Georgia

Department of Education Health Science

white and blue soccer ball on green grass field
white and blue soccer ball on green grass field
a tennis racket and ball on a court
a tennis racket and ball on a court
A gym filled with lots of machines and windows
A gym filled with lots of machines and windows
A group of people is actively participating in an outdoor exercise class. They are standing on a grassy field in front of a stage equipped with lighting and speakers. Most participants are wearing athletic clothing and appear to be following the instructors on stage who are guiding the workout.
A group of people is actively participating in an outdoor exercise class. They are standing on a grassy field in front of a stage equipped with lighting and speakers. Most participants are wearing athletic clothing and appear to be following the instructors on stage who are guiding the workout.

Health & Physical Education

Health and Physical Education are vital for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Health Education teaches essential skills like proper nutrition and mental wellbeing, while Physical Education promotes regular exercise to combat obesity and maintain fitness. Both areas enhance academic performance by improving focus and classroom behavior and support mental health by reducing stress. These programs also build lifelong healthy habits and social skills through teamwork. Overall, they lay a strong foundation for students' wellbeing, academic success, and a balanced life.

Health & Physical Education

Standards and Instructional Resources

GaDOE SuitCASE for Health/PE
GaDOE Inspire for Health/PE
Georgia Classroom Health/PE Support

Frequently Requested Resources

SBOE 160-4-2-.12 COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM PLAN
FIT Georgia Manual
FY24 Title IX Sports Survey Report

Here’s an easy-to-understand version of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) for 8th graders, showing who they are, the important boards, and how they help people in big cities and small towns for 2025-2026:

What is the Georgia DCH?

  • The DCH is a state department that helps keep Georgians healthy.

  • It runs important programs like Medicaid and PeachCare, which help kids and families get to the doctor.

  • DCH also checks hospitals and doctors’ offices to make sure they are safe and healthy places.

Who Helps Run the DCH?

  • The DCH is made up of different teams, called divisions, that focus on different things like health insurance, health planning, and medicine safety.

  • Special groups called boards also help DCH. These include:

    • Medical Board (for doctors)

    • Health Care Workforce Board (helps get more nurses and doctors for Georgia)

    • Drugs & Narcotics Agency (helps keep medicines safe)

    • Dentistry and Pharmacy Boards (for dentists and pharmacists).

What Are DCH’s Big Plans for 2025-2026?

  • In Big Cities (Urban):

    • Make sure doctors, nurses, and hospitals are close by—like within 8 to 30 miles.

    • Keep up good health programs like Medicaid and PeachCare.

    • Help hospitals keep great doctors and nurses.

  • In Small Towns (Rural):

    • Sometimes, the closest doctor or hospital might be farther away, so the rule is within 15 to 45 miles.

    • There are special programs just for rural areas, like the Rural Health Transformation Program, to help small towns get better health care and more doctors and clinics.

    • Give money to help towns fix or build health clinics and other important health projects.