FAQ

Coastal Plains Education Charter High School would like to make the community aware of a valuable resource. We are an individualized, self-paced, accredited evening high school for students who have not completed high school. All coursework is based on mastery learning and is facilitated by certified teachers. Students have a choice of attending one of our sites located in Bulloch, Camden, Candler, Coffee, Colquitt, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Screven, Vidalia City-SEECA or Wayne County. The following "FAQ" is meant to provide you with helpful information so you will decide to enroll today! If you need further information, please call (912)-267-9700

Is the Coastal Plains Education Charter High School a "real" High School?
Yes. We are accredited just like any other high school. Coastal Plains was founded to help decrease South Georgia's dropout rate by offering students an option other than traditional day high schools. The main difference is Coastal Plains holds classes at night rather than during the day. We are open from 4:00 to 9:00 PM Monday through Thursday. There are no classes on Fridays.

What are some reasons students attend Coastal Plains?
Students enroll at Coastal Plains for many different reasons. Some students must work during the day or take care of families. Other students have quit high school in the past and decide to come back for their diploma. Students also enroll to make up classes they have failed at their local high school. Still others prefer a self-paced, individualized curriculum.

What are the ages of your students?
Most Coastal Plains students are age 16 to 21. Students who are 15 may enroll under certain circumstances, and students over 21 may enroll if they are close to graduating and get permission from an administrator.

What does "self-paced, individualized curriculum" mean?
This means students can work on any class at any time. Our curriculum is independent study, and students can take as long as they need to complete a class. There are no traditional lecture classes. Courses cannot be failed, and we stress mastery learning. Teachers oversee students and are there to tutor or answer any questions.

Who are the teachers at Coastal Plains?
Our teachers are dedicated, State of Georgia certified professionals from local high schools in Georgia. Many work a full day at their respective high school, and work at Coastal Plains at night, and some are retired. Students frequently come to Coastal Plains and recognize our teachers from their own high schools.

Why would I get a high school diploma instead of a GED?
Students who plan to pursue continued education after graduation recognize the importance of a high school diploma over a GED. Not all students are in a position to attend a traditional day high school, but Coastal Plains can provide the opportunity to achieve both goals. A student seeking to enter the military will find that most branches will not accept a GED. Coastal Plains Education Charter High School offers these young people an opportunity to obtain a traditional high school diploma.

Is Coastal Plains a disciplinary school?
No, it is not. While some of our students have encountered challenges at their previous high school, students are not sent to us because of discipline problems. Students with discipline problems are only accepted on a case-by-case basis with approval from an administrator.

What classes are offered at Coastal Plains?
Coastal Plains has many of the same classes offered at traditional day high schools. We offer all the classes that the state of Georgia requires for graduation. Please see our Course Catalog for specifics.

Who are the administrators for the Coastal Plains System?
There is a collaborative governance team made up of members from the counties that participate in Coastal Plains: Lowndes, Vidalia, Coffee, Candler and the director for first district RESA is now on the board. This board meets once per month to make decisions about Coastal Plains and approve personnel.
Richard Rentz is the Coastal Plains Superintendent and a community member.

I have a very busy schedule. Will I have time to attend Coastal Plains?
The time spent at Coastal Plains is up to the student. You may attend any time between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm, Monday - Thursday, and stay as long as you wish. To be considered full-time, you must attend 20 hours per week.

My child failed two classes at his high school. Can Coastal Plains help?
Yes! For a reasonable fee, students can attend their day high school and come to Coastal Plains at night to make up classes.

What happens if I keep failing a test at Coastal Plains?
Coastal Plains stresses subject mastery. If a student keeps failing a test, the course will be reviewed until the student can pass the test. A tutor can be provided to assist the student, and the classroom teacher is always available to review materials for the test. Courses cannot be failed at Coastal Plains.

My child loves playing on her high school basketball team. Can she still play if she attends Coastal Plains?
Only students who attend both their own high school and Coastal Plains can continue to play sports for their high school. Students who only attend Coastal Plains cannot.

Does Coastal Plains have the same student services as other high schools?
We have many of the same student services as other high schools: special education, ESOL, counseling, graduation coaches, student clubs, career/college/tech workshops, dual enrollment, Georgia High School Graduation Test prep, and tutoring.

I know someone who needs a diploma, but doesn't speak English very well.
Coastal Plains offers ESOL for students under the age of 21 with a different first language, which helps them along the path to graduation.

Do students have to take End-Of-Course Assessments (EOC's)?
Yes. These are state requirements for graduation.

Can I do dual enrollment at vocational school/college?
Yes. The Dual Enrollment (DE) program provides opportunities for eligible students in grades 10-12 to enroll part- or full-time in postsecondary institutions and take college courses to earn both high school and college credit. Please talk to a Coastal Plains career counselor for more information regarding these requirements.

What about graduation?
Students graduate from Coastal Plains as soon as they complete their graduation requirements. Coastal Plains holds a graduation ceremony once per year for all students who have graduated that year.

What do most students do after graduation?
The Coastal Plains diploma opens the door to many opportunities. Coastal Plains students will find career success in a number of ways. Many of them may pursue higher education by attending college, while others may volunteer for military service. Some students may go immediately in the work force.

Where is Coastal Plains?
Coastal Plains has sites in Bulloch, Camden, Candler, Coffee, Colquitt, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Screven, Vidalia and Wayne Counties and adding more soon.
Coastal Plains does not offer bus service.

I want to enroll. What do I do next?
Stop by your nearest Coastal Plains site to register. You must have an official withdrawal form from your previous high school and a transcript if you wish to enroll full time. Call (912)-267-9700 for directions to the Coastal Plains site nearest you. You can also complete the online enrollment here.