Decatur High School’s Career Academy announced the start of Georgia’s first high‑school work‑based learning real‑estate program for the 2026‑27 school year. The initiative, created in partnership with local broker Olivia J. Price and her firm Olivia J. Price Real Estate, gives seniors the chance to earn academic credit, develop practical skills, and work toward a Georgia real‑estate salesperson license before they graduate.
Program structure and licensing pathway
Students enrolled in the program will study residential, commercial and new‑development real‑estate topics while completing Georgia’s required 75‑hour pre‑license course. The state mandates that license applicants be at least 18 years old, hold a high‑school diploma or equivalent, and pass the state examination. Because participants are seniors, those who turn 18 and meet the other criteria could finish the licensing process around the time they receive their diplomas, allowing them to begin working under a licensed broker immediately after high school.
Hands‑on learning experiences
Beyond classroom instruction, the curriculum includes site visits to development projects, tours of commercial properties in Decatur, and practical activities such as open‑house participation and door‑knocking. Price emphasized that students will see the full transaction process, from evaluating neighborhoods to working directly with buyers. “They’ll be seeing how to actually work with the buyer to purchase a home,” she said, adding that the program also covers industry etiquette and the “do’s and don’ts” of real‑estate practice.
Skills for any career
While the program can lead to a professional license, Price clarified that the goal is not to turn every participant into a real‑estate agent. She highlighted the universal value of sales, customer service, dispute resolution and conflict‑management skills. “The core is going to be sales, working with people, customer service, how to deal with disputes, how to just deal with personal conflicts,” she explained, noting that these abilities are transferable to any future occupation.
Community support and commitment
The partnership formed after Price and her team presented the concept to Decatur students, responding to the Career Academy’s search for industry collaborators. After several years of development, the program officially launched this school year. A signing ceremony in April allowed participating seniors to commit publicly in front of family, friends and community supporters. Price described the turnout as a measure of success, saying, “Just the fact that we had a wonderful group, a handful of students who wanted to even do the program, that is a success for us.”
Founder’s background and motivation
Olivia J. Price, one of Georgia’s youngest Black real‑estate brokerage owners, began her career selling cars and later working in insurance before moving into real‑estate. Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, she noted that her predominantly Black high school offered vocational tracks such as nursing but did not expose students to real‑estate careers. That gap inspired her to create a pathway for young people who might otherwise overlook the industry.
Impact on the local economy
By introducing students to real‑estate fundamentals and licensing, the program aims to strengthen Decatur’s future workforce and support local economic development. Participants will gain insight into how real‑estate decisions intersect with municipal planning and economic growth, fostering a generation of informed citizens who can contribute to the city’s prosperity.
Overall, the Decatur High School work‑based learning real‑estate program offers seniors a concrete option for post‑graduation employment, a professional credential, and a skill set that aligns with both personal ambition and community advancement.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
