**Every Child**Every Chance**

Academic Departments

The emphasis of education for high school students in Newton County is preparation for life after high school. Through a range of intriguing and challenging courses, students find opportunities for critical and creative thinking, and vital skills for future success. Students may choose from many electives to pursue an interest in-depth, or sample subjects to focus educational and career interests. Strong instructional departments provide a solid educational foundation.

Since the fall of 1997, those entering the ninth grade may choose one of two programs of study: College Prep and Technology/Career-Prep. (Graduation programs with distinction have mandatory additional requirements.) The college preparatory program requires a minimum of four units each of English, mathematics, and science; three-and-one-half units of social science, and two units of foreign language. The Technology/Career-Prep program requires four units of English, three units each of mathematics and science, and three-and-a-half units of social studies. Each program of study meets or exceeds minimum state graduation requirements.

Honors and Advanced Placement courses are important curriculum features for College Prep students. The Quest program for academically gifted students offers honors classes in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies; these classes are taught on an advanced/enriched level and parallel the regular school curriculum.

The Technology/Career-Prep program additionally requires three units of concentration in a vocational program. This program of study prepares students for post-secondary technical education and training. High school students who meet program requirements may also participate in the Youth Apprenticeship Program or the Tech Prep Program.

Currently, Newton County has twenty-three business partners in the Apprenticeship Program which provides students who commit to post-secondary education the opportunity to receive work-based learning under a business partner mentor in his/her career field. Tech Prep provides students with the opportunity to receive post-secondary tech school credits while continuing their secondary education.

High school students may be involved in a wide variety of co-curricular programs, including drama, band, chorus, and visual arts. Students are offered civic, social, and service experiences beyond the classroom through a wide variety of clubs and organizations. The high schools of Newton County offer a comprehensive athletic program for secondary students.