FAQ

Foothills Regional High School is an individualized, self-paced, accredited evening high school for students who have not completed high school. All coursework is based on mastery learning and is facilitated by accredited teachers. Please contact our Regional Office or the Foothills site you are interested in attending for more information!
 
Is the Foothills Regional High School a "real" High School? 
Yes. We are accredited just like any other high school. Foothills was founded to help decrease Northeast and Middle Georgia's drop out rate by offering students an option other than traditional day high schools. The main difference is Foothills holds classes at night rather than during the day. We are open from 4:30 to 8:30 PM Mondays through Thursdays. There are no classes on Fridays.

What are some reasons students attend Foothills? 
Students enroll at Foothills for many different reasons. Some students must work during the day or take care of families. Other students have quit high school in the past and decide to come back for their diploma. Students also enroll to make up classes they have failed at their local high school. Still, others prefer a self-paced, individualized curriculum.

What are the ages of your students?
Most Foothills students are age 16 to 21. Students under the age of 18 may attend Foothills but with the approval of the resident school district in which they reside. Students over 21, upon approval of Foothills staff, may enroll if they are close to graduating.

What does "self-paced, individualized curriculum" mean?
This means students can work on any class at any time. Our curriculum is independent study, and students can take as long as they need to complete a class. There are no traditional lecture classes. Courses cannot be failed, and we stress mastery learning. Teachers oversee students and are there to tutor or answer any questions.

Who are the teachers at Foothills?
Our teachers are dedicated, State of Georgia certified professionals from local high schools in Georgia. Many work a full day at their respective high school, and work at Foothills at night, and some are retired. Students frequently come to Foothills and recognize our teachers from their own high schools.

Why would I get a high school diploma instead of a GED?
Students who plan to pursue continued education after graduation recognize the importance of a high school diploma over a GED. Not all students are in a position to attend a traditional day high school, but Foothills can provide the opportunity to achieve both goals. A student seeking to enter the military will find that most branches will not accept a GED. Foothills Regional High School offers these young people an opportunity to obtain a traditional high school diploma.

Is Foothills a disciplinary school?
No, it is not. While some of our students have encountered challenges at their previous high school, students are not sent to us because of discipline problems. Students with discipline problems are only accepted on a case by case basis with approval from an administrator.

What classes are offered at Foothills?
Foothills has many of the same classes offered at traditional day high schools. We offer all the classes that the state of Georgia requires for graduation. Please see our website for specifics.

Who are the administrators for the Foothills System?
There is a collaborative governance team made up of members from the counties that participate in Foothills: Baldwin, Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Morgan and Walton. This board meets once per month to make decisions about Foothills and approve personnel. Dr. Sherrie Gibney-Sherman is the Foothills superintendent and a community member.

I have a very busy schedule. Will I have time to attend Foothills?
The time spent at Foothills is up to the student. You may attend any time between 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm, Mondays - Thursdays, and stay as long as you wish. To be considered full-time, you must attend 20 hours per week.

My child failed two classes at his high school. Can Foothills help?
Yes! For a reasonable fee, students can attend their day high school and come to Foothills at night to make up classes.

What happens if I keep failing a test at Foothills?
Foothills stresses subject mastery. If a student keeps failing a test, the course will be reviewed until the student can pass the test. A tutor can be provided to assist the student, and the classroom teacher is always available to review materials for the test. Courses cannot be failed at Foothills.

My child loves playing on her high school basketball team. Can she still play if she attends Foothills?
Only students who attend both their own high school and Foothills can continue to play sports for their high school. Students who only attend Foothills cannot.

Does Foothills have the same student services as other high schools?
We have many of the same student services as other high schools: special education, ESOL, counseling, graduation coaches, student clubs, career/college/tech workshops, dual enrollment, Georgia High School Graduation Test prep, and tutoring.

I know someone who needs a diploma but doesn't speak English very well
Foothills offers ESOL for students under the age of 21 with a different first language, which helps them along the path to graduation.

Do students have to take End-Of-Course Assessments (EOC's)?
Yes. These are state requirements for graduation.

Can my child take advantage of the Dual Enrollment program while at Foothills?
Yes. Foothills students have the same access to dual enrollment as any other student at any other high school in Georgia does. To learn more about this option at Foothills, go to Dual Enrollment at Foothills Information

What about graduation?
Students graduate from Foothills as soon as they complete their graduation requirements. Foothills holds a graduation ceremony three times per year (spring, summer, and winter) for all students who have graduated throughout the year.

What do most students do after graduation?
The Foothills diploma opens the door to many opportunities. Foothills students will find career success in a number of ways. Many of them may pursue higher education by attending college, while others may volunteer for military service. Some students may go immediately in the workforce. 

Where is Foothills?
Foothills has sites in Baldwin, Barrow, Bibb, Butts, Clarke, Elbert, Jackson, Madison, Morgan and Walton Counties. 
There is also a satellite site located in Oglethorpe County.  Foothills does not offer bus service.

I want to enroll. What do I do next?
To enroll at Foothills, please CLICK HERE to complete the online registration form. The preferred site will contact applicant upon receipt.