Section 9 — Extracurricular Activities

Overview

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege that enriches student life and supports personal growth. All school-sponsored activities — before school, during school, and after school — are subject to the same rules and expectations as the regular school day.

Each school's supplemental handbook provides a complete listing of extracurricular offerings. Parents may review that list and decline permission for their child to participate in any specific club or organization.

General Participation Requirements (Grades 6–12)

To participate in extracurricular activities — including clubs, pageants, and field trips — middle and high school students must meet all three requirements at the end of each nine-week grading period:

Requirement	Standard
Grades	70% or higher in at least 75% of classes
Attendance	Fewer than 6 unexcused absences in the 9-week period
Discipline	4 or fewer referrals in the 9-week period

A student is considered present for a full day if they attend at least 75% of their classes.
Students who do not meet these standards lose extracurricular privileges for the following nine-week period.
Privileges may be regained by meeting all three standards in a subsequent grading period.
Middle school athletics follow high school eligibility timelines — eligibility is reviewed at the semester, not each nine weeks.
For students enrolled for only part of the year, all requirements are prorated accordingly.

Day-of Attendance Rule: A student who has an unexcused absence for half or more of the school day on the day of an activity may not participate in that activity unless the principal grants an exception.

After-School Activities

All after-school activities sponsored by a school are under the school's jurisdiction.

To participate in non-GHSA activities, students must be present for at least half the school day on the day of the event, unless administration grants an exception.
GHSA-sanctioned activities follow GHSA attendance rules.
All other activities are governed by the sponsoring organization.

Clubs and Organizations

Each school's supplemental handbook lists available clubs and organizations. Parents wishing to opt their child out of a specific club or organization should refer to that handbook for the process.

Fundraising

The Board of Education strongly discourages students in grades Pre-K through 5 from participating in door-to-door fundraising activities.

Athletic Medical Clearance

Any student athlete restricted from play or practice due to a medical condition or injury must provide a written physician's release before returning to play or practice.

Athletic Eligibility — Middle and High School (GHSA)

Students must be certified by their school principal and meet all GHSA standards before they may practice or compete. Eligibility is reviewed every semester.

General GHSA Requirements — All Levels:

Meet academic requirements
Be within the appropriate age range
Be within the allowable semester count (high school)
Reside in the school's service area
Comply with GHSA transfer rules (if applicable)
Complete an annual physical examination

First-Year Students: Students entering 6th or 9th grade are academically eligible for their first semester.

Academic Standards for Athletic Eligibility

To remain eligible for athletics, a student must meet all three requirements each nine-week period:

Requirement	Standard
Grades	70% or higher in 3 of 4 classes at end of 1st Semester (yearlong final grades used for 2nd Semester)
Attendance	Fewer than 6 unexcused absences in the 9-week period
Discipline	4 or fewer referrals in the 9-week period

A student is considered present for a full day if they attend at least 75% of the school day.
Athletic eligibility lasts one semester and is reviewed after every semester.
The Athletic Director submits eligibility reports to GHSA each semester.
The school principal maintains and monitors the school's ineligibility list each nine-week period.

High School Credit Requirements for GHSA Eligibility

Milestone	Credits Required
Previous semester	2.5 units passed
End of Year 1	5 credits accumulated
End of Year 2	11 credits accumulated
End of Year 3	17 credits accumulated

Individual schools may set higher eligibility requirements. Contact your school's athletic director to confirm.

Summer School and Spring Semester: When used to determine fall eligibility, all courses taken in spring semester and summer school are included in the calculation. Credits must be applied toward graduation and taken at an accredited institution. Independent study and non-accredited program credits are not recognized.

Incomplete Grades: A student with an incomplete is ineligible until all incomplete work is finished and passing grades are recorded. Students who participated in competitive activities and received an incomplete have 14 calendar days after the semester closes to complete the work. If the work is not completed in time, the student is ineligible for the entire semester. Ineligible students may not practice, travel with a team, or try out — even for programs not yet in operation.

Middle School Competitive Interscholastic Activities (Grades 6–8)

Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students participating in any competitive interscholastic activity — including cheerleading — must meet eligibility requirements. Competitive interscholastic activities are defined as any school-sponsored program involving competition between individuals or groups from two or more schools.

Eligibility is based on subjects passed the previous semester.
Credits from non-accredited home study or private school summer programs cannot be used to gain eligibility.
Students with incompletes are ineligible until all work is completed and passing grades are on record.
Middle school athletics follow high school eligibility timelines — eligibility changes at the semester.

Student Driving and Parking (High School)

High school students may drive to school and apply for a parking permit if they meet all of the following:

Have parental consent
Hold a valid driver's license
Carry proper vehicle insurance

Middle school students are not permitted to drive to school under any circumstances.

Senior Privilege Period

Rising seniors who meet eligibility requirements at the end of the first semester of their senior year may apply for the Senior Privilege Period — an exemption from either the first or last period of their four-block schedule.

Students with Senior Privilege may not remain on campus during that free period. Personal transportation is required.

To qualify, a student must meet all three criteria:

Requirement	Standard
Credits	At least 25 of the 28 required units earned (on track for graduation)
Attendance	Fewer than 5 unexcused absences in the previous 9-week period
Discipline	4 or fewer referrals in the previous 9-week period

This privilege is earned during the first semester of the senior year.
It may be revoked at the principal's discretion for any Code of Conduct violation.
Written parent permission is required to participate.

HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program

The HOPE (Helping Outstanding Students Educationally) program provides financial assistance to qualifying Georgia high school graduates for post-secondary study at Georgia public colleges, universities, and technical institutes — and in some cases, private institutions.

Students and families should speak with their school counselor for details on eligibility requirements, application timelines, and how course grades and credits impact HOPE eligibility.

Georgia Scholar Program

The Georgia Scholar program recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in all areas of school and community life. Recipients receive a seal on their diploma.

To qualify, a student must have:

Carried an exemplary course load throughout high school
Performed excellently in all courses
Participated in interscholastic events at school and in the community
Taken an active role in school-sponsored extracurricular activities

The program is open to any qualifying student. Speak with your school counselor for specific criteria and the nomination process.

Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP)

The Governor's Honors Program is a residential summer academic enrichment program for gifted and talented rising juniors and seniors. It is held mid-June to mid-July on a Georgia college or university campus.

Students attend morning and afternoon classes in specific areas of study
Evenings include social and instructional activities
Meals and housing are provided
Student costs are limited to travel to and from interviews, a few basic supplies, and spending money

GHP is designed to provide academic, cultural, and social experiences that prepare students to become the next generation of critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Contact your school counselor for more information about the nomination process.