Forsyth County Schools

This article is about the school district in Georgia. For the school district in North Carolina, see Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
Forsyth County Public Schools

Quality Learning and Superior Performance for All
Type and location
Type Public school district
Grades K-12
Country USA
Location 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, Georgia 30040
Coordinates 34°13′57″N 84°07′25″W / 34.23248°N 84.12358°WCoordinates: 34°13′57″N 84°07′25″W / 34.23248°N 84.12358°W
District information
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden
Accreditation(s) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Schools Elementary: 20
Middle: 9
High: 5
Students and staff
Students 42,600 [1]
Other information
Website www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

Forsyth County Schools is a public school district in Forsyth County, Georgia, USA, based in Cumming. FCS serves 42,600 students and is the largest employer in the county with over 4,100 full-time employees and 1,500 substitutes. Out of 180 school districts, FCS is the seventh largest school system in Georgia.

History

The district was established in 1860 as one of the first free public school systems in Georgia.

Schools

FCS consists of nineteen elementary schools; nine middle schools; five high schools; the Academies for Creative Education; iAchieve Virtual Academy, FCS' 6-12 online school; and Forsyth Academy and Gateway Academy, which are alternative programs for middle and high school students.

Annually, FCS adds an average of 1,700 new students. A new elementary and middle school will open in 2016, and a new high school will open in 2018.

Among Georgia’s 15 largest school districts, FCS has the highest high school writing test results, the highest graduation rate and the highest district SAT scores. The district consistently leads the state with the highest state standardized test scores.

FCS provides a variety of unique learning opportunities for students, including the opportunity to earn high school credit in middle school, the STEM Academy at Forsyth Central High School, an International Baccalaureate program at South Forsyth High School, and online learning at all high schools. The district was the first in Georgia to make up inclement weather days with online learning.

Technology

FCS is internationally recognized for being a leader in instructional and operational technology. This includes 1:2 computing ratios and internal broadcasting systems in all schools, as well as each classroom being equipped with a permanent interactive whiteboard, projector, cable and Internet access, DVD/VCR, desktop computers, and phones with voicemail. All full-time teachers are provided notebook computers, email, and websites/social media tools. Parents are provided with online communication tools to monitor students' assignments and grades 24 hours a day. The district was among the first in the nation to utilize BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology), which allows students to bring their own technology to use in the classroom. All students and teachers use the online learning management system itslearning.

Administration

Board of Education

The Board of Education is the governing body of the school system. Members are elected by the public to represent one of five districts to which they will serve staggered four-year terms.[2]

Members:

Superintendent

Dr. Jeff Bearden joined Forsyth County Schools as superintendent on September 2, 2014.

References

  1. ↑ "Quick Facts". Public Information & Communications. Cumming, Georgia: Forsyth County Schools. 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  2. ↑ "Forsyth County Board of Education". Forsyth County Schools. Retrieved 2009-08-05.

External links