Magnet Schools & Programs of Choice
The Hall County School District has been featured in both the Wall Street Journal and Forbes magazine as an example of a school system where innovation in programming and technology is being used to emphasize students’ individual strengths and interests, and, consequently, to increase the number of students engaged in rigorous coursework.
Students are assigned to schools based on their residential addresses, and all schools have a variety of excellent programming options to meet students’ needs. However, it is our belief that students are most successful when they are involved in programs that engage and motivate them, that capitalize on their unique talents and interests.
Hall County Schools offers a school choice program that makes a highly personalized education available to all students. Currently, the system offers many magnet schools and programs of choice to bring innovative curricula to students in a more concerted effort to meet their individual needs.
Students may apply to a school with a certain focus or to a school with a unique program that matches their individual interests, aptitudes, and goals. Except for Howard E. Ivester Early College, Lanier College Career Academy, and World Language Academy (in some instances), parents of students who live outside the school’s attendance zone must provide transportation.
HCSD Virtual Program of Choice for Grades 3 – 12
The purpose of the HCSD Virtual Program of Choice is to build a connected community of teachers, staff, families, and students who will thrive in virtual learning. It is designed for 3rd – 12th grade students who:
- Desire a virtual choice
- Demonstrate success in a virtual environment
- Can work independently
- Have access to internet
Accepted students will take all of their classes virtually. The virtual classes will have both synchronous and asynchronous components, and students can expect to have regularly scheduled live class sessions every week during the school day, as well as independent learning activities. Students can participate in after-school extracurricular activities in their home school ((zoned school or where student is currently enrolled). For more information: https://www.hallco.org/web/hcsd-virtual-program/
Director/Principal: Mr. Scott Tipton
Magnet Schools Listing
Like Charter Schools, Magnet School concepts were developed through a thoughtful, comprehensive planning process during which parents, teachers and administrators “dreamed a school.”
After reaching consensus on innovative or unique educational options for all students, these schools gained approval from the Hall County Board of Education to use a focused, school-wide approach for increased engagement and achievement.
If families are interested in their children attending a Magnet School to which they are not zoned, they may submit an application to the school.
Chestatee Academy utilizes Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model to provide gifted pedagogy to all students within our school. Chestatee takes students where they are, gives all their talents a chance to shine, and helps them choose a path to their best future through our SOAR Pathfinder Academies.
At Chestatee Academy, students can choose from over 40 different academies that cover a wide range of interests from robotics and website design to crime scene investigation, soccer, baking, and jazz band.
For 1 hour, twice a week, students get to explore their passions and create products to share with our community. Students are able to complete a pathway in STEM, Arts & Culture, or Health & Wellness.
For more information: cms.hallco.org or 770-297-6270
Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry (CSI) is for students in grade K-5 who enjoy discovery and creativity. The program is designed to engage students in 21st Century learning as they question, research, discover and create. Curriculum standards are taught through inquiry-based learning opportunities woven throughout the content areas.
Martin Technology Academy of Math and Science provides a challenging academic learning environment for students in grades K-5. Instruction is inquiry-based, and STEM Enrichment classes reinforce the hands-on approach with interest-based activities that focus on state and national standards in math and science.
McEver Arts Academy is an arts integration model charter school that uses dance, music, movement, drama and visual arts to engage students in authentic learning of the state curriculum standards and the National Standards for the Arts.
Mount Vernon Exploratory School provides students a project-based learning environment where they develop 21st Century skills through the integration of technology. PBL is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. Curriculum standards are taught using a hands-on project approach that engages students and promotes deep understanding.
Sardis Enrichment School uses the Schoolwide Enrichment Model to develop students’ talents; to provide a broad range of advanced-level enrichment experiences; and to foster learning in children’s areas of interest. Students participate in authentic, interest-based exploratory, enrichment, and self-directed learning activities.
Spout Springs School Of Enrichment uses the Schoolwide Enrichment Model to develop students’ talents; to provide a broad range of advanced-level enrichment experiences; and to foster learning in children’s areas of interest. Students participate in authentic, interest-based exploratory, enrichment, and self-directed learning activities.
Sugar Hill Academy uses the Schoolwide Enrichment Model to promote talent development and career awareness through student interests.
Tadmore Elementary School of Communication allows students the opportunity to develop a variety of communication skills through speaking, writing, art, music, movement, and digital formats. At Tadmore, communication is the foundation through which all of the standards are taught in an intentional, integrated format which allows students to practice and develop listening and speaking skills which will serve them throughout their academic and professional careers.
Wauka Mountain Multiple Intelligences Academy bases its unique programming options on Howard Gardner’s research on multiple intelligences.
World Language Academy World Language Academy is a PreK – Grade 5 dual-language immersion school where student receive a portion of their instruction in Spanish. Additionally, WLA students take classes in Brazilian Portuguese as part of their rigorous coursework and inquiry-based learning experience.Competitive Programs of Choice
Any Hall County School District student may apply to a Program of Choice in his or her area of interest, regardless of home school assignment. Students are selected to participate in Programs of Choice through a competitive application process during which they are evaluated for the match between strengths and interests and the program goals, specialized content and instructional approaches.
Parents of selected students who live outside the school’s attendance zone must provide transportation. For applications and information about the selection process, please see the school’s webpage.
Elementary School Programs of Choice
The Advanced Scholars Academy (ASA) at Riverbend Elementary is an innovative program of choice, appropriate for self-motivated, passionate students who are ready for rigorous, personalized learning experiences. ASA provides instruction that challenges advanced students.
