This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in Georgia  

Georgia does not have a state acceleration policy. LEA's make acceleration decisions.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

State policy does not permit.

A child must be five years old on or before September 1 to enter a public Kindergarten. School systems must verify age before enrollment. This and other information is available on the New Student Requirements page.

Early entrance to 1st grade

State policy does not permit.

The child must be six years old on or before September 1 to enter first grade. School systems must verify age before enrollment. This and other information is available on the New Student Requirements page.

Whole-grade accelerationIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.
Early high school graduation

State policy does not allow gifted students to earn an alternative diploma. Students may be permitted to graduate early, if they have met all Graduation Requirements Students may also leave the traditional high school to attend a dual/concurrent enrollment program. Information about those programs is available in the dual/concurrent enrollment section on this page.

Early entrance to college

Middle Georgia University is home to the Georgia Academy which enrolls students entering 10th grade and above. This option both allows students to complete their high school diplomas while living and taking classes on a university campus.



Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or university

State policy specifically permits dual enrollment in high school and college. Each LEA (or college/university) determines the earliest grade/age for dual enrollment, and state policy specifically allows students to receive high school credit for college courses. The Georgia Department of Education offers several options for dual enrollment. One especially interesting option is the Move On When Ready program. Georgia also has a network of Early College High Schools for students who wish to study with same-age peers on college campuses and earn both high school and college credits. Advanced Academy of Georgia offers students the opportunity to take both high school and college courses in a college setting.Middle Georgia State University is another dual enrollment opportunity

Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

State policy leaves LEA to determine whether dual enrollment in middle and high school is permitted, and whether students can earn high school graduation credit for courses taken in middle school.
Advanced Placement®Information about Georgia's Advanced Placement program can be found here.
Talent SearchThe Torrance Center for Creativity & Talent Development at the University of Georgia. 
Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

State policy specifically permits proficiency-based promotion. Standardized tests are used to demonstrate student proficiency, and following proficiency students have several advancement options, including independent study, dual/concurrent enrollment, cross-grade grouping, cluster grouping, grade/course advancement, and internships. State policy specifically allows students to receive graduation credit for proficiency.
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information

Georgia Resource Manual for Gifted Education
Georgia Department of Education
Georgia Association for Gifted Children

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2020-2021 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.