The Self-contained Gifted Program provides an all-day differentiated learning experience addressing the individual needs of the highly gifted students. Students will be with other highly gifted peers for all core content areas (math, reading, writing, social studies and science). They will participate in special area instruction and are included in all grade level activities, field trips, and lunch.

The Self-contained Gifted Program currently has a 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classroom at Towne Meadows Elementary School.

Qualifications for the Self-contained Gifted Program

Scores (on a state-approved gifted test) of 97+ in two of the three areas: verbal, quantitative, and/or nonverbal area(s), with the third score being 85 or higher or an IQ score of 130+.

Highlights of Self-Contained Gifted Program

• Project-based
• Problem-based
• STEM
• Lego Robotics
• Socratic Questioning
• Social-Emotional Curriculum
• Cross-curricular
• Technology-based
• Enrichment and Acceleration
• Language Arts (instruction is offered using College of William & Mary curriculum from the Center For Gifted Education and Michael Clay Thompson)

Location:
Towne Meadows Elementary
1101 N. Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

School Grade Levels:  Currently, one classroom for 4th grade, one classroom for 5th grade, and one classroom for 6th grade

Class Size: 25

Transportation: 2020-21 School Year – Regional Bus Stops

 

Self-Contained Program Applications

Families interested in applying for the SCG Program must complete an online application.  

Self-Contained Application

Applications will be considered in the following order:

• Students who are siblings of students who are currently in the Self-contained Gifted Program or the GTC (Gifted Talented and Creative) Program at Highland Junior High School.
• Students residing in the Gilbert Public Schools boundaries or who are currently attending a Gilbert Public School.
• Students who reside outside of the Gilbert Public Schools boundaries or who do not currently attend a Gilbert Public School.
• Out of district students are welcome to apply for the Self-contained Gifted Program if they meet District eligibility (as noted above). 

Out of District Students – In addition to the application, please submit the following information to the Teaching and Learning Department:

1. A copy of your child’s most recent intellectual assessment results: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) or other State of Arizona approved assessment

 or
 IQ tests administered by a licensed Psychologist/Psychiatrist
2. A copy of your child’s most recent standardized test scores (i.e. AzMERIT,  DIBELS)
3. A copy of your child’s most recent report card
4. Twice-exceptional students receiving special education or 504 services must attach: Copy of current IEP and most current special education evaluation report or copy of 504 plan
   *Applications will not be accepted until all forms have been submitted 

Siblings
Siblings are welcome to attend Towne Meadows through the Open Enrollment process. Acceptance is contingent upon the campus’ capacity to provide all services needed by the sibling(s).

Gilbert Public Schools is a premier provider of services to Pre-K through Grade 12 students identified as gifted or twice-exceptional, using research-based instruction to address the needs of the whole child. 

To achieve this vision, GPS seeks to:

• Address the social, emotional, cognitive, academic, physical, and kinesthetic needs of each gifted or twice-exceptional student.
• Use state-of-the-art diagnosis and pre-assessment tools that enable teachers to provide a rigorous curriculum at an appropriate instructional level for each student, with options that allow differentiation, individualization, and flexibility.
• Address the specific needs of gifted, highly gifted, profoundly gifted and twice-exceptional students using hands-on and project-based learning and innovative use of technology.
• Ensure appropriate training and professional development for teachers of gifted education students.
• Provide mechanisms for effective communication between families and school professionals.

Our elementary schools use cluster and replacement models to serve gifted students in grades K–6. These programs support our students who are identified as gifted through testing (CogAt or IQ) or twice exceptional.  Gifted students are academically-talented students who excel in their ability to think and reason and need academic challenges beyond the regular classroom setting to address the needs of the whole child.  The cluster model is offered at all GPS elementary schools, K-6 grades - Gifted students are clustered into mixed-ability classrooms while receiving instruction and support on a daily basis from teachers who understand and are trained in the learning needs of gifted students. 

The replacement model is offered at 23 elementary schools to 4-6 grade students. - Gifted students are provided with gifted math and ELA instruction.  Gifted math for 4-6 graders includes instruction each day, one year above the student’s grade level.  Gifted ELA for 6th graders includes instruction each day with the gifted teacher.  All gifted teachers are highly qualified and have a gifted endorsement.

A 4th, 5th and 6th-grade Self-Contained Elementary Gifted Program is offered at Towne Meadows Elementary School.

Testing Updates for 2021–22 School Year: The Fall Testing window is August 9–September 3, 2021. Any requests received after August 30th will be considered for May 2022 testing. The May testing window is May 2–26, 2022. All 2nd and 3rd grade students will be administered the CogAT gifted blanket screener in February 2022.

Request Gifted Testing Form