The high school gifted education program is a state program designed to meet the educational needs of students who demonstrate a high degree of intellectual ability, talent, and/or creativity. Teaching and learning focus on developing cognitive learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills at each grade grouping, using principles of differentiation in one or more of the following content areas: mathematics, science, English/language arts, social studies, world languages, fine arts, and career, technical and agricultural education. A challenging curriculum for high school gifted students is available in core academic areas of math, science, social studies, and English Language arts. Gifted classes differ from other college-preparatory courses by offering more advanced study materials, extensive outside reading, and research/independent study with a greater emphasis on investigative skills and critical thinking. Humanities class, a multidisciplinary program for gifted seniors, explores the cultural values of literature, art, music, history, and philosophy. Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings are also available for enrollment as a part of the Gifted Program.

Additionally, as part of a Gifted and Talented Education classroom, students may participate in some of the following activities throughout the year:

• Constitution Day
• Debate Team
• Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl
• Mock Trail
• National History Day
• Professional Interest Exploration (PIE)
• Science and Social Studies Fairs

Delivery of Instruction

Students enrolled in the Advanced Content courses in middle and high school must take at least one gifted education course and spend a minimum of five (FTE) segments per week in gifted education classes. The students in middle school usually take three or four core subject areas. The district may elect to include students who are not identified as gifted but have demonstrated exceptional ability and motivation in a particular content area. 

Houston County uses the following descriptors to distinguish gifted education services: In middle and high school, gifted education classes may be referred to as gifted, GTE, honors, or advanced content. Advanced Placement (AP) is an opportunity offered by College Board to high school students, both gifted and non-gifted qualified.

The 2026 Georgia Scholars is accepting student applications from January 1-March 1, 2026.

The Georgia Scholar Program is open to all Georgia high school seniors who meet the program criteria, complete the online application, secure signatures from their principal, school counselor, and parent/legal guardian, and obtain a letter of reference from someone outside of the school or family that speaks to the student's self-esteem and concern for others in day-to-day activities.

Through the Georgia Scholar Program, the Georgia Department of Education identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Each Georgia Scholar receives a diploma seal and an honorary graduation cord. Applicants should be aware that Georgia Scholar is a recognition-only program. No scholarship funds are associated with this program.

For complete information about the criteria and application process, click here. 

Six local high school seniors were recognized and honored for their academic achievements and performance on the SAT during a ceremony on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Houston County Board of Education. The STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) program honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Michael Do from Houston County High School earned the top honor as our System Winner. He will represent Houston county at the Regional level in March.

The 2026 STARs include:

Houston County High: Student Michael Do and Teacher Jenny Jackson

Northside High: Student Mihir Tailor and Teacher Sid Littlefield

Perry High: Student Sarah Golden and Teacher Tiffany Frank

Veterans High: Student Annie White and Teacher Shawn White

Warner Robins High: Student Quinn Hammond and Teacher Nicholas Sostillio

Congratulations to all of our STAR Students and Teachers on everything it took to achieve this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to Rachel Manuel from Perry High School for being selected as a finalist for the Governor's Honor Program in the summer of 2025!

The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for skilled, knowledgeable, and talented high school sophomores and juniors. GHP offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

GHP is held in mid-summer (mid-June to mid-July) as a residential educational experience on a college or university campus. Students attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in specific areas of study, and they participate in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities every evening. Meals and rooms are provided by the program. The only required and expected costs to the students are: travel expenses to and from the semifinalist event and host campus; a few basic supplies for classes and dorm rooms; and spending money as desired during the program.

• Abigail Bragg, Houston County High
• Marshall Honaker, Houston County High
• Ruxanda Malcoci, Houston County High
• Youngjun Park, Houston County High
• Griffin Quang, Houston County High
• Daniel Chun, Perry High School
• Cecilia O'Neill, Perry High
• Judson Perdue, Veterans High
• Jackson Sawyer, Veterans High
• Tristan Smith, Veterans High
• William Vinup, Veterans High
• Rebecca Winters, Veterans High