Health and Physical Education, K-12

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is committed to providing a developmentally appropriate and comprehensive program in health and physical education that meets the diverse needs of all students. These programs promote student growth across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains, supporting lifelong health and wellness.

Physical education emphasizes skill development, physical activity, and both health-related and skill-related fitness. Students engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance motor skills, movement concepts, personal responsibility, safety, self-expression, and enjoyment. By high school graduation, students are prepared to apply and demonstrate key concepts for lifelong participation in physical activity. They will be equipped to design personal fitness plans, participate in lifetime activities, and model responsible and healthy behaviors.

Health education focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to live healthy lifestyles and reduce risk behaviors. Instruction includes age-appropriate topics such as emotional and mental health, personal health, nutrition and physical activity, injury prevention, violence prevention, substance abuse prevention, and sexual health. Health and physical education are integral components of the K–12 educational experience.

The Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) framework outlines the essential knowledge and competencies students are expected to acquire. Aligned with national and state standards, the AKS has been validated by educators and the community as a comprehensive curriculum that supports student success.

Georgia Requirements

• Elementary schools must provide a minimum of 90 hours of health and physical education instruction at each grade level.
• Middle schools must offer instruction in health and physical education in grades 6–8 during both semesters.
• High school students must complete ½ Carnegie unit in health and ½ Carnegie unit in personal fitness to graduate.

• Conduct annual fitness assessments (grades 1–12).
• Provide annual substance abuse education (grades K–12).
• Provide instruction in CPR and AED use (grades 9–12).
• Deliver age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education (grades K–9).
• Provide annual instruction in human trafficking awareness (grades 6-12).

Sex Education

GCPS provides sex education instruction beginning in grade 5 – high school as part of the comprehensive health curriculum, in compliance with state requirements. Instruction is age-appropriate, scientifically informed, and delivered with sensitivity.

Families may choose one of the following options for their student’s instruction:

• Elementary School: Abstinence-based or Opt-out
• Middle School: Abstinence-based, Comprehensive, or Opt-out
• High School: Abstinence-based, Comprehensive, or Opt-out

The program prioritizes abstinence as the primary approach to protecting sexual health while also delivering comprehensive instruction on healthy decision-making, contraception, HIV/STI prevention, and sexual responsibility. Lessons are intended to complement, not replace, family guidance; parents and guardians are encouraged to convey their beliefs and values.

Parents or legal guardians may review all instructional materials in advance and have the right to opt their child out of sex education by completing the district opt-out survey or submitting written notification to the school. Students who do not participate will be provided with alternative assignments.