Formal components are characterized by specific identification procedures and a regularly scheduled instructional time. In keeping with the most recent research, the school system defines intellectual giftedness as a blending of outstanding intellect, motivation and creative thinking. For the formal components of the program, the district uses multiple criteria to identify students who may be gifted. The criteria include standardized test scores, grades, work samples and recommendations by teachers. Students are screened each year in the spring for the following year's program.
Instruction includes multi-disciplinary units organized around broad themes.
Most of the instructional activities emphasize hands-on learning. All three program components emphasize higher order thinking skills. In the ninth grade and beyond, there are honors and advanced placement classes. Click on the school bus below to return to the District Curriculum main page.