Last year's eighth-grade class at Carrollton Middle School collectively earned an impressive 215 high school credits before entering their freshman year of high school. 

At CMS, students have the unique opportunity to enroll in five high school credit courses: Spanish I, Honors World Geography, Honors Physical Science, Algebra I, and Introduction to Software Technology. These courses are designed to challenge students and provide them with a strong academic foundation, offering a head start on their high school journey.

The high school credit courses at CMS allow students to take more advanced courses once they transition to Carrollton High School. For example, students who complete Spanish I at CMS can earn at least two additional foreign language credits at CHS. Similarly, those who take Algebra I can pursue advanced-level math courses throughout high school, while the Physical Science course opens up room for additional science courses. 

New to CMS this year and exclusive to the school is the World Geography course, which will support the curriculum for rigorous social studies courses at CHS. This class aims to enhance students' understanding of global perspectives and prepare them for higher-level social studies coursework.

CMS Principal Eric Simmons said students who opt to take these high school courses at CMS are held to the same standards and expectations as their high school counterparts.

“Our teachers collaborate closely with teachers at the high school to ensure the continuity and fidelity of the courses, ensuring that students receive a seamless educational experience,” said Simmons. 

Simmons added that many students who choose to take high school courses at CMS plan to join the International Baccalaureate (IB) program or aim to take as many high-level courses as possible during their high school years.

“This early exposure to advanced coursework helps students and parents begin to envision their path to college and tailor their academic journey to meet their individual goals.”

Carrollton Middle School eighth-grader Liberty Thomaston has been named the National Junior Beta Club President for the 2024-2025 school year. This prestigious role will involve Liberty representing the Beta Club and CMS at various events across the United States.

In her new role, Liberty will lead convention activities, deliver speeches at various events, and inspire others to embody the Beta Club principles of character, service, leadership, and achievement. Her election to this esteemed position underscores her dedication and passion for student leadership.

“We are so excited about our journey with Liberty in this new role. I know she will continue to lead, inspire, and achieve great things in her role as National Beta Club President!” said CMS Beta Club Sponsor Holly Lane.

CMS Principal Eric Simmons echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are incredibly proud of Liberty being voted National Junior BETA President. This achievement is a testament to Liberty’s drive and commitment to student leadership. The work of our BETA students and sponsors in this process shows the value of teamwork. This honor demonstrates our students' ability to impact the local, state, and national levels.”

Liberty was elected as the president of the Georgia Junior Beta Club in December before being selected by her peers at the national convention. Her upcoming responsibilities as president will provide her with numerous opportunities to develop her leadership skills and positively impact the club.

Carrollton High School graduates of the Class of 2024 received nearly 15 million in scholarship offers from colleges and universities.

The majority of the awards were offered by educational institutions, but there also were private awards presented by individuals and nonprofit entities, including the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.

Though many students earned awards for academic success, five graduates were presented $10,000 awards from the REACH Scholarship program for their commitment to academic achievement. The REACH Georgia Scholarship program promises students the support they need to graduate from high school and achieve postsecondary success. This year, five recipients will receive $10,000 scholarships to attend a Georgia college or university as a reward for successfully completing the mentoring/support program: Jace Black, Angelina Jackson, Sophia Morales, Nour Nazim, and A'Jaiah Ward. 

CHS emphasizes a focus on academics, arts and athletics and has produced a mix of scholarship offers that recognize the outcome of this focus. Eight students received significant scholarships for their academic excellence: Andrew Albertus received a scholarship to Presbyterian College totaling more than $120,000; Regan Kelley received the Hagan Scholarship to the University of Miami, which will cover all of her tuition; Edward Kenyon received the National Merit University of Georgia Scholarship; Shad McMillan received the Gates Scholarship, which will cover all of his tuition to the University of Georgia; Hagan Russell received a scholarship to Mercer University totaling nearly $170,000; Autumn Martin received an $83,000 scholarship to Emory University; Sophia Morales is a Questbridge Scholarship recipient and received a full ride to Washington and Lee University; and Sarah Scholl received the National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship.

"These students thrived academically at Carrollton High School and are well-rounded and multi-talented," said CHS Principal Ian Lyle. "I am eager to follow their college journeys and am confident they will continue to make us proud."

Of the 431 graduating seniors in the Class of 2024, 285 are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, which provides nearly $2 million in tuition support for in-state institutions. Carrollton High School is dedicated to personalizing graduation plans for all seniors and supporting their diverse futures. This year, 75% of graduates plan to attend a two–or four-year college, 21% will enter the workforce, and 4% have enlisted in the military.