High School Student/Parent FAQs

The following is a list of frequently asked questions for high school students/parents.  If you want to add to this page, please submit your questions in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

When do seniors apply for scholarships?

Scholarships applications will start coming out in January.

How many college visits can a student take during the school year?

Gatewood allows for three excused absences for college visits.

When do seniors apply to college?

By Thanksgiving of the senior year, at least three college applications should be submitted.

How does Gatewood compute GPA?

Grade point average is computed using academic only classes. Year long classes are granted a 1 Carnegie unit. Semester classes are granted .5 units. Total units completed divided by the number of classes attempted. A – 90-100 is 4. 80-89 is a 3. 70-79 is a 2.  69-0 is a 0.  Example:

Advanced Algebra – 89     3.0
Chemistry                95      4.0
World History           77      2.0
Spanish II                85      3.0
English 10th            75      2.0
Strength/Conditioning  S   n/a

Total                    14.0 divided by 5 = 2.80 GPA

How does Gatewood compute Valedictorian/Salutatorian?

From the Student Parent Handbook(pages 20-21):

Salutatorian – The salutatorian is the senior with the second highest numerical average in grades 9 – 12. Final numerical grades for Honors, Advanced Placement and MOWR classes will be weighted by 2.5 points each when calculating final standing for this honor. The majority of the Salutatorian’s classes must be in the honors tract. The salutatorian must have been enrolled and attended Gatewood Schools for a minimum of the final two years of high school.

Valedictorian – The valedictorian is the senior with the highest numerical average in grades 9 – 12. Final numerical grades for Honors, Advanced Placement and MOWR classes will be weighted by 2.5 points each when calculating final standing for this honor. The majority of the Valedictorian’s classes must be in the honors tract. The valedictorian must have attended Gatewood Schools for a minimum of the final two years of high school.

What are the graduation requirements?

Graduation requirements for Gatewood are as follows:(From the Student Parent Handbook page 18)
1. Students must receive 24 Carnegie units.
2. Students must complete the SAT or ACT at least once prior to graduation.
3. Students must meet attendance and disciplinary requirements.

The following graduation requirements for Gatewood meet and exceed the minimum requirements set by the Georgia Board of Regents of the University System for a college preparatory diploma.

o ENGLISH (4 units)
o SCIENCE (4 units)
o SOCIAL SCIENCE (4 units)
o MATH (4 units)
o FOREIGN LANGUAGE (2 units)
o HEALTH/PE (1 unit: .5 each)
o BIBLE (2 units: .5 credit per year)
o ELECTIVES (3+ units)

TOTAL REQUIRED UNITS FOR GRADUATION: 24 or More

How is HOPE calculated?

GSFC calculates the GPA based solely on core course data (English, math, social studies, science, and foreign language only) transmitted from the high school, by June 30, for graduating seniors. GSFC cannot change or alter that data in any way. For more information on the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships click below.

https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/

What is the Yellow Ribbon College Program?

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows veterans to attend private schools and graduate programs costing more than the state tuition cap. Under the program, participating colleges and universities must offer a veterans-only scholarship which the VA will then match up to the full cost of tuition and fees. Click below for answers to frequently asked questions.

http://www.newgibill.org/yellow-ribbon-program/