Forsyth Central High School is a public high school located in Cumming, Georgia, United States, northeast of Atlanta. Built in 1955, it was originally known as Forsyth County High School until 1989 when South Forsyth High School opened. It is one of eight high schools in the Forsyth County School District.
Student data
Forsyth Central High School has an approximate enrollment of 2,585 (as of the 2019-2020 school year). Most of its students are White (62.4%), or have Hispanic/Latino (26.0%) origin, with Asian (4.5%) students the third most prominent, and African-American (3.7%) students the fourth. With mixed-race (2.9%) and Native American (0.5%) being fifth and sixth, respectively. Students are mainly drawn from Lakeside, Little Mill and Otwell Middle Schools.
Forsyth Central High has developed a magnet school status because of its STEM program, high marks on school atmosphere surveys, and its clubs and extra-curricular activities.
Higher-level academics
Forsyth Central High School offers an assortment of Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment options, an honors mentorship program, and a state-certified STEM program. In 2018, Forsyth Central High School became the only school in Forsyth County to earn national certification for its STEM program. Students within the program must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 overall unweighted GPA and earn either an A or a B in all STEM classes. STEM classes are separate and specialized relative to other AP or honor level courses. All STEM students must also complete a ”capstone” project by their senior year in order to graduate. An acceptable capstone includes a research proposal, a research paper documenting all results and procedures, and a presentation (with a defense) before a panel of STEM teachers. Another requirement of earning a STEM diploma is competing in an authorized co-curricular activity or competition for one semester each year.
Extra-curricular activities
Forsyth Central High School has many extra-curricular activities, including Academic Bowl, Bass Fishing Club, Beta Club (10-12 Grades), Chamber Singers, Colorguard, Winterguard, Dance Team, DECA, Drama Club, Dungeons and Disports, Euro Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Family Career Community Leaders of America, FCHS Literary Magazine, FLOOD, Forsyth Central Indoor Drumline, Garden Club, Health Occupation Students of America, Humane Society, Interact Club, International Club, Junior Civitan, Key Club, Flash of Crimson Marching Band, Math Team, Mock Trial Team, Model UN, Mu Alpha Theta, NABT Bio Club, National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Native Speakers Club, Newspaper - Central Scene, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad, Student Gay Alliance, Simple Charity, Skills USA Club, SmART Club, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council (Student Ambassadors), SWITCH, Rocketry, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Technology Student Association, Ultimate Frisbee, VEX, Boys Volleyball, Y-Club, and Yearbook Club.
Flash of Crimson
The marching band program at Forsyth Central High School is known as the Flash of Crimson Marching Band (FOC). It is directed by Tom Tucker and associate directed by Amy Caputo. Dakota Carter is the color guard director. The drumline is directed by Tom Tucker and Tim Church. Jazz band and orchestra, while not part of the marching band, are also directed by Tucker.
History
The Flash of Crimson Marching Band was founded in 1956 as Forsyth Country High School Band, originally under the direction of Henry J. Presutti. The band had 25 founding members. Sheldon Morganstern replaced Presutti as band director in 1960. Alonzo "Lon" Turner Jr. replaced Morganstern as director in 1967 and introduced the name "Flash of Crimson," or FOC. Turner also turned the marching band into a pep band to play at sports. The drum major at this time was Dwight Porter.
During the 2003–2004 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Chuck Mangione."
During the 2004–2005 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Pirates of the Caribbean."
During the 2005–2006 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Las Vegas."
During the 2006–2007 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Light vs Dark."
During the 2007–2008 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Illusions."
During the 2008–2009 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "The Dash."
During the 2012–2013 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Indivisible."
During the 2018–2019 school year, Flash of Crimson performed the show "Cosmic."