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American Academy

Gifted and Talented Program

 

 

What’s Happening in Gifted and Talented

at American Academy?!

 

UPDATE: 10/6/2026

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 5th or 6th grade-a student's final year of elementary school (November).

 

Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders at American Academy in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th and 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

 

 

5th, and 6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in fifth, and sixth grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 2nd (CP, MB, LM 5th) and the week of November 9th (LM 6th only). 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 your child is in grades 3 and 4 and you believe your child needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process
  • NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 
  •  Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the DCSD Gifted &Talented Referral Link
  • Upon receipt of this form, the American Academy Gifted Education Facilitator 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) - Karen Billings ([email protected])
Motsenbocker (K-8) - Jacalyn Poncy ([email protected])
Lincoln Meadows (K-8) - Ashley Folkman ([email protected])
Assistant to Coordinators (all campuses) - Brooke Ricafort ([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

  1. To build a cohesive peer support group for learning and socialization.

  2. To equip and support faculty in their efforts to appropriately differentiate curriculum and instruction for gifted and twice exceptional students.

  3. To build a support system for the unique emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional students.

  4. To challenge students in their area of talent on a regular basis.


  5. To educate the school community about the gifted in order to remove barriers and to promote understanding.
 
 

Gifted and Talented Resources