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Accelerated courses expose middle
and high school students to academics
a year or so before they would
traditionally receive them.
A low teacher-
student ratio is
enhanced by a wellrounded
program
of activities that
encourages development
of mind, body
and character.
And, with the close proximity of
Young Harris College, North Georgia
Technical College and the University
of North Georgia, many high schoolers
take advantage of dual enrollment
opportunities.
A FOCUS ON FINE ARTS
A $9 million, state-of-the-art Fine Arts
Center sets the stage for everything
from band concerts and drama productions
to art exhibits and choral
recitals. The 986-seat building was
specifically designed for excellent
sound resonance. In fact, the theater
walls contain approximately 27 tons
of sand for sound proofing, and the
sound and lighting equipment is some
of the best around!
FLEXIBILITY TO INNOVATE
Part of what makes Union County
schools so exceptional is the designation
as a Georgia Charter School System.
Under the charter school system,
educators enjoy increased flexibility
to innovate — as well as more direct
involvement with the community in
the progress of the schools.
Union County Schools currently
serve more than 2,700 students in
Blairsville and Suches. Each of the
area’s schools has unique qualities
that make them a special place for
children to learn and grow.
Union County Primary School is
recognized as a Title I Reward School,
and serves approximately 600 students
ranging from Pre-K through 2nd grade.
Union County Elementary School,
with approximately 600 students in
grades 3-5, boasts some of the highest
Georgia Milestones scores in the state.
Students receive a well-rounded academic
program with a concentration
in reading and math. Other programs
include art, music, technology and
physical education.
Union County Middle School
serves approximately 600 students
in grades 6-8. Besides academic
subjects, the curriculum includes art,
band, chorus, computer technology,
career education, physical education,
health and agriculture. Students have
received some of the highest test
scores in the state.
Home to more than 800 students,
Union County High School recently
earned a 98 ranking on the College
and Career Ready Performance Index
(CCRPI) — a comprehensive measure
of school improvement and accountability.
The school’s innovative CTAE
(Career, Technical and Agriculture
Education) Pathways program provides
interested students with a personalized
course of study within a
chosen career focus— from health
sciences and education to forestry
and metals technology.
Woody Gap School is the smallest
public school in the state of Georgia.
The low student-teacher ratio at this
K-12 school in Suches ensures that
students receive unparalleled individual
attention in a supportive learning
environment.
Mountain Education Charter
High School is a self-paced, evening
high school that serves non-traditional
students seeking a high school diploma.
INCUBATOR
PROGRAM
LAUNCHES
TOMORROW’S
ENTREPRENEURS
Union County High School
students are learning some
valuable lessons in entrepreneurship
thanks to an innovative
INCubator program — the
first of its kind in Georgia high
schools.
Student teams generate ideas
for products and services based
on everyday needs, and then
spend the school year validating
their concept using financial
projections, market analysis
and prototypes. A team of
business mentors from the
community provides guidance
on launching, growing and
managing a prosperous
start-up. “It’s a very new,
progressive way of teaching
entrepreneurship,” explains
Josh Davis, who heads up the
program. “They learn the lean
methodology of start-ups.”
It all culminates in a pitch to the
“sharks” — local business
professionals and investors.
Last year, two INCubator teams
received funding for their
projects — a self-adjusting
tourniquet and a slip-resistant
removable shoe tread for food
service workers. Both teams are
currently looking into fullfledged
product development.
N
INCubator classroom
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