A variety of community agencies provide dropout-prevention programs in cooperation with the district. Vocational services for the handicapped are available. Prekindergarten programs and services are offered to eligible children. All elementary students who qualify as gifted have the opportunity to participate in a gifted program, either at their own school or at one nearby. All middle schools offer a gifted program for eligible students at all grade levels.
High schools have advanced classes and challenging programs to meet the needs of gifted students.
The Center for Gifted Studies at Ridgecrest Elementary serves students in first through fifth grades. Applications may be obtained from the school and are accepted in the gifted program office Oct. 1-Feb. If there are more applications than spaces available, students are chosen randomly by computer. To qualify for the gifted program, a student must have an IQ score of 130 or more, show a need for additional programs beyond regular classroom activities, show a majority of the characteristics on the gifted program check list and be recommended for the gifted program by his or her teacher and the school staffing team. For more information, call the gifted office, 588-6037.