Discovery High School

About Discovery High School

History of Discovery High School

In August 2015, Discovery High School welcomed its inaugural class of students, marking the beginning of a new era in education for the Berkmar and Central Gwinnett clusters. Serving as the cornerstone of the Discovery Cluster, the school, along with Richards Middle School and Alford, Baggett, Benefield, and Cedar Hill elementary schools, formed Gwinnett County’s 19th educational cluster.

The naming of the school, “Discovery,” was a momentous occasion. Unanimously approved by the Gwinnett County Board of Education on January 22, 2015, the name aptly reflects the school’s emphasis on unique programs, including an entrepreneurship center and an academy model. Moreover, it serves as the hub for two Junior Achievement of Georgia programs—JA BizTown and JA Finance Park—designed for middle school students.

Situated within a facility with its own storied past, Discovery High School occupies the former distribution warehouse of Bridgestone, encompassing over 600,000 square feet. The Board of Education transformed this expansive space into a cutting-edge high school boasting 99 instructional areas and ample room for expansion. In addition to traditional classrooms, the school features seven computer labs, five business labs, three music rooms, two art rooms, and an entrepreneurship center. The total cost of converting the warehouse into a fully functional high school amounted to $70,279,864.

The excitement surrounding the school’s opening was palpable, with enrollment surpassing initial projections. Approximately 2,150 students were served during its inaugural year, far exceeding the forecasted 1,786 students.

At the heart of Discovery High School’s innovative approach is the Clyde L. Strickland Entrepreneurship Center. Named in honor of a local businessman and advocate for entrepreneurship education, the center offers a four-year Entrepreneurship Program aimed at preparing students for careers in entrepreneurship. Equipped with six maker spaces—including Laser Burner, Dye Sublimation, Video and Audio Editing, Sign Making, Embroidery and Sewing, and 3-D Printing—the program empowers students to explore a wide array of possibilities and options within the entrepreneurial realm.

Upon completing their high school education, students engage in a comprehensive program that emphasizes business plan development and hands-on learning opportunities. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors both within and beyond the school setting.

Central to the program’s success are community partnerships, which foster the development of real-world ideas and businesses through mentorship and project-based learning initiatives. These partnerships provide students with valuable insights and guidance as they explore entrepreneurial ventures.

Situated within a 16,200 square foot area overlooking the school’s commons, the entrepreneurship center serves as a dynamic hub for student innovation. In addition to providing a blended learning environment, the center offers collaborative spaces where students can brainstorm ideas, collaborate on projects, and develop their entrepreneurial skills

At Discovery High School, students benefit from an academy model designed to foster exploration of interests and readiness for both college and career pathways. The diverse academies available include Business and Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts and Communication, Health and Human Services, and STEM. Through these academies, students engage in specialized coursework and experiential learning opportunities tailored to their individual interests and aspirations.

Contact Information

Address

1335 Old Norcross Road Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Website

https://www.gcpsk12.org/DiscoveryHS

Phone

678-226-4250

Academics

Discovery High School is served by the Gwinnett County School System and follows the Georgia State Standards for education, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that covers core subjects like Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Discovery High School features the following academic programs:

• Advanced Placement Courses
• Career & Technical Ed
• English Language Learners
• Gifted & Talented Programs
• Intervention programs
• Special Education Programs

Clubs and Activities

In addition to academics, Discovery High School offers a range of extracurricular activities to help students explore their interests and develop a well-rounded skill set.

Discovery High School features the offers enrichment programs:

• Anime/Science Fiction Club
• Art Club
• Asian American Student Association
• Athletics
• Band
• Beta Club
• Black Student Union
• Chorus
• Color Guard
• D'BEST
• DECA
• Discovery Writers Salon - Creative Writers Club
• Dungeons & Dragons Club
• E-Sports/Gaming
• Environmental Club
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Future Georgia Educators
• Gay Straight Alliance
• Governor's Honors
• Gwinnett Student Leadership Team
• Hispanic Organization Promoting Education
• HOSA Future Health Professionals
• JROTC - ARMY
• National Art Honor Society
• National Honor Society
• One-Act Play
• Orchestra
• Student council
• Technology Student Association
• Theater
• Thespian Honor Society
• Titan Corner
• Tri-M Music Honor Society
• Work Based Learning-WBL
• Youth Worshippers