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School Choice

The image features two photographs depicting students in a school setting, along with the Richmond County School System logo and information about the 2026-2027 school choice application period.
  • The magnet school and specialized program testing that was scheduled for Saturday January 31st, 2026, has be postponed due to the potential for weather impacts to our area. The testing has been rescheduled for Saturday February 7th, 2026. The locations and times will remain the same. 
  • If you have a conflict with the February 7th testing date, please contact our office at (706)826-1136 or haddebr@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us no later than Wednesday February 4th at 4:00 PM to determine possible alternatives. 
  • Our early application period for the 2026-27 school year has closed. We will have a spring application period from April 1 - May 1, 2026.  

 

What Is School Choice?

Families of the Richmond County School System are offered a variety of school choice options. These options are designed to meet the interests and academic needs of all of our students. 

Explore the links on this page to learn more about our magnet schools, special programs and course offerings. Hear directly from our principals and program directors through our School Choice videos and be sure to download the annual School Choice guide, which gives a comprehensive look at all of the options for families who is best suited for our programs. 

In order to explore these choices further, the Richmond County School System will be hosting open houses at our various schools in November and December. Individual schools and programs have additional information on their websites as well.

Hear More About Our Magnet Schools & Special Programs

Cyber Academy of Excellence
Cyber Academy of Excellence
The Cyber Academy of Excellence is offered to high school students in the Richmond County School System (RCSS). Located inside Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM), the Cyber Academy is for those who wish to pursue cybersecurity training and seek industry certification.
 

RCSS Magnet and Specialized Programs Information 

 
Thank you for your interest in our outstanding magnet schools and specialized programs. We have a variety of programs to meet the needs of every student. 
    

Magnet Schools
A. R. Johnson Health Science & Engineering Magnet School

C. T. Walker Traditional Magnet School

John S. Davidson Fine Arts School

Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School

 

Specialized Programs
Academy of Richmond County (Diploma, and Career-Related Programmes)

A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School (STEM)

Copeland Elementary School (IB Primary Years Programme) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Magnet Schools vs Specialized Programs

 

Magnet Schools: Public schools offering specialized instruction and programs. Magnet schools draw students from across the school system rather than the traditional school zones defined by the school board. Students wishing to attend a magnet school must complete the magnet application process and meet the required criteria.
 
 
Specialized Programs: Specialized programs offered within comprehensive schools. Specialized programs operate as a “school within a school” or "whole school." In addition to serving their traditionally zoned students, specialized programs draw students from across the school system. Students wishing to attend a specialized program must complete the Magnet and Specialized Programs Application process and meet the required criteria.
 
 
Questions? Call us at (706) 826-1136 or email us at haddebr@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us. 
 

Read Our Annual School Choice Guide

SchoolChoiceGuide2026-27 (PDF)