This program focuses on the individual needs of students in both academics and the arts. All classes, except related arts, take place on the team. The Gifted and Talented Program students also have the opportunity to take Visual and Performing Arts courses. During the first few weeks of school, teachers get to know students' strengths and interests through completion of parent and student inventories, past records, and pretesting. Using this background information, teachers create individualized schedules for each student member of the team. These schedules reflect the needs and preferences of students in order to challenge all students on the team to meet their potential. This is achieved through a combination of classes that cater to various abilities and interests. Students who have strengths in certain subjects participate in Gifted and Talented classes in those areas.
- Enrichment and acceleration based on initiative.
- Advanced critical thinking and problem solving.
- Creative options and alternative assignments.
- A more in-depth approach to subject matter.
- Challenge Centers for independent learning.
- Higher-level reading opportunities.
- Media geared toward Gifted and Talented students.
- Varied forms of assessment.
- Leadership development.
- Teacher-directed access to the Internet.
- A daily, related arts period.
- Young Authors Program and other publishing opportunities.
- Extensive authentic and community-based instruction
To be eligible for consideration for the Gifted and Talented Program, the applicant must have completed successfully the Advance Program screening process and must have scored 24 or higher on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). The student must also have
- Maintained at least a 3.2 grade point average in grades four and five and
- Demonstrated good attendance, good attitude and, good behavior