Gifted & Talented

• The Montessori curriculum is designed to support both risk-taking and ensure the challenge of studies. We do this by balancing interest and meaning with the demonstrated ability level of individual students. Instead of following a dictated curriculum by grade level, we use a scope and sequence and allow students to progress at the highest level of ability, regardless of grade. In short, our curriculum engages the mind to the limits of one’s capability.
• Inclusive instruction: Montessori education embraces a multi-age classroom that allows for cooperative learning and challenge in the four pillars of learning (physical, psychological, social and cognitive). As such, we do not believe that separation and isolation from one’s social/emotional peer group is required to support the needs of a gifted student.
• Advanced Learning Plan (ALP): If a student is determined by Jeffco Public Schools to be “gifted,” then we are mandated to implement an ALP. This plan defines goals and evaluates progress in reaching such goals on a yearly basis.
• Individualized education: While an ALP document is required for students identified as gifted, all Free Horizon Montessori students are individually monitored for progress in reaching their academic goals. Progress is measured by observation, authentic work samples, unit assessments and standardized assessments.
• Integrated curriculum: True learning must integrate interest and hard work. It requires teachers to make lessons meaningful while still guiding the student in the skills necessary for success. These skills move from concrete (hands-on) learning to abstract understanding and serve to expand awareness and understanding at a broader level. A good example of this is when you talk to a friend about your own reading. Do you say, “Wow, I’m reading at a 12th grade level!” No, instead we talk about what we read, what it meant to us, what we think about it, and how it changed our lives. The same is true for math – we talk about how we use it, not necessarily what it is. These examples demonstrate how true learning is used and expanded each and every day, and Montessori education is renowned for this successful approach to education.

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 open.