Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life - Conyers Rockdale Georgia 2017 | Page 28

schools have the opportunity to get a head
start on the college or technical school
experience through dual enrollment with
Georgia State University and Georgia
Piedmont Technical College.
Each traditional high school offers a
choice option including STEM, visual and
performing arts, advanced technology, and
global business and leadership so students
have the opportunity to specialize their
studies to fit their interests and abilities.
Complementing
the curriculum
Public school students enjoy a variety of
athletic and fine arts offerings that bring
enjoyment and quality of life to both the
students who participate and community
members who love to watch live sports,
theater, or musical performances. All of
our schools have competitive athletic
programs, academic teams, drama activities,
and music curriculum where participants
learn important life skills such as teamwork,
confidence, leadership, and strength
through diversity. Our extracurricular
programs promote a healthy lifestyle
and involvement to complement the
outstanding academic opportunities found
in the public schools.
Exceeding Standards
Serving more than 16,500 students,
Rockdale County Public Schools is
internationally accredited by AdvancEd,
the parent company of SACS CASI. This
means that every school in the district
holds the highest accreditation available
to public schools. Currently, there are
eleven elementary schools,
four middle schools, three
high schools, and four
non- traditional programs
– Rockdale Magnet
School for Science and
Technology (a school within
a school), Rockdale
Career Academy,
Open Campus,
and Alpha
(Alternative)
Academy.
The Open
Campus nontraditional
secondary

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program provides a flexible educational
opportunity to students who may be
unlikely, for a variety of reasons, to reach
their full potential in the traditional high
school structure. The program is designed
for students at least 16 years of age who
wish to accelerate the manner in which
they complete their remaining required
units for graduation.
Children with special needs benefit
through a variety of academic and skills
development programs. Students with
exceptionalities as well as hospital/
homebound children are served through
resource programs available in every
school. Self-contained programs, which
serve students countywide, are provided at
selected school sites.
Students in elementary school who meet
the state gifted criteria may participate
in Program Challenge. Students attend
the Program Challenge Center one day
each week to participate in a rigorous and
enriching academic curriculum. In addition,
elementary and middle school students
have the opportunity to attend Enrichment
Camps during school breaks.
Gifted services are available for middle
and high school students through a variety
of opportunities, including gifted classes, AP
courses, modification of regular classroom
activities, directed study, and summer
programs. The English for Speakers of
Other Languages (ESOL) program serves
students at all grade levels for whom
English is a second language.
Exceeding Expectations
The school system’s emphasis on
rigor throughout all instruction is reaping
rewards for our students. Our graduation
rate is among the highest in the state.
RCPS has gained state and national
recognition for student achievement
throughout the district. Our schools are
consistently honored as high performing
schools. Academic teams and clubs
throughout the district have won regional,
state and national championships, as have
many of our athletic teams and clubs.
Superior ratings in band, chorus, and drama
further illustrate Rockdale’s commitment to
student success.
Test scores are an important indicator
of a school system’s success in addressing

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce • 770.483.7049 • conyers-rockdale.com

core academics. Our students consistently
out-perform their peers on state and
national tests, including the American
College Testing (ACT) program, the Iowa
Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and the Scholastic
Assessment Test (SAT). Each year, students
from Rockdale’s high schools receive
scholarships or appointments to top
universities throughout the United States.
While RCPS offers so much for so many
– rigorous curriculum, great programs,
outstanding school choice options, and
advanced technology – it’s the teachers
and staff who make it happen. Their
commitment to our students is exceptional.
“Our award-winning teachers and staff
are dedicated to our one core mission:
student success, and our community
alliance strengthens our resources
and opportunities for the children of
Rockdale County,” explains Richard Autry,
superintendent.
Seeking higher education
opportunities
The majority of students who graduate
from Rockdale’s public schools seek
post-secondary education. Students can
begin their college career right here in
Rockdale County through courses held at
RCA offered by Georgia State University
and Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
Just a few miles east of Conyers/Rockdale
County, students can participate in
degree programs or technical training at