Education

Schools

Education in Franklin County is a top priority. Both the growth in population and the strong business/manufacturing environment have spurred increased community involvement in education and the arts. Partnerships have developed between education forces, public service organizations, and industry, and in turn have greatly benefitted the community.

Franklin County has a fully accredited public school system. The Franklin County Board of Education operates five public schools with some 3,700 students. The system offers a complete curriculum from kindergarten through elementary, middle, and high school. There are three elementary schools located in Carnesville, Lavonia, and Royston. Near Carnesville, there is Franklin County Middle School for grades 6-8 and Franklin County High School for grades 9-12. All Franklin County Schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). From the earliest grades, Franklin County schools provide a wide range of educational opportunities including enrichment programs for gifted and talented students.

There are special education programs and federally mandated classes for special needs children. In addition, there are career-oriented vocational programs for high school students. A variety of adult education opportunities exists for students over 18 years of age.

A second SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) referendum was passed in 2001 by a 3 to 1 margin to provide funding for school construction, renovation and repairs. Included in the plans are a new Fine Arts Auditorium for the high school and the construction of a new school for the county. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in spearheading educational programs for the county. As a direct result of the annual Chamber-sponsored “Franklin County Education Summit,” the following initiatives are now under way:

• An annual School-to-Career Day at Franklin County High School.

• Development of “Employability Profiles” to help businesses assess high school students for future employment.

• A “mentoring” program which has developed into a self sustaining non-profit organization of more than 65 mentors serving children in all three elementary schools.

• A “Life Connections” mandatory class to teach high school students skills required for success as they move to adulthood.

• A “Youth Apprenticeship” program that allows high school students to be apprenticed to local businesses and manufacturers.

• A “Bridge Program” for remedial reading at the high school.

The Chamber-sponsored Education Summit continues to be held annually, and as a result, new ideas are continually being introduced into the schools.

Educational training programs for industry are held in high regard. Area manufacturers have formed an educational partnership with the schools to help prepare students for today’s modern workplace.

Opportunities beyond the secondary educational level are provided by North Georgia Technical College, 30 miles northwest of Franklin County. North Georgia Tech administers “Quick Start,” Georgia’s program to aid new industries in Franklin County. The program trains new industry employees on equipment owned by the state or special equipment loaned by the industry.

More Info...