Academic Advancement
Paulding County School District is committed to providing advanced academic opportunities that challenge students, extend learning, and support continued growth. Through gifted education, advanced coursework, academy programs, and acceleration options, students are encouraged to explore their strengths, think critically, and prepare for future academic and career success.
VENTURE — Elementary Gifted Program
Elementary gifted students participate in a specialized resource program called VENTURE. Students receive six segments of instruction each week from a certified gifted education teacher.
The VENTURE program provides interdisciplinary enrichment designed to extend learning in science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and reading. Instruction is guided by the district’s Curriculum Menu and aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure rigor and relevance across all content areas.
Student progress and achievement in VENTURE are assessed regularly and reported at the end of each nine weeks and/or semester through the district report card.
Advanced and Honors Courses — Secondary
Advanced and Honors courses are available for middle and high school gifted and high-achieving students in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages.
These courses extend learning beyond the core curriculum by providing greater depth, complexity, and rigor. Teachers focus on the Georgia Standards of Excellence while differentiating instruction to meet the needs of gifted and advanced learners.
Instruction emphasizes in-depth exploration of major concepts, ideas, problems, and themes while encouraging higher-level critical thinking, academic independence, and student ownership of learning.
Enrollment in Advanced and Honors courses is determined using multiple factors, including student strengths, eligibility testing results, academic performance, and teacher observation.
Academy Programs
Paulding County School District offers three Academy programs for students who may benefit from a specialized program of study. These programs provide opportunities for students to develop skills that prepare them for careers in high-demand fields.
Each Academy program offers students opportunities to earn college credit through Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses.
Academy of Science, Research, and Medicine
Located at Paulding County High School, this academy focuses on STEM education and provides unique opportunities in biotechnology, Allied Health, and Medicine pathways.
Academy of Computer Science
Located at Hiram High School, the Academy of Computer Science focuses on coding, project-based learning, STEM, computer science, and programming pathways.
Academy of Engineering & Technology
Located at South Paulding High School, this academy focuses on engineering applications, concepts, and technology.
Whole Grade Acceleration
Parents and guardians may request that their student be considered for whole grade acceleration, also known as grade skipping. Paulding County School District has approved guidelines in place to identify students who may be appropriate candidates for whole grade acceleration.
Families interested in learning more about whole grade acceleration should contact their local school for additional information and guidance.