# Forsyth County Schools

Forsyth County Schools (FCS) is a public school district in Forsyth County, Georgia, United States, based in Cumming. FCS serves over 51,000 students and is the largest employer in the county with over 8,000 full-time employees and substitutes. Out of 180 school districts, FCS is the seventh largest school system in Georgia.

## History

The district was established in 1860 as one of the first free public school systems in Georgia.

## Schools

There are 23 elementary, 11 middle and 8 high schools as of the 2023–2024 school year.
In Georgia, FCS has 10 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 12 Governor's Office of Student Achievement award-winning schools, is an Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll District, has the highest credit rating from Moody's and SP (1 of 17 in the U.S.) and the highest SAT score. Among Metro-Atlanta and large districts, FCS has the highest ACT score, highest CCRPI score, highest county graduation rate (94%) and the highest financial efficiency rating (5/5 stars).
FCS provides learning opportunities for students, including the opportunity to earn high school credit in middle school, AP credits and college dual enrollment courses in high school, the STEM Academy at Forsyth Central High School, and an International Baccalaureate program at South Forsyth High School. The district was the first in Georgia to make up inclement weather days with online learning.
High schools:
* Alliance Academy for Innovation
* Denmark
* East Forsyth
* Forsyth Central
* Lambert
* North Forsyth
* South Forsyth
* West Forsyth
Middle schools:
* DeSana
* Hendricks
* Lakeside
* Liberty
* Little Mill
* North Forsyth
* Otwell
* Piney Grove
* Riverwatch
* South Forsyth
* Vickery Creek
Elementary schools:
* Big Creek
* Brandywine
* Brookwood
* Chattahoochee
* Chestatee
* Coal Mountain
* Cumming
* Daves Creek
* Haw Creek
* Johns Creek
* Kelly Mill
* Mashburn
* Matt
* Midway
* New Hope
* Poole's Mill
* Sawnee
* Settles Bridge
* Sharon
* Shiloh Point
* Silver City
* Vickery Creek
* Whitlow

## Technology

FCS is internationally recognized for being a leader in instructional and operational technology. This includes 1:1 computing ratios and internal broadcasting systems in all schools, as well as each classroom being equipped with permanent interactive boards. All full-time teachers are provided notebook computers, email, and websites/social media tools. Parents are provided with online communication tools so that they may monitor students' assignments and grades 24 hours a day. The district was among the first in the nation to utilize BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology), which allows students to bring their own technology to use in the classroom. All students and teachers use the online learning management system Canvas, an Instructure product.

## Administration
### Board of education

The board of education is the governing body of the school system. Members are elected by the public to represent one of five districts to which they serve staggered four-year terms.
As of January 2024, the members of the board are:
* Lindsey Adams (District 2)
* Tom Cleveland (District 3)
* Darla Light (District 4)
* Wes McCall (District 1)
* Mike Valdes (District 5)
For 2024, Light serves as chair and Valdes serves as vice-chair.
Cleveland announced his intention to seek re-election in November 2024.
Kristin Morrissey formerly represented District 2, and Nancy Roche formerly represented District 5.

### Superintendent

Jeff Bearden joined Forsyth County Schools as superintendent in 2014. In December 2023, Bearden announced he would retire on November 1, 2024.
James Mitchell "Mitch" Young was named the sole finalist to replace Bearden in March 2024.