Education

Moody AFB (Education – Introduction)

The Military Child Education Program was established Air Force-wide to provide military personnel and their families with information and resources intended to ease the transition of their students from one duty location to the next. The School Liaison Officer is tasked with “connecting families, communities and schools”. The SLO is responsible for overseeing the Georgia Military Family Act which permits up to 5 days of excused absences for military dependent children to spend time with a parent departing for/returning from a war zone. The SLO also works closely with the Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Services Coordinator in supporting all military families. 

Public Schools

The school districts that support Moody AFB are setup on a zone system with the majority of our military families attending school in the Lowndes County School District (the school district that supports the on-base families).  Personnel also reside in Valdosta City Schools, Berrien County Schools and Lanier County Schools.  Children must attend the school in the district in which they live.

• Lowndes County Schools - http://www.lowndes.k12.ga.us/ 229-245-2250
• Valdosta City Schools - http://www.gocats.org/ 229-333-8500
• Lanier County Schools - http://www.lanier.k12.ga.us/ 229-482-3966
• Berrien County Schools - https://www.berrienschools.org/ 229-686-2081

Registration

Registration in public schools will require (as of 2018-19 School Year):

• Official birth certificate for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students; not necessary for older students who have a military identification card or previous school documentation showing birth date.
• GA Dept of Public Heath Certificate of Immunization (GA Form 3231) is required to be presented at registration. Military personnel may obtain a copy of this form from the Moody AFB Clinic. Families seen on-base should take current shot records and visit Immunization Clinic to have the data transferred and the form signed during walk-in hours. Families with off-base Primary Care Managers should take their student’s shot record to their physician’s office to have the data transferred and signed by their PCM.
• GA Dept of Public Health Certificate of Ear, Eye, Dental and Nutrition (GA Form 3300) is required to be presented at registration. Military personnel and/or families may obtain a copy of this form from the Moody AFB Pediatrics Clinic or Family Health Clinic; may have it completed during walk-in hours. Families with off-base PCMs should contact their physician’s office to have the form signed.
• Child’s Social Security Card (copy will be made and original returned).
• Withdrawal and/or transcript, report card, all special education records and name and mailing address of previous school attended.
• Proof of residence (e.g., current electric, gas, water, cable or sanitation bill; rental agreement, or mortgage documentation) is required. Some districts may require more than one proof of residence; contact your local Board of Education for precise requirements.

Private Schools

Private Schools (faith-based or non-denominational) in the local community are also an option for military dependent children. Please contact individual school for admission policies, tuition or other information (Please note: Inclusion of information does not constitute an Air Force endorsement of the institution or education provided.)

This list is not intended to be exhaustive.  

• Crossroads Baptist School: 229-241-1430
• Open Bible Christian School: 229-244-6694 
• Highland Christian Academy: 229-245-8111
• St. John's Catholic School: 229-244-2556 
• Valdosta Christian Academy: 229-244-2042
• Valwood School: 229-242-8491
• Georgia Christian: 229-559-5131
• Victory Christian School: 229-263-2478 
• Lighthouse Christian Ministry: 229-244-8436

Home Schooling

Personnel and family members should review the information/follow the instructions listed on the Georgia Department of Education website (www.gadoe.org/Pages/Home.aspx).  Go to “ABC’s” in the middle of page and scroll down to “Homeschooling”. If there are questions, please call the POC listed or the SLO.

Charter Schools

• Berrien Academy (grades 9-12; Berrien Co Schools); 229-686-6580 - https://plc.berrienschools.org/
• Bishop Hall Charter School (grades 9-12; Thomas Co Schools); 229-227-1397 - http://www.thomas.k12.ga.us/3/Home
• Scintilla Charter Academy (grades K-5; serving only Lowndes Co and Valdosta City); 229-244-5750 - http://www.scintillacharteracademy.com/

Online - Free Public Schools

• Georgia Connections Academy (grades 6-12); 800-382-6010
• Georgia Cyber Academy (grades K-12); 404-334-4790   
• Georgia Virtual School(grades 6-12) 

Lowndes County Schools

• Is accredited by Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI)
• Current total of 10 schools (7 elementary, grades K-5; 2 middle schools, grades 6-8; one high school, grades 9-12). Land purchased for construction of new campus to replace current high school; add a third middle school and replace Pine Grove Elementary School
• Currently 7,000 students transported daily; 105 regular buses and 15 for exceptional students; total mileage 7,500 miles daily
• Average number of meals served daily to students = 2,239 (breakfast); 6,980 (lunch)
• Lowndes County schools offer a variety of before and after-school programs. Programs also available at local YMCA, Girls & Boys Club and Moody AFB Youth Center (for eligible ID card holders)
• Lowndes HS boasts of AAAAA Championship Vikings football team and nationally recognized Georgia Bridgemen Marching Band.
• Parents looking for information about services or programs for exceptional children should contact school office personnel for a pamphlet. After reviewing that information, parents are welcome to talk to one of the four special education coordinators and/or the school vice-principal.

