The Humanities Academy
About The Humanities Academy
Our Mission
At FCHS, we are leading Humanities Academy students to be published, practiced, and prepared for college, career and life.
Our Vision
At FCHS, we are leading Humanities Academy students to become innovative thinkers who can develop career-based solutions through a variety of perspectives and experiences.
Our Core Values
- Developing curiosity and resilience
- Fostering empathy and open-mindedness
- Encouraging proactivity and resourcefulness
Prospective Students
Why Choose The Humanities Academy?
The Humanities Academy at Forsyth Central combines a rigorous learning environment focused on the human condition and culture. Our Unique learning community develops a student’s potential and ensures students are well equipped to meet the challenges of post-secondary education Humanities careers in a global economy. Graduates of the Humanities Academy at Forsyth Central will be able to be creative thinkers who can reason and interpret the human experience, deal with complex information critically and logically, and communicate what they know.
There, they will:
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Develop creative and critical thinking skills in order to identify problems and craft innovative solutions
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Recognize that true learning is asking the questions to understand our local and global impact through a variety of perspectives and experiences
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Draw from the past to understand the present and help students develop the solutions to future real-world problems
Application Process
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The Forsyth Central Humanities Academy is a four year comprehensive program, where students study the experience, ask the questions, and solve the problems. The Humanities Academy will lead students to be published, practice, and prepared for post-secondary work in college and career.
Students are selected, much like a college application process, by a team of reviewers who evaluate applicants in the following criteria:
- grades, test scores, and motivation
- teacher recommendations
- student organization involvement
- demonstrated interest in humanities subjects,
- submitted essay response
- student video submission.
Prospective Students
- Applicants must be in the eighth grade and a full-time student in the Forsyth County School system.
- Applicants may only enter the Humanities Academy in the 9th grade since this is a four-year program.
- Applicants must be on the "Advanced" or " Accelerated" Language Arts track to apply.
- Applicants should be recommended for the following as freshmen:
- Honors English
- AP Human Geography
2026-2027 Humanities Academy Application
Application window closes November 15th
Please email Mrs. Kunz (jkunz@forsyth.k12.ga.us) or Mrs. Carvell (apcarvell@forsyth.k12.ga.us) if you have any questions.
Learn more about The Humanities Academy from some of its students:
Capstone Program
The following information explains the AP Capstone Program that Humanities students will complete during their junior and seniors years at FCHS. All of the details listed are generalized criteria for the two required courses.
Capstone
AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from the College Board. It’s based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.
Rather than teaching subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world. - The College Board
AP Seminar
All students must enroll in AP Seminar for their junior year.
AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas. -The College Board
AP Research
All Humanities students must enroll in AP Research for their senior year.
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. - The College Board
All Humanities students must complete the aforementioned academic paper and verbal defense in order to complete the Humanities program.
Extracurriculars
- All Humanities students will participate in the following extracurricular initiative through their Humanities coursework:
- National History Day (11th Grade) - E. Teems
- Extracurricular connected to AP Research Study (12th Grade)
2. Humanities students are expected to participate in one of the following each year:
- Model UN (J. Henderson)
- Mock Trial (R. Wells)
- Debate Team (R. Wells)
3. Humanities students are expected to participate in:
- National English Honor Society
4. The following Humanities extracurricular opportunities are available in addition for any FCHS student:
- Mock Trial
- Thespians
- Band
- Chorus
- Central Ambassadors
- Dungeons and Disports
- Euro Club
- Humane Society
- Interact
- Literary Meet Team
- National Art Honor Society
- National Spanish Honor Society
- National Honor Society
- Beta Club
FAQ
The Humanities Academy is geared towards students who excel in the areas of English, history and language. Consideration of any Academy usually comes with a great deal of research; therefore, here are responses to some frequently asked questions. Of course, should you have additional questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Kunz at jkunz@forsyth.k12.ga.us.
I am really interested in all three academies! May I apply to all?
Absolutely! Students are free to apply to as many academies as they wish; however, they must ultimately decide on one academy to join. We love that students are passionate about multiple areas of study, but there is simply not enough room in schedules to support multiple academies.
Can I be in an Academy at FCHS while attending another school, such as Alliance?
No. Entrance and membership into one of FCHS’ academies require that students be fully enrolled at Forsyth Central High School.
If I am accepted into an Academy can I still be involved in extracurricular activities, such as acting or sports?
Of course! All academy students are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests as this will help them better connect to FCHS and enrich their high school experience.
Will I be able to fit a fine arts (such as band or drama) or other pathways in my schedule if I am enrolled in an Academy?
Yes (for the most part). We consistently work diligently to accommodate students’ requests for electives; however, Academy courses will always take precedence over electives because they are specialized and limited in availability.
I have decided to enroll in The Humanities Academy; can I still take advanced math or science? Similarly, my friend has decided to enroll in STEM. Can she take honors English or AP Human Geography?
Yes! Students are free to take as many advanced courses as they wish.
I very much would like to apply to one of the Academies, but I am not districted for FCHS. Can I still apply?
Of course! All three of FCHS’ Academies are open to out-of-district students. Once students have been accepted, families must complete an out-of-district form by November 30th. Although FCHS accepts out-of-district students, we cannot provide transportation for them.
Can I just take those same classes and not be in an Academy?
For the most part the answer is yes; however, the Academies offer a cohorted experience that is different from stand-alone classes. Although most of the same courses may be taken outside of the academies, the course progression and content will vary. Each Academy is distinguished by its dedication to personalized learning.
What makes Humanities different?
The Humanities Academy practices project-based learning with a heavy focus on interdisciplinary teaching. By breaking down the walls that exist among the disciplines, students can see how subjects are connected and have a better, richer understanding of curriculum. The Humanities Academy is also “hands-on,” meaning that students will engage with a material through trips, guest speakers and publishing opportunities.
