In Fayette and Coweta counties, you can easily continue your education after high school with college classes offered right here. You’ll find plenty of resources for a comprehensive education to expand your knowledge of arts and sciences or pursue a business or technical degree.

Central Education Center

The Central Educational Center (CEC) is a nationally-recognized model charter school serving students from all three Coweta County high schools. CEC was formed by an unusual partnership between local business leaders, the Coweta County School System and West Central Technical College.

The charter school offers career-based academic programs for students ranging from graphic design to computer programming, nursing to automotive engineering, and culinary arts to Latin. The school’s curriculum is based on college, technical school and career-based requirements, and is updated as needed by industry professionals and local business partnerships.

Nearly 1,000 groups from most US states and 15 other countries have visited CEC in the last several years to see what the school has accomplished, and CEC was recognized as a national model high school by a consortium including the International Center for Leadership in Education, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Governors Association, High Schools That Work, Project Lead The Way and others.

Clayton State University & Clayton State University–Fayette

“A Dream Come True” is the phrase used by Clayton State University and Fayette County officials at the recent dedication and ribbon cutting of Clayton State University—Fayette.

As of January 2008, the Clayton State University School of Business offers its new Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in Peachtree City. Clayton State University—Fayette is located in the Westpark Office Park at 1200 Commerce Drive and includes four classrooms, offices and 9,000 square feet.

Clayton State officials report that the MBA program, designed for working professionals, is already on the fast track and has received an overwhelming response. The University’s School of Business faculty teaches the 11-course curriculum on alternate Saturdays over a 20-month period and the classes are web-enhanced.

Assistant Vice President of Academic Outreach Dr. Kevin Demmitt, a Fayette County resident, reports that while the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia have approved degree programs in Psychology, Administrative Management, Technology Management and the MBA, courses for all of the University’s undergraduate majors are available Clayton State University–Fayette. Students will also have access to admissions and financial aid counselors, along with other student services.

“We’re focusing on nontraditional students who have some college credits and high school juniors and seniors who are qualified to take joint-enrollment college courses,” Demmitt says. “I relish this opportunity to bring this university I love together with my hometown.”

GMC Community College

The goal at GMC Community College, a Liberal Arts Junior College located in Union City, is to make higher education available to everyone and give students the tools and support systems to become successful. To start working toward an Associates Degree at GMC, students only need a high school diploma, College Preparatory or Technical Preparatory, a GED or transfer credit.

Debbie Condon, Director of Georgia Military College-Atlanta, explains that it’s easy to get a quality education close to home. “This fall, we’re moving into our new campus in Fairburn, making it more convenient than ever.”

By offering daytime, evening and weekend classes, GMC develops schedules to meet the needs of the students. The college also offers free tutoring and remediation classes for students who need additional help. Student Services staff members provide assistance in financial aid, career planning, academic advising and counseling. To help students save money, GMC also leases textbooks.

Founded in Milledgeville in 1879, GMC offers Associate Degrees in general studies, education, pre-nursing, criminal justice, early childhood education and business administration. GMC has five eight-week terms throughout the year and qualified full-time faculty members are available throughout the day. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools so the college credits transfer to four-year colleges.