Students at Cousins have a full year of instruction in math, language arts, literature, social studies, and science. Math instruction builds upon the basic math skills learned in elementary school. It is expected that students will master fractions, decimals and percents, logic and basic geometry while at Cousins. Those students who qualify receive a full year of algebra instruction during their eighth grade year.

     Language arts and literature classes emphasize total language development, including grammar, composition, spelling, reading, listening, and speaking.

     Social studies vary from grade to grade. Sixth grade students study geography and world cultures, seventh graders, with an emphasis on world regions, are introduced to psychology, sociology, archaeology, and economics. Eighth graders experience Georgia studies, United States history, and government and politics.

          In addition to regular academic classes, all students will participate in an additional reading program offering remedial reading assistance in comprehension skills to students not reading on grade level.  In addition, those students reading at or above grade level will be offered enriched reading with emphasis in Mythology, Poetry, Drama, Novel Studies, and various other areas of literature. 

 Connections:

     A rotation of exploratory classes including foreign language, art, home arts, technology education, music, and computer is offered to students during their middle school years.  In addition, students who do not score at or above grade level on the reading portion of the GACRCT  may receive additional reading instruction during the exploratory part of their day.

Other Special Programs:

     Special Services are offered for students needing assistance in their academic classes.  Special teachers may work with these students one or more periods per day to help meet their needs.  The counselors may also work with students experiencing difficulties in school.

         The Quest Program is a special program for students who meet the criteria defining giftedness (outlines in Quest Handbook) set forth by the Newton County Schools.  At Cousins the program is composed of certain classes taught on an advanced/enriched level which parallel the regular school curriculum.

       Physical Education is required for every student unless medical or religious restrictions prohibit such participation.  The program combines an emphasis upon fitness and skill development with both recreational and team sports activities.  Students should bring appropriate clothes to "dress out" for PE classes.  Students who are ill and cannot participate in physical education should bring a note from a parent stating the reason.  A student who can not participate for five (5) days or more should bring a doctor's excuse, indicating when the student can return to PE and specifying restrictions which become necessary.