The Newton County Theme School opened in the fall of 2009 and pilots special features, such as the development and implementation of a program which integrates research-centered/hands-on projects; the requirement of higher order problem solving and critical thinking and increased reading assignments at home that are continued throughout the summer.

The priority of the Newton County Theme School priority is to improve student achievement by actively engaging the students and their families.  Parents must sign a Parent Involvement Contract and pledge to complete 20 volunteer hours per household, per year. Students must meet and maintain certain academic and behavioral requirements (as shown below) in order to be considered for enrollment at Newton County Theme School.

Entrance Requirements

• There are no academic entrance requirements for students being accepted into kindergarten.
• For students entering first grade, progress must have been demonstrated on all Georgia Performance Standards indicating that the child is exceeding the standards, meeting the standards or progressing toward meeting the standards.
• For students entering grades 2 – 3 standards must have been met on final report card by achieving marks of 2, 3 or 4 in all academic areas. On the academic subject areas of the report card where S, P or N is recorded, students must have earned marks of S or P.
• For students entering grades 4 – 8, final average of 80 or higher in all subjects must have been earned. On the academic subject areas of the report card where S, P, or N is recorded, students must have earned marks of S or P.
• To be admitted, students must have earned a level 3 (Proficient Learner) or higher (Distinguished Learner) on the GA Milestones in English/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.
• Students must have zero out-of-school suspensions.
• Students may have no more than two detention or in-school suspension referrals.

2017-2018 Application Information

The Newton County Theme School has modified its application process for the 2023-2018 school year.

Please note the dates and times listed below:

KINDERGARTEN: March 21, 22, & 23. Applications will be available beginning 3/13/2017

Applications for students entering Kindergarten only will be accepted March 21, 22 & 23 between 7:30am and 3:30pm only.  A lottery for open Kindergarten seats will be held at the Newton County Board of Education at 10:00am on Friday, March 31, 2023. Parents are welcome to attend. Parents will be notified via letter by mid-April of their student’s acceptance or placement on the waiting list.                                                                                                                   

(Faxed, emailed, late, incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered for the lottery)

1st – 8th GRADES: May 30th & May 31st Applications will be available beginning 5/15/2017 Applications for students entering 1st – 8th grades only will be accepted May 30th & May 31st from 8:30 am to 3:00pm only.  

***Please note that we will only accept applications for grade levels that will have space available. This means that we may not accept applications for a grade level for which you may be interested in applying.

A lottery will be held in early June. Parents will be notified via letter by mid-June of their student’s acceptance or placement on the waiting list. (Faxed, emailed, late, incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered for the lottery.)

Applications may be picked up at Newton County Theme School at 2207 Williams Street or downloaded from the school’s website at www.newtoncountyschools.org/ncts or at the district website www.newtoncountyschools.org   on March 13th for Kindergarten and May 15th for 1st – 8th grades.

All applications and required documentation must be hand delivered by the parent/legal guardian to:

Newton County Theme School office at 2207 Williams Street, Covington, GA 30014

We cannot accept faxed or emailed applications and documentation.

Please provide copies of the following information along with your completed application:

Two Proofs of Residency: Acceptable Proof of Newton County Residency MUST be:

(1) _____  a signed lease, deed, closing statement, non-contingent sales contract or current tax bill

AND

(2)   _____  at least one current utility bill (gas, electric or water bill only)

The name(s) on the proofs of residency MUST be the parent named on the birth certificate or designated as the official guardian on the official court paperwork. If the proof of residency is in the name of a step-parent, a marriage certificate MUST be presented that proves the step-parent and official parent/guardian are married

_____ Parent/Guardian Photo ID

_____ Proof of Custody/Guardianship “Notarized letters” will NOT be accepted in lieu of official guardianship papers

_____ Birth Certificate

_____ Social Security Card/Signed waiver

_____ Immunization Record – GA Form 3231

_____ GA Eye, Ear & Dental Form 3300

_____ Final Year-end Report Card

_____ 2016 GA Milestones Test Scores or most recent Standardized Test Scores

_____ Special Education Records (documentation must be provided if your student has an IEP or 504 plan)

_____ Home Language Survey

_____ Student Records Request

_____ Certified Copy of Discipline Report signed by school Principal or Designee

Please note: If your student is currently enrolled in the Newton County School System then you will only need to provide copies of the following:

_____ Final year-end report card

_____ 2016 GA Milestones Test Scores for grades 4-8

_____ Current discipline record signed by the school administrator or designee

_____ 2 current proofs of residency (as defined above)

_____Your photo ID

• The person applying for the student MUST be the parent named on the birth certificate unless official guardianship papers are presented. *** ”Notarized letters” will NOT be accepted in lieu of official court mandated guardianship papers
• In the case of divorced parents, only the parent who has “primary physical custody” as designated in the final divorce decree will be permitted to apply for the student. ***A final divorce decree MUST be presented with the application.