Gifted & Talented

Process and Philosophy

Collegiate Academy provides services to a broad spectrum of students, including those identified as gifted and talented. After being identified as gifted and talented, an Advanced Learning Plan is designed for the student, based upon areas of strength identified in assessments and through observational data. Goals are set by classroom teachers annually, and are monitored throughout the year. Data on whether these goals were met is also reported annually. Areas of strength may be added each year, based upon assessment results. Students remain in the GT database unless there is a specific removal request from a parent.

At Collegiate Academy, our low teacher to student ratio allows us to differentiate instruction on a much more personalized level within the general education classroom to challenge students with Advanced Learning Plans. Our flexible ability grouping model is also ideal for gifted students, allowing them to learn in a general education classroom with students of similar advanced skills in areas of strength, while learning at grade level in other content areas. This structure also allows students to remain with an age-appropriate peer group, fostering social skill development while keeping gifted children academically challenged.

All students at Collegiate Academy are evaluated in Grade 2 to determine whether an Advanced Learning Plan may be needed to keep a student challenged. Along with data from state assessments, the NWEA MAP progress monitoring tool, and qualitative data from teachers, a body of evidence is formed which may identify a student Gifted & Talented.

Early Access

Collegiate Academy participates in the Early Access program for 4/5 year old students who may be ready for Kindergarten or First Grade. Students with early indicators of advanced or gifted learning may qualify for the Early Access program, which allows students who are academically, emotionally, and behaviorally ready to participate in Kindergarten and First Grade prior to normal age and birthdate requirements. There are specific deadlines and requirements; review the Jeffco G&T webpage for more information.

Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children

The Jeffco Public Schools Gifted and Talented (GT) Department’s vision is to Actualize Learners’ Potential for gifted and high-ability learners through a focus on access, equity, inclusion and diversity. All students deserve an education that provides meaningful growth academically, socially and emotionally.

Each year, every second grader in Jeffco takes The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) which measures reasoning skills with different types of verbal, quantitative and nonverbal questions. The results of this test inform teachers which students may be identified as gifted and talented. 

What Is A Gifted Student?

GT students are learners between the ages of four and 21 whose abilities, talents or potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special educational programming. Children under five who are gifted may also receive early childhood special educational services. 

Gifted students include students from all backgrounds who have exceptional abilities or potential. Gifted students are capable of exceptional performance,  production or learning behavior and have one or more of these areas of giftedness:

Areas of giftedness

• Intellectual abilities
• Specific academic skills
• Creative or productive thinking
• Leadership abilities
• Visual arts, performing arts or musical abilities
• Physical skills

The 2024 Fall GT Center application is now closed.  Please contact your GT Resource Teacher with questions regarding GT Center.