Helping gifted students in grades 3-6 excel through project-based learning and STEAM, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Identification & Nomination Process

Nomination and Testing:

• Spring Semester of 2nd Grade: Students can be nominated by parents, teachers, or any other individual familiar with the student’s abilities. Anyone can nominate a student for the GT program by completing the nomination form and submitting it to the GT program coordinator.
• Eligibility Decision: Parents will receive a letter regarding the eligibility decision and a parent authorization form for testing.

Criteria for Identification:

• Multiple criteria are used for identification, including teacher observations, academic achievement data, and cognitive assessments.

 

Continuum of Services

The Douglas County School District provides a continuum of services designed to support gifted learners throughout their educational experience.

Elementary School (Grades 3–5)
Discovery Model

Elementary students receive gifted services through a pull-out model that provides opportunities for enrichment, advanced learning, inquiry-based experiences, and talent development.

Students participate in specialized learning experiences designed to foster creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and intellectual exploration.

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Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Scholar Cluster Model

Middle school students receive gifted services through a cluster grouping model.

Identified gifted learners are intentionally placed with GT-endorsed teachers who provide differentiated instruction, advanced learning opportunities, enrichment experiences, and academic challenges designed to meet the needs of gifted students.

The Scholar Cluster Model promotes intellectual peer interaction while maintaining access to a comprehensive middle school experience.

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High School (Grades 9–12)
Advanced Scholar Pathway

Gifted learners are encouraged to participate in advanced academic opportunities including Honors coursework, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Dual Credit opportunities, Career and Technical Education pathways, independent study, leadership experiences, and other advanced learning opportunities aligned to student interests and goals.

The Advanced Scholar Pathway prepares students for postsecondary success, career readiness, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Program Goals

• To develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• To provide opportunities for advanced learning and intellectual growth.
• To support the social and emotional needs of gifted students.