Gifted and Talented Program

What’s Happening in Gifted and Talented

at American Academy?!

UPDATE: 1/14/2025

American Academy is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 6th grade (November).

2nd Grade Universal Screen-February 3-6 2025

As part of this process, ALL students in second and sixth grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in either February (2nd grade) or November (6th grade). 2nd Grade testing dates are February 3-6 2025, as stated above. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted and Talented Coordinator will contact you directly with information about this process.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing

If you believe your child needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may initiate the evaluation process by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification at this link: American Academy Gifted Referral Form
Please note: Completing this form will automatically serve as your request to have your child take the CogAT for their current grade level.
Upon receipt of this form, the American Academy Gifted Education Coordinator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

The Gifted and Talented mission at American Academy is to promote intellectual, social and emotional growth in the gifted and twice exceptional student population through encouraging student-lead advocacy, providing active support and purposeful education programming and opportunities.

Gifted Program Vision

To develop an exemplary gifted education program that is comprehensive, fluid and adaptable where life-long learning and intellectual pursuits are encouraged, supported and valued.

American Academy's Gifted and Talented Coordinators are:

Castle Pines (K-8) and Lincoln Meadows (K-4)-Karen Billings ([email protected])

Motsenbocker (K-8) and Lincoln Meadows (5-8)- Kristen Foery ([email protected])

Definition of Giftedness

Gifted and talented students are those students between the ages of four and twenty-one whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs. Gifted students include students with disabilities (i.e. twice exceptional) and students with exceptional abilities or potential from all socio-economic and ethnic, cultural populations. Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas:

• General or Specific Intellectual Ability
• Specific Academic Aptitude
• Creative or Productive Thinking
• Leadership Abilities
• Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Musical or Psychomotor Abilities

Gifted Program Goals

To build a cohesive peer support group for learning and socialization.
To equip and support faculty in their efforts to appropriately differentiate curriculum and instruction for gifted and twice exceptional students.
To build a support system for the unique emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional students.
To challenge students in their area of talent on a regular basis.
To create partnerships with the wider public that enhance both community life and student-centered objectives.
To educate the school community about the gifted in order to remove barriers and to promote understanding.