At A Glance

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The Basics

K – 12 charter school serving a gifted and talented community of about 1500 students
High School: launched in fall 2015; K-8 school was founded by parents in 1994
Differentiated: instructional strategies tailored to each student’s abilities, with an emphasis on both academic and social/emotional needs
Rich learning environment: multi-age classrooms, needs-based groupings
Excellence: John J. Irwin School of Excellence Awards – every year since 2000
Expertise: highly qualified staff participates regularly in gifted education training and development
Parent volunteers: are vital members of our community, active in classrooms, fundraising and leadership committees
Governance: provided by a parent-elected governing board
Location: modern, technology-enabled campus located at 144th and Washington
Chartered by Adams 12 Five Star School District; independent curriculum structure

Gifted Best Practices: aligned with state standards and performance based outcomes
Depth of instruction: incorporates challenge, character development and complexity of thought
Integrated Curriculum: teachers work together to relate theme elements and concepts across subjects
Experiential education: field trips for all grades; learning programs designed to engage all senses
Technology: incorporated into instruction; Middle and High School students bring their own device to school daily
Student Autonomy: programs promote inquiry, independence and self-initiated learning
Family Conferences: twice yearly
Community Service: school-wide and class-specific activities and projects
Interscholastic Sports: emphasis on participation, physical well-being and sportsmanship-Middle School and High School
Extracurricular and Clubs: wide variety of opportunities for students at all grade levels
Before/After School Program: available daily, on teacher work days and during Spring Break
Summer Programs: June through August
Student Support: School Counselors, On-Site Health Aides, Elementary Librarian, Speech/Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist; Special Education; English Language Learners, Gifted Specialists, School Psychologists