Henry County Schools Selected for Statewide Initiative to Create Innovative School Models

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools (HCS) has been selected as one of only 10 school districts across Georgia to participate in a new initiative launched by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning to help districts develop innovative learning models.

Over the course of the next year, participating districts will work to design new school models that increase flexibility, strengthen student engagement, and respond directly to the evolving needs of students and families.

“In Henry County Schools, our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society,” said Henry County Schools Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “We recognize that innovative models are required to meet the diverse needs of all families, and we are excited to partner with the Georgia Department of Education and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning in this proactive effort to continue strengthening the alignment of our strategic direction with the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of our community.”

The initiative comes at a critical time as school districts across the country navigate demographic shifts and changes in how families access education. By participating in this cohort, HCS will receive access to targeted professional learning, community engagement, and site visits to observe innovative models in practice.

Districts will develop and refine a strategic blueprint for the success of new or redesigned school models tailored to local needs. The cohort includes hands-on design sessions, case studies, and opportunities for teams to present their plans and receive feedback from peers and experts.

“We have seen declines in public-school enrollment nationwide, and Georgia is not exempt,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “We believe in the power of public education, and we are going to meet this moment proactively. This initiative is an opportunity for districts to continue to adapt and build models that reflect the needs of their communities and prepare all students for life.”

District teams are exploring a range of approaches, including learner-centered models that increase student ownership and real-world relevance. These include hybrid learning environments, microschool structures, and redesigned in-person models. In addition to model design, districts are developing strategies to engage families and build trust, ensuring new approaches are responsive to community priorities and positioned for successful implementation.

“What excites me most about this partnership is that it gives Georgia districts practical support to create schools that truly fit their communities, where families will be able to say, ‘This school feels like it was designed for us and prepares our children with real skills for real life,’” said Dr. Tyler Thigpen, co-founder and head of the Institute for Self-Directed Learning.

“This is an opportunity for Georgia to shape the future, not just react to it,” added Dr. Caleb Collier, co-founder and director of the Institute for Self-Directed Learning. “I’m excited to see what emerges as districts engage deeply with families to co-create new models of education.”

HCS is joined in the inaugural cohort by Cartersville City Schools, Clayton County Schools, Colquitt County Schools, Greene County Schools, Houston County Schools, Muscogee County Schools, Rockdale County Schools, Savannah-Chatham County Schools, and Union County Schools.