Going to High School

As the parent of a high school student, you should be prepared to provide the school with certain documents.  These documents are required by the state.  In many cases, your student’s middle school will have these materials and will process them for you.

• Registration forms
• Certification of immunization
• Certification of ear, eye & dental examinations
• Proof of residency
• Social security card
• Transcript & testing information

Information High Schools Provide to Parents

High schools provide information in a variety of ways.  Materials will be sent home with your student.  These will include local school and district policies, as well as calendars and sporting events schedules.  Information about current events will be posted on school signs and store bulletin boards.  Many high schools maintain Web sites and homework hotlines.

• Absentee Policies
• Behavior Policies
• Dress Code
• Grading Scale Information
• Graduation Requirements
• Holiday & Vacation Policy Information
• School Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

Do high schools have a dress code?
All schools have a dress code.  Generally, these policies are to ensure that the focus of the day is on learning.  Shoes and age-appropriate clothing are required.

What is a magnet high school?
Magnet high schools provide students with an opportunity to study a specialized field.  Some school districts have magnet schools that feature programs such as performing arts or broadcasting.  Others may provide academic-based programs like science or international business.  Admission to magnet programs is by audition or application.

Do I get to pick my locker?
Lockers are assigned by school personnel.  Sometimes lockers are assigned by homeroom.  In other schools, lockers are designated by class year or alphabetically.

May I sign up for the same classes as my friends?
Students and friends can choose the same subjects.  The school administrators will decide which students are in each section or class.  

Are there field trips in high school?
There are field trips in high school.  You may take trips related to academic, technology/ career, or elective classes. Sporting events, competitions, performances, and club outings may also provide trip opportunities.

Do I buy my textbooks or borrow them?
High schools generally provide textbooks and other necessary materials.  This includes orchestra music, foreign language workbooks, and lab materials.  You may find it helpful to purchase dictionaries and other supplemental materials.  The student must provide paper, pens, notebooks, and calculators.  The school will send home a list of materials during the first week of the term.

May I drive a car to school?
High schools have bus service available to persons living in the district.  However, students with valid driver’s licenses may drive to school.  High school policies pertaining to student driving vary from school to school.  Some schools have student parking lots and students register for parking permits.  In other schools, parking spaces are awarded based on class year and grades.  Some schools charge students for parking on campus or direct students to commercial parking lots located near the school.

May I leave campus during lunch?
Most schools do not allow students to leave the campus at lunchtime.  A few schools that have open enrollment or have working students have special policies.

May I take Driver’s Ed at school?
Driver’s Education is frequently offered at high schools on weekends and in the summer.  However, this class does not count for graduation, and there is a fee.

Do I have to take Health and PE?
The high school graduation requirements for the state of Georgia require one unit of health and physical education.  In some districts, health and physical education classes are available in summer school.

Are tickets to school sporting events free?
Generally, there is a charge for these activities. However, many schools offer students a discount.

Do I take the SAT in the 9^th grade?
Usually, you take the PSAT beginning in the 10^th grade.  Students then take the SAT beginning in the 11^th grade.  Your school counselor will have information for you when it is time.

Do I have to take a foreign language?
If you intend to receive a College Preparatory diploma then you must take 2 units of the same foreign language.  Most schools offer French and Spanish.

What is the difference between an honors class and a regular class?
Honors classes are accelerated learning classes.  These classes carry extra weight when computing a student’s grade point average (GPA).

May I go to summer school and graduate early?
A variety of options, including summer school, are open to you if you wish to graduate early.

May I bring my cell phone to school?
Generally, the use of cell phones is not allowed in high school.

Do I have to participate in a school-wide fundraiser?
High school students may participate in fund raising for activities and clubs of their choice.

What do I have to do to get the HOPE Scholarship?
You must graduate from a Georgia high school with a certain GPA in your core classes.  HOPE monies are available for study at public and private postsecondary institutions in Georgia. Money is available for GED recipients, too.

Are there any eLearning opportunities available?
Some school districts have online high school educational opportunities.  Ask your local school administrators or contact the district office.

Do I have to take final exams?
Generally, the exam is part of the workload for the term.  Many schools allow seniors with high GPAs to skip final exams.

Contact a counselor at your school to receive more information and to discuss your options.

Copyright 2005, Georgia Career Information Center, Georgia State University.  All rights reserved.
Content provided by the Georgia Career Resources Network.
Partners include the Georgia Career Information Center, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, and University System of Georgia.