ASA teachers design customized schedules and instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, including flexible part-time enrollment for a limited number of home-schooled students. Character development is practiced daily, and all students take part in community service.
Participants are selected based on evidence of their achievement, motivation to excel, creativity, curiosity and maturity to work well independently and in small group settings.
For additional information: res.hallco.org or 770-534-4141. Contact ASA Coordinator Heather York at Heather.York@hallco.org
The Advanced Scholars Program at Friendship Elementary School is designed to create an academically rigorous, inquiry-based program to facilitate the growth of creative thinkers. ASP classrooms foster an environment that encourages each student to display their own talents while learning to work cooperatively.
At White Sulphur Elementary School, Kindergarten students have the option to enroll in the Dual Language Spanish Immersion Path Program of Choice. The Dual Language Program of Choice will help grow bilingual and culturally diverse students in the East Hall community. It will help cultivate native Spanish speakers who are new to the English Language and support Hall County School District’s goal to develop bilingual students.
Middle School Programs of Choice
Da Vinci Academy at South Hall Middle School is a program designed for students who have a passion for learning, primarily focused in the arts, sciences and technology. Students who are curious, who are original thinkers and who are open to discovering their gifts in a creative educational setting are prime candidates for this program. Intrinsic motivation, creativity and self-discipline are characteristics that DVA students should possess.
DVA provides a project-based learning environment that features a project-based cooperative learning integrated curriculum. The Museum of Inspired Learning offers opportunities for students to research and create collaborative exhibits in a museum setting. DVA teachers are carefully selected for their creativity, content expertise, and ability to teach in an integrated fashion; in addition to their DVA classes with multi-talented teachers, students also work with community experts in their fields of study.
Selection is based on evidence from students’ applications, teacher recommendations, and school transcripts of (a) intrinsic motivation to excel; (b) interest and advanced ability in the arts, sciences and/or technology; (c) creativity; and (d) ability to work well independently and in small group settings.
For more information: https://shms.hallco.org/web/da-vinci-academy/ or 770-533-4004
The Earhart-Edison Academy (E2) is the Hall County middle school program of choice where students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in a rich, interdisciplinary context. Students are immersed in an environment of STEM exploration that emphasizes service-learning, career exploration and leadership development.High School Programs of Choice
ATLAS: Leadership, Scholarship, and Compassion
ATLAS Academy at North Hall High School offers a well-rounded curriculum of advanced educational opportunities for 9th and 10th-grade students ready for academic rigor, leadership opportunities, and compassion projects. Learning experiences are integrated to build inquiring, compassionate, and life-long learners.
Courses are designed to prepare students for the transition into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Participants are also well-prepared for Advanced Placement, Ivester Early College, and/or Honors courses for their junior and senior years. Candidates are selected based on demonstrated achievement, motivation to excel, collaboration and leadership abilities, and desire to participate in community service.
Contact ATLAS Coordinator Kate Warner at Kate.Warner@hallco.org
Website: https://nhhs.hallco.org/web/atlas/
STEM Academy at North Hall High School provides an engaging, student-centered, integrated, and rigorous STEM curriculum through innovative instructional methods. STEM Academy students will have advanced educational opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, using hands-on, interactive technology, and real-world experiences.
Students will work with faculty, industry, and college advisors to design their own independent and group-based investigations, conduct research projects, and present their findings publicly. Students from any Hall County middle school may apply to this 4-year program. As upperclassmen, students can continue in STEM through the IB Diploma path or the AP/Honors path.
Contact STEM Coordinator Deana Harper at Deana.Harper@hallco.org
The EPiCC Academy at East Hall High School provides students with engaging, creative and collaborative learning experiences that transcend the boundaries of a brick-and-mortar classroom.
The Ivester Healthcare Scholars Program of Choice will provide Dual Enrollment and practical learning experiences for advanced scholars who have demonstrated a focused interest in healthcare fields. Students will engage in rigorous academic classes, unique mentorships, research / internship opportunities, and service applications in a 2-year program. This Hall County Schools POC is made possible through our continued partnerships with Brenau University, Lanier Technical College, the University of North Georgia and the Ivester College of Health Sciences at Brenau University.
Johnson International Scholars Academy (JISA) is a Program of Choice within Johnson High School that includes rigorous coursework and a thematic focus asking students to build community and think globally. The JISA curriculum is an academic program stressing advanced studies in the four core academics, a second language, and a program elective. Developing an awareness of the world’s diversity and the individual’s role in society is a central focus of this program.
Lanier College Career Academy (LCCA) is an innovative school that provides career pathways and post-secondary education opportunities to students from all the high schools in Hall County who are interested in careers in the hospitality, culinary arts, marketing, and cosmetology industries.
The mission of our LEGACY Program of Choice is to empower students with opportunities to serve their community while building a foundation of character and integrity into each of our students to stand on as they develop their leadership skills and impact their community, country and world.
The Navy Junior ROTC Program at East Hall High School provides students with an outstanding means to develop their leadership skills and become active and productive citizens. NJROTC is a hands-on leadership laboratory, where cadets learn the fundamentals of leadership and management by running the cadet company.
STEAM Program at Flowery Branch High School is an Honors Engineering Program where students learn to apply art concepts in real world engineering and technology solutions. Through innovative classroom instruction and access to cutting-edge technology, students collaborate to create authentic projects that combine science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, building the foundation for their academic and career-related futures. Classroom experiences are further enhanced with real-world application through STEAM field trips and presentations from industry professionals.