Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions About the High Point Schools—Answered
Find everything you need to know about Schools and Youth Enrichment Programs in High Point
Are all schools in High Point a part of the GCS system?
While most of High Point is in Guilford County, there are portions of the city that are in Davidson, Randolph and Forsyth counties. Guilford County expands beyond High Point to include schools in Greensboro, Jamestown, McLeansville, and Gibsonville.
All schools that are located in both High Point and Guilford County are included in our directory.
What is a Choice School?
At Guilford County Schools, parents are encouraged to pick the best fit for their student’s unique needs and interests. While attending the assigned school in your attendance zone is always an option, parents and students can also select one of the many Choice Schools and Programs in the GCS system.
Sometimes referred to as ‘magnet’ schools, Choice schools are specialized schools with a specific area of focus (like Fine Arts or STEM) or a unique learning approach (like Montessori or International Baccalaureate). At a Choice school, students have access to opportunities like Spanish immersion, college prep, middle colleges, and unique programs for students interested in aviation, engineering, health sciences, or computer and information science.
Refer to our schools directory for more information about schools in your area.
You can also visit GCS Choose and Enroll for more details and information.
How do I apply to Choice Schools?
Signing up for a Choice School couldn’t be easier! You can enroll your child through the SchoolMint registration system here.
Check out our fliers for more information on your elementary, middle school and high school options.
How do I know what school my child is districted for?
The Attendance Zone lookup tool is linked here, and allows you to enter your address and see what school you are zoned for. If you have more questions related to school districting, visit the GCS website here.
What after-school care options are available?
ACES is an after-school program available at select Guilford County schools, operating on school days from school dismissal until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, from the first to the last day of the school year.
ACES does not operate on North Carolina state holidays, school district scheduled vacation days, teacher workdays, or during winter and spring breaks.
ACES also does not operate on remote learning days, as students are not in the building, nor does it operate if school is closed for students due to inclement weather conditions.
Currently, the only active ACES sites in High Point are at Florence and Southwest Guilford Elementary. Learn more about ACES at the GCS website and by reading the ACES Parent Handbook.
What if my school doesn’t offer ACES?
Students at schools that don’t offer ACES after-school care can attend a variety of alternate programs available in our community.
If you’re interested in more options, consult our YEP Directory to learn more about the programs available near you.
What transportation services are available?
GCS provides transportation for eligible students to and from their assigned school location.
Learn more about transportation eligibility, registration, and transportation for Choice schools at the GCS website
here
What should I know about school nutrition services?
To learn more about school nutrition, including how to apply for free or reduced price lunches, how to pay online, how GCS accommodates students with special diets, and more, visit the GCS website here.
What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?
Many Guilford County Schools offer courses or programs which provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) from elementary to high school.
These unique learning opportunities aim to prepare students for college and careers. As well as giving students the opportunity to explore their career interests early on, they also teach specialized skills and provide hands-on experience for in-demand careers—giving GCS students a leg up for the future.
For statistics about CTE in GCS, see this flier, and to learn more about CTE and how to get involved, visit the GCS website here.
What if my student is learning English?
Guilford County is incredibly diverse, with more than 142 cultural and ethnic groups represented amongst our students. All schools are equipped to support students learning English and help them succeed. Additionally, GCS is committed to conveying what is said between parents and school staff, and interpreters and translators are available upon request.
Learn more about how GCS accommodates English Learners at their website
here
Of the schools listed in our directory, the Mendez Newcomers school is specifically designed for students learning English, and Allen Jay Elementary employs the Dual Language Initiative, teaching core curriculum in English, Spanish, and Urdu—making it a great program for English Learners and Speakers alike.
Learn more in our
schools directory
What if my child has unique needs?
GCS believes children with unique needs shouldn’t have limited options when choosing a school. Many schools in our directory have different approaches to education and can provide a range of options to meet your student’s needs and interests—whether that’s with hands-on learning or the incorporation of movement or music into daily lessons.
Plus, all Guilford County Schools are equipped to serve and advocate for students with disabilities. If your student is new to GCS, you can indicate the special education services your child has received in the past on your SchoolMint registration. To learn more about Exceptional Children Services, including policies and who to contact, visit the GCS website
here.
What should I know about school athletics?
Many schools in Guilford County offer their students the opportunity to compete in school athletics. To learn more about the requirements for eligibility, fees, what forms to complete, details about drivers education, and more, visit the GCS athletics page here.
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