Academic Advancement

Elementary gifted students participate in a specialized resource program called VENTURE, receiving six segments of instruction each week from a certified gifted education teacher. The VENTURE program provides interdisciplinary enrichment designed to extend learning in the areas of 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, ensuring rigor and relevance across all content areas.

Students’ progress and achievement in the VENTURE program are assessed regularly and reported at the end of each nine weeks and/or semester through the district report card.

Advanced and Honors courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages are available for middle and high school gifted and high-achieving students. These courses are designed to extend learning beyond the core curriculum by providing greater depth, complexity, and rigor.

Teachers of Advanced and Honors courses focus on the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) while differentiating instruction to meet the needs of gifted and advanced learners. Instruction emphasizes more elaborate, complex, and in-depth exploration of major concepts, ideas, problems, and themes, encouraging higher-level critical thinking and academic independence.

Enrollment in Advanced and Honors courses is determined based on a combination of factors, including student strengths, eligibility testing results, academic performance, and teacher observation, ensuring appropriate placement and support for continued growth and challenge.

The Paulding County School district offers three Academy programs for students who may benefit from a specialized program of study.  These Academy programs are specialized to give students opportunities to develop the skills that will prepare them for careers in high-demand areas.  Each of these programs offer students the ability to gain college credit through Dual Enrollment and Advanced placement courses.

The Academy of Science, Research, and Medicine at Paulding County High School focuses on STEM education and offers unique opportunities for students in the biotechnology and Allied Heath and Medicine pathway.

The Academy of Computer Science (HACS) at Hiram High School focuses coding, project based learning and STEM and offers unique opportunities for students in the computer science and programming pathway.

The Academy of Engineering & Technology at South Paulding High School focuses on skills in Engineering Applications, Concepts,and Technology.

Parents/Guardians may request that their student be considered for whole grade acceleration (grade skipping).  The Paulding County school district has approved guidelines in place to identity students for whole grade acceleration.  Parents/Guardians would contact their local school for more information.