Valdosta City Schools

• All schools meet requirements of GA Accrediting Commission and GA Public School Standards; all schools are accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Current total of 10 schools (4 elementary, grades K-3; 2 elementary, grades 4-5; 2 middle schools, grades 6-8; one high school, grades 9-12, and one alternative school).  District will reorganize so elementary will be grades K-5 in 2008-09.
• Currently 3,895 students transported daily
• Average number of meals served daily to students = 2,963 (breakfast); 5,707 (lunch)
• After school programs available at local YMCA, Girls & Boys Club and Moody AFB Youth Center (for eligible ID card holders)
• Valdosta HS is home to the Wildcats, past national football champions
• Information about the VCS Special Education Office is available on the District website or by calling 229-333-8505.

Lanier County Schools

• Is currently on probation with Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI); certification team due to visit system 30 Jan 08.
• All schools accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Current total of 3 schools (one each elementary, grades PK-5; middle school, grades 6-8, and high school, grades 9-12)
• Currently 1,006 students transported daily
• Approximately 100 reduced breakfast and 100 lunch meals served daily
• Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's special needs beginning with his/her classroom teacher.

Berrien County Schools

• Accreditation through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Current total of 5 schools (one each primary, grades K-3; elementary, grades 4-5; middle school, grades 6-8, and high school, grades 9-12) to include Berrien Academy (charter school, grades 9-12)
• Berrien HS is home to the Berrien Rebels (football), Rebel Regiment Marching Band, Cross Country (Boys and Girls) teams, and Rebelette Softball AA Fast-pitch
• Berrien County Program for Exceptional Students provides services in conjunction with Medicaid and PeachCare

Local School Boards

Enrollment Size 

• Lowndes County Schools = 10,250 (E: 4,950; MS: 2,325; HS: 2,945) as of Dec 10
• Valdosta City Schools = 7,350 (E: 3,874; MS: 1,556; HS: 1,920) as of May 10
• Lanier County Schools = 1,845 (E: 1,011; MS: 390; HS: 424) as of Sep 11
• Berrien County Schools = 3,192 (P: 902; E: 714; MS:720; HS: 856) As of Nov 11

Pupil/Student Ratio

NOTE: Waiver for increased classroom size/teacher to student ration) was granted to each district by State of Georgia Dept of Education due to financial constraints for school year 2011-2012.  In Georgia, primary school = grades 1-3; elementary school = grades 4-5; middle school = grades 6-8, and high school = grades 9-12.

• Lowndes Co: Kindergarten (20); Primary (17.1); Elementary (20.5); MS (22.2); HS (18)
• Valdosta City: Kindergarten (20); Primary (19); Elementary (23); MS (26); HS (19)
• Lanier County – Primary including Kindergarten (21); Elementary (21); MS (16); HS (14)
• Berrien County – Primary including Kindergarten (22); Elementary (21); MS (28 ); HS (No Response)

School Records

No Child Left Behind/Annual Yearly Progress (2010-2011 Data) include three indicators (e.g., Test Participation; Academic Performance; Attendance and Graduation Rate). You may visit the Georgia Dept of Education website for more information.  Under NCLB/AYP, all schools within a district to include all subpopulations must meet all standards in order for the district to make AYP.  In Nov 2011, State Superintendent of Education submitted a waiver application to US Dept of Education for its proposed College and Career Ready Performance Index to ultimately replace NCLB/AYP.  For SY 2011-2012, requested “stay put” permission relative to the current 2011 AYP determinations.   

• Lowndes Co Schools (11 schools; 100% met test participation; 81.8% met academic performance; 100%
• met attendance standard; 0% met graduation rate; 8/72.7% of schools met AYP; System did not make AYP)
• Valdosta City Schools (9 schools; 89% met test participation; 55.6% met academic performance; 100%
• met attendance standard; 0% met graduation rate; 5/56% of schools met overall AYP; System did not make AYP)
• Lanier Co Schools (4 schools; 100% met test participation rate; 75% met academic performance;  100%
• met attendance standard; 0% met graduation rate; 3/75% of schools met overall AYP; System did not make AYP)
• Berrien Co Schools (4 schools; 100% met test participation; 25% met academic performance; 100% met attendance standard; 0% met graduation rate; 2/50% met overall AYP; System did not make AYP)

SAT Scores (2011 Data)  

Percentage of college-bound high school students: State of Georgia no longer requires individual districts to track percentage of students going to 4 year, 2 year or technical colleges 

• Grading System
• Lowndes County Schools (from Lowndes County HS Handbook)
• Valdosta City Schools (from Valdosta HS Course Selection Guide, 2007-08)
• Lanier County Schools
• Berrien County Schools
• Unique Opportunities

HOPE

HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) is Georgia's unique scholarship and grant program that rewards students with financial assistance in degree, diploma and certificate programs at eligible Georgia public and private colleges and universities, and public technical colleges. Military personnel and their dependent children may qualify for this program under certain circumstances. For more information, visit the Georgia Student Finance Commission or call 1-800-505-GSFC or contact the college of vocational school that your child plans to attend.

