The Troup County School System serves the citizens of Hogansville, LaGrange, West Point, and Troup County. Twenty new or recently renovated schools house 11,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12.

Troup County is divided into three school zones. There are three high schools, three middle schools, twelve elementary schools, one system-wide Fine Arts Magnet School, and one Math, Science and Technology Magnet Elementary School. Two new elementary schools and a new middle school will be built in the next few years. Recent accomplishments of distinction include LaGrange high School being named by USA Today as the best high school in Georgia and one of the best in the nation (based on advance placement classes). West Side Magnet School was named #1 in a national five-year study of Fine Arts Schools by the Westat Foundation and was also named a 2002 Georgia School of Excellence. Troup High's Character Education Program has received statewide recognition as a model program for others to follow. In the year 2001 alone, local high school students received $1,650, 784 in scholarships.--And this impressive figure did not include HOPE and athletic scholarships.

In the new millennium there is an emphasis on technology, especially in Troup County where internet connections are available in every classroom. There are teacher workstations with a large screen TV, printer and computer in all classrooms. Technology is used to support the instructional goals through the use of computers, computer software, scanners, digital cameras and other sophisticated teaching and learning aids. To say that the Troup County Schools are computer literate would be an understatement! In fact, teachers and administrators utilize e-mail accounts and there are school and system-wide web sites.

In the early grades Pre-K through 2, the emphasis is placed on literacy. Focus is placed on vocabulary development, phonics, sight words and comprehension. The goal is for all students to read and write on grade level by grade three.

The elementary program, K through 5, is strategically designed to meet individual needs of each student by offering a combination of whole class, small group and one-on-one instruction every day. The use of manipulatives in reading, mathematics, science and social studies makes learning exciting by connecting concrete objects to abstract concepts. Soon, Classroom learning relates to real world experiences. Participation in the arts and daily access to technology labs enhance the instructional programs for all students.

Instruction in grades 3 through 5 builds on the basics of reading, writing and mathematics by encouraging and guiding students to become more independent learners. They develop problem solving and research skills, design science and social studies projects, and explore a variety of topics through print and technology.

An after school program is open to all elementary students enrolled in the Troup County School System. For a nominal fee, students are supervised from the close of school until 6 p.m.. During this time, students can complete homework, receive a snack and participate in planned activities.

Middle school programs blend a commitment to academic achievement with a supportive place to learn through technology. Students are encouraged to grow. There are special programs for the gifted and assistance for students struggling in math or reading. Schools offer opportunities in the Fine Arts and athletics for addition self-growth.

The challenge to excel is furthered in the high schools with advanced placement, technical classes, band, strings, choral music and drama. Qualified students have the opportunity to learn even more in their fields of interest in collaboration with the technical colleges and traditional colleges. Local high schools have a rich tradition of athletic and extracurricular success.

The Troup County Board of Education is elected by district and the Superintendent is appointed by the Board. Parent Teacher Organizations, business partnerships, the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Committee, booster clubs and other volunteer services actively support all schools. Local School Councils included the school principal, two teachers (elected by teachers), two parents (elected by parents), one business representative (appointed by the school board), and one business representative elected by the Council.

To get involved in the education process or for more information about the Troup County School System, call 706-812-7900 or visit their website at http://www.troup.k12.ga.us.