The Jeff Davis County School System serves Hazlehurst and the surrounding communities, providing public education with a commitment to academic excellence and student development. The district maintains a student-centered approach with advantages typical of smaller school systems, including favorable teacher-to-student ratios and opportunities for personalized attention.
Total district enrollment: approximately 3,000 students across all grade levels
Four main school facilities serving different grade levels
Student-teacher ratio averaging 16:1, below the state average
District accreditation through AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Recent investments in facility improvements and educational technology
Strong community support for educational programs and initiatives
Public School Facilities
The Jeff Davis County School System operates several schools serving different grade configurations.
Jeff Davis Primary School (Pre-K to 2nd grade) – Foundational education facility focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social development. The school features a dedicated Pre-K program, reading intervention specialists, and child-centered learning environments designed specifically for young learners. Recent technology upgrades include interactive whiteboards and age-appropriate educational technology.
Jeff Davis Elementary School (3rd to 5th grade) – Intermediate education facility building on foundational skills while introducing more specialized subject areas. The school offers enhanced STEM activities, beginning band program, and expanded physical education facilities. Recent additions include a modern media center and dedicated science exploration spaces.
Jeff Davis Middle School (6th to 8th grade) – Comprehensive middle grades program preparing students for high school success. The school features departmentalized instruction, growing athletic programs, and exploratory courses in areas like agriculture, technology, and the arts. Recent facility improvements include renovated science labs and updated athletic facilities.
Jeff Davis High School (9th to 12th grade) – College and career preparatory program offering diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities. The school provides multiple academic pathways including Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment options, and career-technical education programs. Notable facilities include renovated science laboratories, agricultural education complex, and modern athletic venues.
Academic Achievement
Jeff Davis schools have demonstrated consistent academic performance with several notable achievements.
Graduation rate exceeding the state average (92% compared to Georgia average of 84%)
Recognized as a "Beating the Odds" district by outperforming expectations based on demographics
High School earning College Board AP Honor Roll designation for expanding AP access while maintaining performance
Elementary School recognized as a Title I Distinguished School for academic progress
Consistent improvement in state assessment scores over the past five years
Multiple Governor's Honors Program selections annually
Advanced Academic Programs
For academically ambitious students, the district offers several pathways for accelerated and advanced learning.
Advanced Placement Program – Growing AP course offerings at the high school including:
AP Calculus AB and BC
AP Biology and AP Chemistry
AP English Language and Literature
AP U.S. History and AP Government
AP Computer Science Principles
Dual Enrollment Partnership – Collaboration with nearby Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and South Georgia State College allowing qualified students to earn college credits while completing high school
Courses available both on college campuses and at the high school
Opportunity to earn significant college credits or associate degree concurrently with high school diploma
Financial incentives through Georgia's Dual Enrollment Program covering tuition costs
Honors Curriculum – Advanced coursework available in core subject areas at middle and high school levels, providing appropriate challenges for high-achieving students
Gifted Education Programs – Services for identified gifted students beginning in elementary grades and continuing through high school
STEM Education Initiatives
The district has made significant investments in strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Robotics Programs – Active robotics teams at elementary, middle, and high school levels participating in regional competitions, with the high school team qualifying for state competition three consecutive years
Project Lead The Way – Implementation of this nationally recognized STEM curriculum at the middle and high school levels, providing hands-on, project-based learning experiences
Science Olympiad – Competitive teams at multiple grade levels participating in this premier science competition, with recent regional awards in several categories
Technology Integration – District-wide 1:1 technology initiative providing Chromebooks to students grades 3-12, with classroom sets available for younger students
Mathematics Competitions – Regular participation in regional math tournaments with increasing success in recent years
Career & Technical Education
Comprehensive career preparation pathways provide practical skills and industry credentials.
Agriculture Education – Premier program with state-recognized FFA chapter, modern agriculture facilities, and pathways in animal science, horticulture, and agricultural mechanics
Healthcare Science – Growing program preparing students for healthcare careers with clinical experiences at Jeff Davis Hospital and opportunities to earn healthcare certifications
Business Education – Comprehensive program offering industry certifications in Microsoft applications and introduction to various business disciplines
Culinary Arts – Modern culinary facilities where students develop professional food preparation skills and can earn ServSafe certification
Work-Based Learning – Structured program placing qualified students with local businesses for real-world work experience, including opportunities within hospital departments
Arts Education
The district maintains commitment to arts education despite budget challenges facing many rural schools.
Band Program – Award-winning marching and concert bands with participation in regional and state events, maintaining tradition of musical excellence despite limited resources
Visual Arts – Comprehensive art curriculum from elementary through high school, with student work regularly exhibited locally and in regional competitions
Choral Music – Active choral program with performances throughout the community and participation in state choral events
Drama – Theater opportunities through both curricular and extracurricular programs, with annual productions showcasing student talent
Special Education Services
Comprehensive services address diverse learning needs across the educational spectrum.
Full continuum of special education services from resource support to self-contained programs
Individualized Education Programs tailored to specific student needs
Inclusion model emphasizing maximum appropriate integration with general education
Transition services preparing special needs students for post-graduation success
Related services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy
Extracurricular Opportunities
Diverse activities complement academic programs and provide opportunities for well-rounded development.
