Gifted and Talented

The Gifted and Talented Department in District 51 works to enrich and empower the educational experience for our exceptional students. With a dedicated team of educators and specialists, this department identifies, nurtures, and challenges gifted learners to reach new heights of academic excellence. Through tailored programs, advanced coursework, and opportunities for specialized enrichment, the department ensures that gifted students receive the support and resources they need to thrive.

Vision:

D51 gifted education supports academic and social-emotional growth by equitably recognizing and nurturing our diverse youth with gifts and talents so they may develop their individual potential.

Mission:

Each gifted student in School District 51 is identified by their strength areas and needs. Educational programming is designed and implemented to match their identified needs. Student progress and achievement are monitored through ongoing dynamic assessment. Teachers of gifted students participate in professional development to increase knowledge, skills, and understanding of gifted students and required instruction.

Gifted Students

Gifted children are students between the ages of five and twenty-one whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so outstanding that they require special provisions to meet their educational needs. Children under five who qualify may also be served. Gifted students are capable of high performance in any or a combination of these areas:

General or Specific Intellectual Ability
Creative or Productive Thinking
Leadership Abilities
Specific Academic Aptitude
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- World Language
Specific Talent Aptitude
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts (Drama/Theater)
- Musical
- Dance
- Psychomotor Abilities