The Clayton County Board of Education has approved the 2024-25 school calendar, which includes two distance learning days for students and staff. The calendar was adopted during the board’s regular meeting on Monday, January 15, 2024.
Distance Learning Days to Facilitate FTE Count
The two distance learning days are scheduled for September 3, 2024 and February 18, 2025. These days will allow the district to conduct the state’s fall and spring Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) student count, which determines the funding allocation for public schools The FTE count requires all students to be present and engaged in learning activities on the designated days.
According to the district’s website, distance learning days are designed to provide students with “flexible and personalized learning opportunities” that can be completed at home or at a designated location. Students will be expected to complete assignments and activities online or offline, depending on their grade level and access to technology. Teachers will be available to support students via email, phone, or video conferencing.
Other Highlights of the 2024-25 Calendar
The 2024-25 school calendar also features the following highlights:
- The first day of school for students will be August 5, 2024, and the last day of school will be May 21, 2025.
- Students will have a week-long fall break from October 7 to 11, 2024, and a week-long spring break from April 7 to 11, 2025.
- Students will have holidays for Labor Day (September 2, 2024), Veterans Day (November 11, 2024), Thanksgiving (November 25 to 29, 2024), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20, 2025), Presidents Day (February 17, 2025), and Memorial Day (May 26, 2025).
- Students will have early release days on August 30, 2024, November 22, 2024, December 20, 2024, March 14, 2025, and May 21, 2025.
- Graduation is planned for May 23 and 24, 2025, which is the weekend before Memorial Day.
The calendar was developed by a committee of district administrators, teachers, parents, and community members, who considered feedback from surveys and public forums. The committee also aligned the calendar with the state testing window and the regional education service agency (RESA) calendar.
Clayton County Schools Continue to Excel Academically
The Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) is the fifth-largest school district in Georgia, serving over 55,000 students in 66 schools. The district’s mission is to empower students to achieve academic and personal goalsThe district boasts a 90.3% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average of 88.6%.
The district also offers a variety of programs and initiatives to enhance student learning and success, such as:
- The Elite Scholars Academy (ESA), which is a magnet school for gifted and high-achieving students in grades 4-12. The ESA has been recognized as one of the best high schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
- The Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program, which provides students with career pathways and industry certifications in fields such as health science, engineering, business, and culinary arts. The CTAE program has received several awards and grants for its excellence and innovation.
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum that prepares students for college and career readiness. The IB program is offered at four schools in the district: Forest Park High School, Jonesboro High School, M.D. Roberts Middle School, and Northcutt Elementary School.
The district also partners with various organizations and institutions to provide students with additional opportunities and resources, such as the Clayton County Library System, the Clayton State University, the Southern Crescent Technical College, and the Atlanta Regional Commission.
The district’s superintendent, Dr. Morcease J. Beasley, has expressed his commitment to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the future. He has also thanked the board, the staff, the parents, and the community for their support and collaboration.