Athletics – Comprehensive sports programs including football, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, track, cross country, and golf, with regional success in several sports
Academic Teams – Competitive opportunities through Academic Bowl, Literary Competition, Model UN, and subject-specific competitions
Student Leadership – Active Student Government Association, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and 4-H programs developing leadership skills
Special Interest Clubs – Various options including Chess Club, Art Club, Environmental Club, and Gaming Club reflecting student interests
Higher Education Access
Proximity to several higher education institutions creates pathways for continuing education.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (25 miles) – Offers associate degrees and technical certificates in various fields including healthcare, business, and technical trades
South Georgia State College (25 miles) – Provides associate and select bachelor's degree programs with transfer pathways to four-year institutions
Brewton-Parker College (45 miles) – Private, Christian liberal arts college offering bachelor's degree programs
Georgia Southern University (60 miles) – Comprehensive university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across diverse disciplines
Private Education Options
For physicians preferring private education alternatives, several established private schools operate within reasonable driving distance of Hazlehurst, offering diverse educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, and specialized programs.
Pinewood Christian Academy (32 miles, Bellville) – This well-established, accredited K-12 college preparatory school serves approximately 550 students with a traditional Christian education. The school offers:
Average class sizes of 15-18 students
College preparatory curriculum with 12 AP and Honors courses
100% college acceptance rate with recent graduates attending universities including University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Mercer University
Comprehensive athletic program competing in Georgia Independent School Association (GISA)
Fine arts programs including band, chorus, visual arts, and drama
Modern facilities including science labs, technology center, and athletic complex
Morning and afternoon bus service available from designated pickup points
Citizens Christian Academy (25 miles, Douglas) – This K-12 Christian school founded in 1967 provides a biblically-based education with strong academic standards. Notable features include:
Enrollment of approximately 300 students with average class sizes of 14-16
Accreditation through the Georgia Accrediting Commission
College preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment options
STEM-focused initiatives including robotics team and enhanced science curriculum
Athletic programs competing in Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association
Modern computer lab and recently renovated classrooms
Before and after-school care programs accommodating physician schedules
Toombs Christian Academy (40 miles, Lyons) – This smaller Christian academy serves approximately 150 students from K3 through 12th grade with a focus on individualized attention and character development. The school features:
Very small class sizes averaging 10-12 students
Traditional academic approach emphasizing core subjects
Biblical integration throughout the curriculum
Recently expanded facilities including new elementary wing
Competitive sports programs despite smaller enrollment
Personalized academic support for diverse learning needs
Active parent involvement and family-oriented community
Robert Toombs Christian Academy (45 miles, Lyons) – This established GISA-accredited school serves approximately 250 students from K3 through 12th grade with a college preparatory focus. Highlights include:
Rigorous academic program with 94% college placement rate
Advanced placement and honors courses in mathematics, science, and English
Award-winning literary and fine arts programs
Strong athletic tradition with multiple state championships
New science and technology center completed in 2021
Character education emphasis complementing academic rigor
High percentage of faculty holding advanced degrees
Vidalia Heritage Academy (40 miles, Vidalia) – This growing Christian classical school founded in 2000 offers a distinct educational approach combining classical methodology with Christian worldview. Features include:
Classical education model following grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages
Integration of Latin beginning in elementary grades
Strong emphasis on literature, history, and logical reasoning
Growing enrollment of approximately 220 students
Small class sizes averaging 12-15 students
Recently expanded campus with new classroom building
Active arts program including music, visual arts, and drama
Montessori School of Douglas (25 miles, Douglas) – This alternative educational option serves children from preschool through upper elementary using Montessori methodology. Notable aspects include:
Authentic Montessori curriculum and materials
Multi-age classrooms fostering peer learning
Individualized learning plans for each student
Child-directed learning within prepared environments
Focus on developing independence and intrinsic motivation
Certified Montessori teachers with specialized training
Beautiful campus with natural play spaces and gardens
Homeschool Resources and Support
For physicians' families who prefer homeschooling, the area offers substantial support and resources.
Jeff Davis Homeschool Association – Active local group providing networking, shared resources, group activities, and field trips for homeschooling families
South Georgia Regional Homeschool Co-op (meets in Douglas, 25 miles) – Organized cooperative offering weekly classes taught by parents and occasional outside instructors
Specialized Instruction Options – Several certified teachers in the area offer tutoring, specialized subject instruction, and evaluation services for homeschooled students
Extracurricular Access – Georgia law allows homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities including sports, band, and select academic programs
Higher Education Pathways – Local colleges have established specific admission protocols for homeschooled students, with several actively recruiting from this population
Online Resources – High-speed internet availability throughout the area facilitates access to quality online curriculum options and virtual instruction
Educational Consulting Services
For physicians relocating with school-age children, several resources exist to assist with educational planning and school selection.
Jeff Davis Hospital Physician Recruitment Office provides educational consultation as part of relocation services, including personalized school tours and connections with educational leaders
Regional Educational Consultant based in Vidalia offers comprehensive assessment of family educational needs and customized recommendations
Private School Admission Coordination available through hospital recruitment services, including application assistance and interview scheduling
Transitional Educational Support for mid-year relocations, ensuring smooth educational transitions for physician children
The diverse private educational options within driving distance provide physicians with alternatives to public education, accommodating various educational philosophies, religious preferences, and specialized learning approaches. Many physician families find these options attractive despite the commuting distance, with some schools offering transportation assistance or carpooling networks to facilitate access from Hazlehurst. The combination of public school improvement initiatives and accessible private alternatives creates a comprehensive educational landscape meeting diverse family preferences.
