Back-to-School 2025: International Newcomer Center ready to welcome new families to Gwinnett County Public Schools

GCPS International Newcomer Center 

     Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) International Newcomer Center (INC) is the first point of contact for newly arriving international families with middle and high school students, and the source for language services for the school district. By providing support services to middle and high school students, families, and schools, the INC works to ensure the transition to the district’s schools is smooth, inspiring high levels of learning and engagement.  

     International Student Advisors (ISAs) meet with students and families to better understand their academic background and future interests. They screen students for English, language arts, and mathematics proficiency levels. Appropriate course placement and transcript analysis help ensure these students get and stay on track for graduation.

Who needs to come to the International Newcomer Center? 

     Students (age-appropriate) in grades 6-12 who are transferring to GCPS from another country and whose primary language is not English should visit the INC before registering at their local school. Families should follow the following steps:

Step 1: Gather the Documents 

     For the complete list of required documents, visit https://www.gcpsk12.org/schools/enrichment-and-support-programs/about-the-international-newcomer-center/international-student-services

Step 2: Make an Appointment  

Call or visit the INC

Phone: 678-985-5200

Address: 495 Maltbie Street, in Lawrenceville.

Hours of operation:

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Language Services

The Language Services program provides interpretation services for district and local school meetings, conferences, and events. Our trained interpreters are dedicated to facilitating effective communication within educational environments. Our team works with schools to ensure that multilingual families have equal access to educational opportunities and resources, regardless of their linguistic background. To request an interpreter, contact your local school. 

Family Outreach 

The INC offers classes for newcomer families throughout the year. There are two major initiatives/classes offered to newcomer families: 

• Family Literacy Classes (English Classes)— free Family Literacy classes (English classes) are offered every week, each semester, for parents and guardians of GCPS students.
  • Registration for the 2025-26 school year (SY) will be held at the INC on Thursday, August 14, and Tuesday, August 19, anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. No appointment is necessary to register.

• Newcomer Academy— The Newcomer Academy guides newcomer families through the ins and outs of Gwinnett County Public Schools. The academy comprises a series of informative sessions on School Culture and Navigating the School System, GCPS Family Resources, Community Resources, and Rights and Responsibilities. The goal of the Newcomer Academy is to help families better understand the processes and resources available through GCPS. These workshops are taught in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean at the International Newcomer Center. Spanish workshops will be offered at various schools in the district. For more information, please visit the GCPS website or contact the International Newcomer Center at 678-985-5200.