Financially Sound
FY2019 Budget: $2.193 billion
On average, the cost of educating one child in Gwinnett is $9,463 per year. The direct costs of instruction account for 70.8% of that amount. Putting it in perspective, of the state’s 10 largest school systems, GCPS had the 2nd lowest per-pupil expenditure in FY2017 ($1,003 per student below the state-wide average), yet GCPS’ average SAT score was 4th highest among the 10 systems and 34 points above the state average, with 55% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
GCPS has received the highest possible bond rating (AAA) from the nation’s two leading rating agencies, evidence of the district’s stellar financial stewardship. Gwinnett remains one of only two large systems in the nation with a AAA rating. Gwinnett is the only school system in Georgia and in the Southeast recognized with this fiscal stamp of approval.
GCPS is the largest employer in Gwinnett County, employing more than 24,000 staff members, including full- and part-time positions and the pool of substitutes.
GCPS takes pride in its veteran professional educators. In FY2019, our average teacher will hold a master’s degree or higher advanced degree and have 13 years of teaching experience.
A Growing System
2018–19 Projected Enrollment: 180,320
The nation’s 12th largest district, GCPS is the largest school system in Georgia.
140 GCPS schools:
80 elementary schools (grades K–5)
29 middle schools (grades 6–8)
22 high schools (grades 9–12), including 19 cluster high schools, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Paul Duke STEM HS, Phoenix HS (open campus school, gr. 10–12)
GIVE Center East (alternative school, gr. 6–12)
GIVE Center West (alternative school, gr. 6–12)
Gwinnett Online Campus (online school, gr. 4–12)
International Transition Center (program at four high school sites— Berkmar, Discovery, Meadowcreek, and Norcross)
Maxwell HS of Technology (career and technical education school, gr. 11 and 12)
New Life Academy of Excellence (charter school, gr. K–8)
North Metro Academy of Performing Arts (charter school, gr. K–5)
Northbrook Center (special education programs), including ADAPT/STRIVE and The BRIDGE
Oakland Meadow School (special education school)
Preparing Students for the Future
The vast majority of 2018 graduates (84%) planned postsecondary studies. Seniors were offered a record-breaking $207 million in scholarships, not including HOPE scholarships, or full-ride scholarships. The Class of 2018 includes: 9 Gates Scholars, 22 QuestBridge scholarship recipients, 24 National Merit Scholars, a U.S. Presidential Scholar, 2 Cooke Scholars, 6 Posse Scholars, and 20 military academy appointees.
