Gifted & Talented

In a Montessori classroom, learning for for all students is structured to foster independence, depth, and a strong sense of curiosity. This allows students to progress at their own pace through a carefully designed, multi-age environment that encourages exploration across core subjects like language, math, science, and cultural studies. Gifted learners are provided with hands-on materials that build conceptual understanding before moving to abstract thinking, supporting their advanced cognitive abilities while ensuring foundational skills are solid. They are encouraged to delve deeply into topics, pursue self-directed projects, and develop executive function skills through collaborative and individual work. Teachers guide students in setting personalized goals, fostering creativity, and cultivating a love of learning that is self-motivated and joyfully rigorous.

For questions about GT/ and ALPs at MPA, please contact Erin Wollard, GT Coordinator, at erin.wollard@jeffco.k12.co.us

Jeffco GT Frequently Asked Questions

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 closed.  Please contact your GT Resource Teacher with questions regarding GT Center.