Georgia Creates Student Bill Of Rights

The Georgia Department of Education has launched a Student Bill of Rights that outlines students’ fundamental rights to a well-rounded, excellent education in Georgia’s public schools.

“As we approach the United States Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – in 2026, the Student Bill of Rights celebrates both the founding of our nation and our current opportunity to focus on what’s foundational in education: serving students,” according to a DOE press release.

The Bill of Rights document serves as an outline of State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ strategic vision for education and will guide the development of GaDOE’s next strategic plan, the agency’s 2026 legislative priorities, and beyond.

“Every Georgia student has a fundamental right to an education that prepares them for life and a successful, thriving future,” Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This Student Bill of Rights will serve as the baseline for our continued efforts on behalf of Georgia’s students, as we work to build an educational system that affirms students’ right to safety, opportunity, excellent instruction, preparation for adulthood and education tailored to their interests, needs and strengths.”

Woods said he developed his priorities for the Student Bill of Rights from past meetings with students, parents, and teachers along with his conversations with educators, families, community members, and business and industry partners across the state about their hopes for public school education.

Georgia's Student Bill of Rights

We, the Georgia Department of Education, in pursuit of preparing ALL students for life, establish this Bill of Rights to affirm the learning conditions, opportunities and supports every K-12 student needs to thrive.

1. The right to a quality education.
2. The right to learn in safe schools with small class sizes.
3. The right to recess, play, and Georgia-grown school meals.
4. The right to be taught and supported by well-trained, well-respected, and well-paid teachers, leaders, and support staff.
5. The right to a 21st-century education is supported by a modernized education funding formula.
6. The right to more instructional time and less screen time.
7. The right to understand and respect the founding of our Nation, and the important role we play in shaping its future.
8. The right to be prepared for life -- to read and communicate effectively, to master and apply math, to solve real-world problems, and to make informed financial decisions.
9. The right to learn through Georgia-owned and Georgia-grown academic standards.
10. The right to be worth more than a high-stakes test score.
11. The right to access opportunities aligned to personal needs, interests and passions, including career, technical and agricultural education; work-based learning; fine arts; computer science; STEM/STEAM; world languages; special education services; extended learning; and advanced coursework such as gifted, dual enrollment, articulated credit, AP, IB, or Cambridge.
12. The right to graduate with a diploma that is more than a piece of paper – one that serves as a direct pathway to enrollment, employment, enlistment or entrepreneurship.