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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Back-to-School 2026: International Newcomer Center ready to welcome new families to GCPS

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  • Back-to-School

Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) International Newcomer Center (INC) serves as the first point of contact for newly arriving international families with middle and high school students, while also providing language support services across the district. Additionally, the INC promotes meaningful family engagement through Family Literacy classes and workshops that help families understand, navigate, and connect with the school system, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all.

 

Who needs to come to the International Newcomer Center?

Students (age-appropriate) in grades 6-12 who are transferring to GCPS from another country should visit the INC before registering at their local school. Families should follow the following steps:

     The International Newcomer Center is located at 495 Maltbie Street in Lawrenceville and is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, families may call 678-985-5200.

 

International Student Services

Students in grades 6–12 transferring to GCPS from another country are required to visit the INC prior to registering at their local school. At the INC, International Student Advisors (ISAs) work closely with students and families to understand each student’s academic background and future goals. Through personalized meetings, ISAs assess students’ proficiency in English and mathematics and conduct a thorough review of academic records. This process ensures appropriate course placement and accurate transcript evaluation, helping students stay on track for academic success and on-time graduation.

 

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 Services 

The INC offers classes for international newcomers and multilingual families throughout the year. There are two major initiatives/classes offered to families: 

  • Family Literacy Classes (English Classes)— free Family Literacy (English classes) are offered every week, each semester, for parents/guardians and caregivers of GCPS students.
    • Registration for the 2026-27 school year will be held at the INC on Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 26, anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. No appointment is necessary to register.
       
  • Newcomer Family Academy— The Newcomer Family Academy guides newcomer families through the ins and outs of GCPS. 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 Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean at the International Newcomer Center. For more information, please visit the GCPS website or contact the International Newcomer Center at 678-985-5200. 
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