Gwinnett County Public Schools: Back To School 2021: What's New For 2021-22 In Gwinnett Schools?

Press release from Gwinnett County Public Schools:

08.09.21

School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett High School (SOTA)

Designed for students with a passion for the arts, SOTA offers a unique “arts-centric” learning experience in the areas of Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Technology for the Arts at a pre-professional and professional level. Students from around the county applied for admittance to SOTA’s audition-only Conservatory program, featuring expanded course opportunities, regular work with industry professionals, and internships and work-based experiences through partnerships with the Aurora Theatre, the City of Lawrenceville, arts organizations, and postsecondary programs. (In addition, the fine arts school-within-a-school offers a Fellows program, open to any student with an interest in the arts.) SOTA also will expand arts experiences for students throughout the Central Gwinnett Cluster.

Archer, Brookwood, and Grayson Agriculture Programs

Agriculture is a staple of the Georgia economy, even in a bustling suburban community like Gwinnett County. Advancements in agricultural technology have transformed the farming industry and brought new opportunities for tech-savvy careers in a field centuries old. This year Archer, Brookwood, and Grayson high schools will begin new agricultural programs, offering students an opportunity to explore emerging trends in the industry and get hands-on experiences with the new technologies, using a combination of robotics and aquaponics or greenhouse technologies.

Berkmar Film + Digital Arts Program

Embedded within Berkmar HS’ Media and Fine Arts Academy, the new Film + Digital Arts program offers a world-class learning experience, preparing students for careers in pre-production, production, and post-production in Georgia’s booming film industry. The program features strong partnerships with the Georgia Film Academy, the City of Lilburn, and Gwinnett Film, and features a state-of-the-art soundstage and equipment for production, writers rooms for preproduction, and specialized editing labs for postproduction. Students who participate in the program will have access to industry recognized certifications and dual enrollment opportunities, offering students routes to both postsecondary studies and immediate entry into the workforce.

Computer Science for All (CS4All)

As technology changes the way we live and work, it’s more important than ever that students in our schools have opportunities to grow as tech users and innovators. GCPS is committed to ensuring our students are future-ready, ensuring that all GCPS students will receive meaningful computer science learning experiences K–12. Through our Computer Science for All (CS4All) initiative, nearly all of our elementary and middle schools will offer computer science in the 2021–22 school year with plans for all schools to offer by the following year. All of our high schools currently have computer science courses for students. The district’s robust robotics program allows students at all levels to apply their knowledge and interest in computer science and collaborate with peers to solve real-world problems. Districtwide, teams compete in FIRST LEGO League Explore (grades 2–3) and Challenge (grades 4–8) divisions, VEX Robotics (grades 6–8), and FIRST Robotics Competition (Grades 9–12).

STEM/STEAM

Ten schools and programs in the district hold state certification in STEM/STEAM, including Coleman MS; Collins Hill HS–Reimagining Innovation Through Science and Engineering (RISE) Program; Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST); Lanier MS–Technology with Innovative Skills and Teamwork (TWIST) Program; Lanier HS–Center for Design and Technology (CDAT) Program; Lovin ES; Mason ES; Mill Creek HS–Experiential Project-based Innovative Collaborative & Cross-curricular (EPIC) Program; Peachtree Ridge HS–STEM Program for Innovation Rigor & Excellence (SPIRE) Program; and White Oak ES. More than 20 other Gwinnett schools are actively pursuing state certification this year. Every GCPS elementary has a robotics program, with many schools offering STEM “specials” and a focus on project-based learning at all levels.

World Languages and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program

At schools throughout the district, world language program offerings include Spanish, French, Latin, German, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish for Heritage Speakers, and Spanish for Native Speakers. These programs focus on communication and cultural competencies, providing students with a strong competitive advantage as they move forward with college and into careers. Now in its eighth year, GCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program is available in nine GCPS elementary schools, and three middle schools feature continuation programs with 7th graders who have been in the program since its inception.

This press release was produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.