifelong learners. We believe that it is important to prepare students for life after high school graduation. During their high school years, students are offered many opportunities to prepare for postsecondary education and/or future careers. Opportunities include:
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program: This rigorous program offers academically able students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an IB Diploma. Successful completion of specified course work and examinations may enable students to earn credit or advance placement at colleges and universities around the world. The program's first graduating class is now in its senior year. "Moving toward this first IB class' graduation - seeing the students' growth, teacher and student commitment and team approach of all is the most rewarding and challenging experience of my thirty-five years in education," states Corinne Barnes, IB Coordinator. Please contact 770.651.2147 for additional information.
Douglas County College and Career Institute (CCI): A joint collaborative of the school district, West Georgia Technical College and the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, the CCI opened this year for high school students and adults. The program will integrate academics and advanced technical career education programs. Please call 770.947.7209 for more information.
Advance Placement (AP) Courses: All four high schools each offer between 10 and 15 College Board administered AP classes. Students who earn AP credits with a high enough score can receive college credit and stand out in the college admissions process.
College Enrollment Programs: Our high school students can earn college credit and high school credit at the same time through dual enrollment or earn college only credit through the joint enrollment program.
Performance Learning Center (PLC): High school students who are not succeeding in a traditional setting are able to earn credits in a business-like learning environment on the West Georgia Technical College campus through the Douglas County PLC's integrated online and project based curriculum. Over 147 students have earned high school diplomas since the program opened in 2006. You may contact 770.651.6475 for further information.
Federal and state accountability measures are implemented locally that require high levels of performance by educators, students, and parents. The goals of the Douglas County School System are: to provide a challenging, comprehensive instructional and curricular program for all learners; to provide a school environment that is safe and supportive and enhances the learning process; and to improve communication throughout the school community.
The formula for academic success involves the students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community working together. The Douglas County School System's excellent teachers are enthusiastic professionals who strive to maximize each student's achievement.
The Douglas County School System is fortunate to have powerful community support. All schools have active parent teacher organizations and/or booster clubs. The Partners in Education program promotes student achievement through over 324 relationships between local businesses and schools. The school system also receives support from the Public Education Trust Foundation through classroom initiative mini-grants and scholarships for students. We have a strong MATCH mentoring program with over 379 one-on-one relationships between adult community volunteers and students.
The MATCH Mentoring Program serves students in all schools, kindergarten through 12th grade. The program provides students with an opportunity to experience a meaningful relationship with a responsible, caring adult role model in order to increase the chances they will be successful in school, complete their education and grow up to be contributing citizens in their community. Call 770.651.3445 for more information.
After-school programs are offered in all elementary schools and some middle schools. They provide a safe, relaxed and enjoyable environment for students, allowing them time for enrichment activities, recreation, social interaction with peers and homework help in a supervised, structured environment. Parents should contact their child's school for information about the program and fee structure.
For more information on the Douglas County School System, visit the website at www.douglas.k12.ga.us or call the main number at 770.651.2000. For bus route information or attendance zones (must have specific address) call 770.651.2400.
