EDUCATION
The availability of a quality education provides a significant contribution to the quality of life and commerce in any area. A community's public and private schools shape the area's graduates, stressing the traditional areas of study while incorporating the practical skills required by many of today's employers.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS
More than 28,000 Augusta and Columbia County children are educated at the twelve high schools, fifteen middles schools and fifty-two elementary schools. The average student-to-teacher ratio for both counties is 23:1.

Programs to assist both gifted and disadvantaged students are available in the public school system. Among these programs are "Tech Prep", "gifted" and "magnet". Tech Prep, a nationally recognized term, prepares high school students for the workplace through a combination of academic and technical training. The gifted and magnet programs are designed to challenge and stimulate educationally advanced students by allowing them to accelerate their learning. The magnet program provides students with intensive courses of study in pre-selected areas, enabling them to better define career options.

AVERAGE SAT SCORES

PRIVATE SCHOOLS
The area has many opportunities for elementary and secondary education in private schools. There are 19 private schools with a combined enrollment of approximately 3,500 students. The grade levels offered and tuition differ from school to school. Religious denominations operating these schools include Roman Catholic, Christian, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Episcopal and Independent fundamental. These elementary and secondary schools provide a solid scholastic foundation.

HIGHER EDUCATION
The University System of Georgia is the fourth largest in the nation. The University System of Georgia and other affiliates offer students higher education options at 13 institutions within a 150-mile radius of Augusta. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programming, including certificates, associates, baccalaureate, masters, doctoral and professional degrees.

Augusta State University (ASU) is a four-year college offering fifty major programs, six bachelors programs and four associate degree programs, as well as graduate work in education, business, public administration and psychology. ASU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the College of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB, the International Association for Management Education. ASU offers undergraduate, graduate and Cooperative Doctoral Programs.

Medical College of Georgia (MCG) is the State Health Sciences University. MCG is a premiere Research University in the areas of Cell Signaling, Immunogenetics and Telemedicine. MCG offers Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Nursing, and Medicine.

Paine College is a four-year private liberal arts college, offering Bachelors of Arts and Science degrees. It presently offers 13 accredited programs of study. Paine is accredited by SACS.

Augusta Technical Institute (ATI), accredited by SACS, coordinates the world-class state-funded Quick Start training program and is the only technical school in Georgia to win the U.S. Secretary of Education's Award of Excellence. ATI is operated under the supervision of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education. Programs are offered in Allied Health Sciences, Business, Engineering Technology and Industrial Education with degree programs including Associate of Applied Technology Degrees, Diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit. All programs are offered on a full-time basis, ranging in length from one academic quarter to two years.

Kerr Business College (KBC) is a private institution accredited by the Accredited Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). KBC offers diplomas and certificates in the Business and Medical fields.