# The Gifted Students' School (Iraq)

The Gifted Students' School ("GSS") (Arabic: ثانوية الموهوبين) is a co-educational institution for gifted students in Baghdad and another six cities, Iraq. Every year, talented students from all over Iraq apply to the school, and tests in IQ, science, math and creativity are administered. Fewer than twenty students are accepted by each grade each year.

## History

The school was founded by the Iraqi government in 1998. In its first year, the school accepted ten male students as it started as a boys' school. Later, in the 2004–2005 academic year, the school became co-educational when it accepted ten female students in addition to ten male students.
The school's principal is Wisal Al-Doori, and later, Dr. Qasim Jaber Hassan became the new principal. He served until 2015, when Dr. Wisal Al-Doori resumed the principal role.
The school teaches a special curriculum that is different and more challenging than that of other schools in Iraq. This curriculum allows students to "choose any major at any college" in Iraq upon graduation, provided they maintain a grade of 75% or higher. The school places particular emphasis on math and science, using international references for its curriculum, which is considered more advanced than the academic levels of peers in other schools.
The school also offers a summer program, which is uncommon in other schools in Iraq. This ensures that students are continuously engaged in academic life and are responsible for maintaining a balance between their academic and personal lives.

## Eligibility Criteria

Until 2017, the Gifted Students' School only accepted students who had successfully completed primary education (i.e., passed the 6th grade).
The admission requirements were as follows:
* The student must score at least 97% on the final exams of the previous grade (5th grade).
* The student must be of legal age and must not have failed any year prior.
* The student must score 100% in both Mathematics and Science in the 6th grade.
* The student must achieve a total score of at least 582/600 on the final exams for the 6th grade.
Since 2017, the school has opened new classes for 4th grade students, allowing them to apply and join the school.
For eligibility in the 4th grade, students must obtain full marks in all subjects in the 3rd grade.
Following the changes in 2017, the Gifted Students' School no longer accepts students in 7th grade.

### Application Process

Prospective students are required to pass three tests — Mathematics, Science, and Creativity, as well as an IQ test, which are administered at the Gifted Students' School. Additionally, students must undergo an interview.
The school is known for being one of the most selective institutions in Iraq. Each year, fewer than 15 students are selected, earning them the distinction of being part of the Iraqi elite, due to the rigorous selection process they must undergo.

## Campus

The school's original location was in Hayy Al-Jami'a, Baghdad, but it was relocated to Al-Mansor High School in Al-Mansor, Baghdad after being targeted by Al-Qaeda. The school now has six additional campuses in Iraq, located in An-Najaf, Al-Basrah, Mosul, Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Al-Anbar.