Gifted and Talented Program

Gifted and talented students are those who possess special talents and abilities to such an extent that they require enrichment of the regular curriculum to meet their educational needs. Suffolk Public Schools is committed to challenging and developing these students’ abilities.

Identification Procedures:   Division-wide screening procedures begin during the primary grades to allow teachers the opportunity to start meeting the needs of students with exceptional ability.   Identification procedures follow both federal and state guidelines and include the use of several evaluation instruments including ability tests, checklists of traits and characteristics of gifted students, a measure of creative thinking, report card grades, and student awards and products.   Students who fulfill eligibility requirements may be admitted to the program upon the written consent of the parents.

KIND: Kids Involved in New Discoveries, known as KIND, is an enrichment program designed for students in kindergarten and first grade. KIND offers creative activities and lessons based on the advanced needs and the maturity of students.

STEP: Stimulating Thinking in the Educational Process, known as STEP, is an enrichment program for   students in grades 2-3 who exhibit outstanding general intellectual ability.   Students meet daily for three two-week sessions during the school year with teachers endorsed in gifted education. Emphasis is upon critical thinking, creative problem solving, developing independent research skills, and stimulating creativity.

QUEST: The QUEST program is for academically gifted students in grades 4-8. QUEST stands for Quality Utilization Enrichment of Students’ Talent. Students attend the   QUEST Center at King’s Fork Middle School one day each week. Students work both individually and in small groups to develop their independent learning skills, their creative potential, and their higher level thinking abilities. Units of study include such diverse topics as Japanese history and traditions, space exploration, Russian culture, archaeology, the immigration experience, life in the Renaissance, news production, and architecture. Eighth-grade QUEST students also participate in the Future Problem Solving competition. In addition, the QUEST program has a well-equipped computer laboratory which students use for research, for developing both critical and creative thinking abilities, and for producing multimedia presentations of their own.

Talented Art and Music Classes: Students who qualify may be enrolled in special talented art and music classes in grades 4-5. These classes meet one period per week in the local school. Classes are designed to enrich and expand the regular curriculum. The instruction frequently has students involved in special projects which emphasize creativity. Students work independently and in small groups.

Tidewater Governor’s Summer School for Science and Technology: This regional summer program is provided for a limited number of identified gifted students in grades 3-6. Students from Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight County and Southampton County attend classes four days a week for three weeks. Classes are designed to provide students with hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art technology. Students work in cooperative groups to explore topics of their choice and to share their discoveries and findings with peers, parents, and the community.

GIFTED PROGRAMS IN THE HIGH SCHOOLS: High school students who have been identified as gifted   have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of advanced courses, including eight (8) Advanced Placement (A.P.) classes, 12 Honors classes, and six (6) Dual-Credit classes. Dual-credit courses allow the student to simultaneously earn both high school credit and community college credit. All dual-credit, advanced placement, and honors courses are weighted. Because of the advanced level of these courses, students earn weighted grades. Guidance counselors at each school can provide additional information.

Governor’s School for the Gifted: This residential summer program is designed to provide artistically and/or intellectually challenging and enriching experiences for a limited number of selected rising eleventh- and twelfth-graders. Governor’s School is offered in the following areas: agriculture, humanities, science, mentorships and the arts (instrumental music, vocal music, drama, dance and visual arts.) All selected participants are enrolled in elective courses, seminars and discussion groups at the sites. Schools are held around the state at college campuses, NASA-Langley, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the Medical College of Virginia. Classes meet for one month in the summer.  

Governor’s School for the Arts: Rising ninth- through twelfth-grade students may apply for acceptance to the Governor’s School for the Arts. Classes are offered in dance, music, theater, performing arts, and visual arts. Students are selected based on indicated ability, interest, and potential for artistic growth. Interviews, auditions, portfolio reviews, and application materials are used in the selection process. Students are transported to Norfolk each afternoon for instruction in their chosen area of interest.