The PCSD follows the guidelines from the Georgia State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 regarding sex education for middle school, junior high school, and high school students which states that "Sex education/AIDS education – a planned program that shall include instruction relating to the handling of peer pressure, promotion of high self-esteem, local community values, and abstinence from sexual activity as an effective method of preventing acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the only sure method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. This instruction shall emphasize abstinence from sexual activity until marriage and fidelity in marriage as important personal goals."

Rule 160-4-2-12(e) states that sex education shall also include annual age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention in kindergarten through grade 9. A committee comprised of community members, parents, and students review and recommend curriculum to the Pickens BOE for approval. Before the start of the course, a letter is sent home to parents with information on the program and the option to have the student “opt-out” from the course. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.