Gifted Education

Gifted Education is defined in State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-38. Children are required to perform at established standard in four categories (mental ability; achievement; creativity, and motivation). Each local school system is required to develop a curriculum for gifted students in grades K-12. The Georgia Governor's Honors Program is offered at Valdosta State University; residential programs are available at State University of West Georgia and Middle Georgia College

Magnet Schools

A magnet school is a public school (elementary or secondary) offers a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students of different racial backgrounds.  They aim to eliminate, reduce or prevent minority group isolation in schools while strengthening student knowledge of academic subjects and grasp of marketable vocational skills.  All magnet schools are located in and around metro Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, Augusta, and Savannah. Magnet schools closest to MAFB are found in Albany (Daughtery County); approximately 2 hours driving time.

None on base. The majority of children of personnel assigned to Moody AFB are supported by Lowndes County School System and Valdosta City Schools. Other local school districts in which personnel may reside include:

Contact the Moody School Liaison Office at 229-257-4380 for more information.

• Lowndes High School = 1440 (V: 500; M: 476; W: 464)
• Valdosta City High School = 1310 (V: 451; M: 428; W: 431)
• Lanier Co High School = 1332 (V: 452; M: 443; W: 437)
• Berrien Co High School = 1337 (V: 451; M: 443; W: 443)
• Lowndes County: Accepted to college (63%) - 4 yr (59%); 2 yr and technical school (40%) – (2010)
• Valdosta City: Attending college (54%) or Technical School (15%) -2010-2011 (Estimate)
• Lanier County Schools: 4-Year or 2-Year College (55%); Technical School (16%) – Dec 11
• Berrien County Schools (Requested; awaiting response)
• Grades: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; F(ailure) = 69 and below
• Grades: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; F(ailure) = 69 and below
• Progress reports are given to students every three weeks. Students should monitor their grades making sure all assignments are completed, turned in and accounted for on progress report
• If any student or parent suspects an error, they should contact the teacher
• Students in Kindergarten thru 2^nd Grade receive a standards-based report card. Ratings are = 3 (Consistently and Independently achieves the standard); 2 (Progressing towards achievement of the standard); and 1 (Limited or minimum progress towards achievement of the standard)
• Report cards are distributed to students every nine weeks with progress reports at 4.5 weeks
• Grades: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; Failure = Below 70
• For grades 9-12, final exams count for 15% of final grade; other 85% comes from average of grades from course work throughout the semester
• Berrien County Schools
• Lanier County Schools

Please also see Education - Training (College/Technical)

• Valdosta State University (part of the Georgia University System) offers a variety of continuing education opportunities; please call 229-245-6484 for more information.
• Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, part of the state-wide technical/land grant system offers a variety of credit and non-credit courses in personal growth and leisure, adult literacy, corporate training and the Georgia Work Ready Program.For more information, call 229-333-2122.
• Georgia Dept of Technical and Adult Education provides a unified system of technical education, customized business/industry training and adult education. 

• Lowndes County Schools.  The Alternative School is located near the Lowndes County High School, 1606 Norman Drive, Valdosta. Students are referred to this program.
• Valdosta City Schools. Pinevale Learning Center, 930 Old Lake Park Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601; for information call 229-333-8597
• Lanier County Schools. Individual needs are addressed on as-needed basis between parents and educators; parental involvement is heavily stressed
• Berrien County Schools.  Berrien Academy (Charter School) Performance Learning Center,  provides a self-paced computer-based curriculum as another path to graduation for students in grades 9-12 who are not succeeding in traditional school setting

Online - Free Public Schools

• Georgia Connections Academy (grades K-12; statewide) or phone at 800-382-6010
• Georgia Cyber Academy (grades K-12; statewide) or phone at 866-523-3162
• Georgia School for Innovation and The Classics (grades k-6; statewide) or phone at 706-836-0169
• International Charter School of Atlanta (grades K-4/statewide) or phone at 678-667-7324
• Provost Academy Georgia (grades 9-12/statewide) or phone at 844-776-8678