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.

We are proud to share exciting news with you that 11 of our outstanding students have been selected as finalists, along with 1 alternate, for the 2026 Governor’s Honors Program (GHP). This remarkable achievement reflects not only the talent and dedication of these students but also the unwavering commitment and excellence of the educators who guided them along the way. 

The Governor’s Honors Program is one of Georgia’s most prestigious academic opportunities. It is a highly competitive, state-funded summer program that brings together the brightest rising juniors and seniors from across the state. Students selected for GHP spend several weeks on a college campus, fully immersed in advanced academic study, artistic exploration, and personal growth, all in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without your time, mentorship, and belief in our students. From identifying potential candidates to supporting them through rigorous applications and interviews, your efforts have made a lasting impact. You have helped open doors that will shape futures.

Please join us in congratulating our finalists and alternate on this incredible achievement. We look forward to celebrating their continued success this summer and beyond.

• Anniston Batchelor, VHS, Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science
• Neel Ganzi, HCHS, World Languages
• Caleb Harris, VHS, Science
• Aubrey Hilton, VHS, Dance
• Lily Kenney, HCHS, Social Studies
• Ivan Lopez, WRHS, Social Studies
• Raquel Martinez, VHS, Communicative Arts
• Shalaya Patterson, WRHS, Communicative Arts
• Jonathan Rogers, PHS, Music
• Talmadge Smith III, HCHS, Music
• Darien Stancil, VHS, World Languages
• Jordyn Taylor, VHS, Music