Gifted Education

Every student learns and grows in different ways.

Gifted education supports students who demonstrate advanced academic potential and benefit from learning experiences that extend beyond the regular classroom curriculum. Gifted services are designed to complement classroom instruction while providing additional opportunities for students to engage in higher-level thinking, creativity, collaboration, and independent learning.

Contacts

Jessica Harless
Coordinator of Advanced Learning
757-898-0454

Tammy Minter
Administrative Assistant - Gifted Education Program
757-898-0389

Referral and Identification

Students may be referred for gifted education services by:

Parents or guardians
Teachers or school staff
Community members
Peers
Self-referral

Students may be identified for gifted services during the spring of kindergarten and throughout grades 1-12. Referrals received by the established deadlines are reviewed by the division's identification committee, with families notified once the process is complete.

Gifted identification considers multiple sources of information rather than relying on a single test. Information reviewed may include:

Achievement and ability assessments
Classroom performance
Teacher observations
Parent input
Student work samples
Other evidence of advanced learning potential

Using multiple measures helps provide a well-rounded understanding of each student's strengths and ensures that identification decisions are thoughtful and equitable.

If you believe your child may benefit from gifted services, contact your child’s school and request to speak with the Gifted Education School Contact to learn more about the referral process.

Grades K-7

Elementary students identified for gifted services participate in the division’s EXTEND program.

Identified kindergarten students participate in special seminars each spring during the school day.

First graders participate in half-day pullout sessions each week and second through fifth grade students participate in EXTEND classes for a full day each week.

EXTEND classes are offered at designated elementary schools, with remaining schools serving as "partner" schools. Transportation is provided for students who attend partner schools.

In addition to pullout classes, students in grades 1-5 are cluster grouped for daily instruction.

Students in sixth and seventh grade who have been identified as intellectually gifted meet with a gifted education teacher for a pullout course each week in addition to participating in advanced English and math courses.

How Students Learn

YCSD's EXTEND curriculum is based on a nationally recognized, research-based model designed specifically for gifted learners. Through interdisciplinary units, students explore meaningful concepts across multiple subject areas while engaging with advanced content and real-world challenges.

Learning experiences encourage students to research, collaborate, communicate, think creatively, solve complex problems, and apply their knowledge in new ways. As students explore topics that match their interests and abilities, they build the skills needed for success in school and beyond.

Grades 8-12

Students continue to be supported through advanced coursework and specialized academic opportunities that align with their strengths, interests, and future goals.

Depending on their goals and interests, students may participate in:

Honors courses
Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Dual Enrollment
Governor's School programs
Specialized academic programs
Additional enrichment opportunities

Together, these experiences help students pursue challenging coursework, explore future career interests, and prepare for college, careers, and lifelong learning.

Gifted Education Plan

YCSD's Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted outlines how gifted services are provided in kindergarten through grade 12. The plan includes information about identification procedures, instructional services, program goals, and continuous program improvement.

View the 2023-27 Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted

Advisory Committee

The Gifted Education Advisory Committee (GEAC), which includes families, educators, administrators, and community members, reviews the local plan annually and provides recommendations to support continuous program improvement.