Gifted and Talented

Connections Academy’s unique instructional program provides gifted students the opportunities and challenges they need to succeed. Our student-centered approach, stimulating curriculum, and in-home format are ideal for gifted students needing to explore and learn at their own pace. During the course of a school year, gifted students can participate in assignments specifically modified for their learning level as well as complete courses at an accelerated pace and move on to the next grade level.

During the enrollment and placement process, students may be placed in different curriculum levels for different subjects. For example, a third grader with a high aptitude in math could be placed in a fourth-grade math course, while continuing to take third-grade-level courses in other subjects.

Gifted Courses for Elementary and Middle School Students

Students in grades 3 through 8 also may be enrolled in specially designated gifted courses in language arts and mathematics. Gifted courses allow students greater opportunities to interact with the instructor and other students. Students explore grade-level content and participate in extension projects, investigations, and activities that integrate skills and promote higher-level thinking and understanding. Individualized activities enable gifted students to develop and apply knowledge, as well as allow students to choose from a wide variety of electives and club activities to supplement learning in the core subjects. Student transcripts reflect participation and completion of gifted courses.

Advanced Courses for High School

Connections Academy’s high school program includes a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that provides an opportunity for students to participate in Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Like the standard courses, Honors courses are aligned to state and national standards. Honors courses provide increased opportunities for critical thinking and application of knowledge, and are ideal for students who learn at an accelerated pace or benefit from additional academic challenges. The flexible nature of our program allows gifted students to explore career and community interests through field trips (both individual and school sponsored) as well as investigate career interests.

Gifted Identification

For students not already identified as gifted, Connections Academy has a proven process in place that allows parents and teachers to nominate students for identification as gifted. In each school, a team led by the gifted education teacher reviews students’ Connections Academy gifted questionnaire, LEAP™ tests, work samples, and state test results. If additional information is needed, an individual ability test, which measures thinking skills, reasoning abilities, and abstract thinking, is administered. For a student identified as gifted, the Learning Coach, teacher, and student work together to create a differentiated education plan that enriches and challenges.