Safety and Well-being
At Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA), we believe that a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment is essential for student success. We are committed to the holistic development of every child – academically, socially, and emotionally. We understand that parents prioritize their child's well-being, and we share that commitment. This page provides an overview of the comprehensive resources and support systems we have in place to ensure your child's safety and well-being at GCA.
Comprehensive School Counseling Program
Our certified school counselors play a vital role in supporting student success. They implement a comprehensive program designed to help all students thrive in the following areas:
- Academic Achievement: Developing effective learning strategies, time management skills, and study habits.
- Personal Growth: Managing emotions, building self-esteem, and developing resilience.
- Social Skills: Applying interpersonal skills, resolving conflicts constructively, and fostering positive relationships.
- Post-Secondary Planning: Exploring college and career options, setting goals, and preparing for life after graduation.
Middle Grades Counseling Program (6th-8th)
Our middle grades program focuses on empowering students with confidence, self-awareness, strong relationships, and the social skills needed for success. We offer:
- Core Curriculum Lessons: Regular lessons covering academic, social-emotional, and career development.
- Character Education: Utilizing the Character Strong curriculum to foster self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
- Personal Safety Education: Partnering with the Monique Burr Foundation to provide MBF Teen Safety Matters®, a comprehensive program addressing bullying, cyberbullying, abuse, relationship abuse, sex trafficking, and digital dangers.
- Small Group Counseling: Targeted support groups based on identified student needs, such as academic support or social-emotional skill development.
- Career Exploration: Using Naviance Student to help students research colleges, scholarships, and careers, create individual plans, and communicate with school staff. (Access Naviance through your student's GCA Clever homepage.)
- Transition Support: Dedicated sessions to help students transition smoothly between grade levels, including from 5th to 6th grade and 8th to 9th grade.
Elementary Counseling Program (K-5)
Our elementary program focuses on building a strong foundation for future success. We offer:
- Individual & Small Group Counseling: Support for grief/loss, family changes, self-esteem, and other personal concerns.
- Academic Based Small Groups: Targeted support and encouragement to help students reach their academic potential.
- Character Education/Classroom Guidance Assemblies: Utilizing a combination of the Core Essentials program and counselor-created lessons to address academic, personal/social, and career development.
- Child Abuse Prevention Program: Partnering with the Monique Burr Foundation to provide MBF Child Safety Matters®, a comprehensive curriculum addressing bullying, cyberbullying, abuse, and digital dangers.
- Family Nights ‘Under the Stars’: Engaging family events to promote literacy and learning.
School Social Workers
Our School Social Workers provide essential support to our diverse student population, acting as a bridge between school, family, and the community. They offer:
- Consultation, Training, and Resources: Supporting students and families with a variety of needs.
- Assessments and Interventions: Identifying and addressing student needs related to academics, home life, goals, and mental/emotional well-being.
- Daily and Weekly Check-ins: Providing regular support to students and families through referrals, teacher recommendations, and direct communication.
- Support Groups: Facilitating groups focused on grief support, parenting teens, and special education parent support.
- Referrals: Connecting families with resources for crisis intervention, mental health support, basic needs, and more.
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
GCA utilizes PBIS, an evidence-based framework, to create a positive and safe learning environment. Our SOAR matrix guides student behavior expectations:
- S: Safe
- O: On Task
- A: Awesome Attitude
- R: Responsible
We acknowledge students for positive behaviors through PBIS Rewards, an engaging program where students earn points for their SOARing behavior.
Ongoing Commitment
At GCA, we continually strive to enhance our safety and well-being initiatives. We partner with families, students, and staff to create a supportive and inclusive community where every child can thrive. We encourage open communication and welcome your feedback as we work together to ensure your child's success.
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is open!
2025-2026 Enrollment Info:
- Open Enrollment begins February 24th!
- All new students must register for the 2025-2026 Lottery.
- K-8: Automatic seat offer after lottery registration, then complete enrollment application.
- 9-12: Lottery drawing on April 11th. Seat offers extended to selected students, then complete enrollment application.
- Details and FAQs on our Enrollment page ➡