Grade Level FAQs

Ninth grade is a time of excitement and expectation. It is a time when young people begin to discover who they are, and more importantly, who they can become. The transition from middle school to high school is a big step in a young person’s life. The Freshman Academy at Peachtree Ridge High School is comprised of administrators, counselors, and a team of teachers who are here to help students discover and take the necessary steps required for a successful transition into high school.

Counselors deliver lessons about graduation requirements, curriculum options, and post-secondary planning.

Ever wonder what types of things you should be focused on during Sophomore year? Here are a few suggestions!

• Keep those grades up!
• Consider taking rigorous courses next year, many colleges require it.
• Become more involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs,  volunteering, etc.)
• Look into participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts and sciences.
• Start a portfolio or resume.
• Explore post-secondary options.
• Begin thinking about potential colleges and majors.
• Click here to create an account on GA Futures.
• Turn in a copy of your social security card to the Counseling Office (required for HOPE Scholarship and electronic transcript capabilities senior year).

Counselors deliver lessons about graduation requirements and post-secondary planning. Students will receive a copy of their Junior Application for Graduation to take home to their parent/guardian.

Question: Is the HOPE GPA different from the GPA on the student's transcript?
Answer: Yes. Students receive a cumulative GPA on their transcript, which includes all classes taken in high school. HOPE GPA only calculates academic GPA, which includes Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language. Click here to access information about HOPE on the GAFutures website. All students, especially juniors and seniors, should create an account so they can access their HOPE GPA calculation that is done at the State level.

Question: Why can't my student access their HOPE GPA and/or is not able to send their transcript electronically to college?
Answer: This happens if the student creates their account using a nickname or name that does not match what is on their school record, does not have their social security card on file at the school, or has created a non-synced account; this means their date of birth or social security number is different from the school's records and has not been synced with GAfutures. Make the needed corrections to your account and your problem should be solved.

GA Futures
All 11th graders are required to log on to GA Futures to indicate their post secondary plans. 

• Juniors can click here to create an account on GA Futures.
• Juniors are also encouraged to use websites such as Big Future for guidance and planning. Click here to learn more about Big Future.

HOPE GPA
In order for you to be able to check your HOPE calculated GPA, the school must have your Social Security card/number on file.

Each senior will review their personalized Senior Graduation Application that specifies remaining graduation requirements. This document will be mailed home in the fall. Seniors will also receive a lesson related to post-secondary planning and the college application process.

Question: Is the HOPE GPA different from the GPA on the student's transcript?
Answer: Yes. Students receive a cumulative GPA on their transcript, which includes all classes taken in high school.  HOPE GPA only calculates academic GPA, which includes Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language. Information about HOPE can be found at www.gafutures.org. All students, especially juniors and seniors, should create an account so they can access their HOPE GPA calculation that is done at the State level.

Question: Why can't my student access their HOPE GPA and/or is not able to send their transcript electronically to college?
Answer: This happens if the student creates their account using a nickname or name that does not match what is on their school record, does not have their social security card on file at the school, or has created a non-synced account; this means their date of birth or social security number is different from the school's records and has not been synced with GAfutures. Make the needed corrections to your account and your problem should be solved.

Question: How does the college know whether a senior qualifies for HOPE?  
Answer: The senior must apply for HOPE either through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR through www.gafutures.org; click Financial Aid Planning; then GSFAPPS (electronic application), or by using the printable paper GSFAPPS application.

Question: Do male students have to register for the Selective Services in order to get the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship?
Answer: Federal law requires males, between the ages of 18 to 25, living in the US, to register with the Selective Service System. Georgia state law requires Selective Service registration for males to qualify for Georgia’s state aid programs, which includes HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships and Grants. Eligible colleges and universities cannot award any state aid program if a student does not meet the Federal Selective Service registration requirement. Learn more at https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/state-aid-applications/selective-service/