Gifted Classes for Smart Kids

Most children are smart and a child can be intelligent in multiple ways.  The Palm Beach and Martin Schools offer gifted classes for children who meet the IQ requirement for being “gifted.” The eligibility requirements are defined by the state of Florida and followed by local schools. Your child is eligible for special instructional programs for the gifted from kindergarten through Grade 12 if they meet the following criteria.

Gifted Criteria

First, your child demonstrates a need for special program through strong grades.  Second, they have a majority of characteristics of gifted students according to a checklist completed by the teacher.  Third, they demonstrate superior intellectual development as measured by an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score of 130 or above.  Alternatively, you child can be a member of underrepresented group and meet the criteria specified in a school district plan for increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in programs for students who are gifted.

IQ Testing

You may seek private IQ testing or request it from your child’s school. According to the Palm Beach County School District gifted webpage, they universally screen second-grade students for gifted with the Cognitive Abilities Test. This is a group-administered assessment that estimates students’ learned reasoning and problem solving abilities through a battery of verbal and nonverbal test items. They offer full time gifted classes starting in kindergarten.  You can learn more at: palmbeachschools.org/students_parents/ese/gifted.

In the Martin Schools they offer two elementary choices. First, The Full Time Model has gifted students together in classes for the entire school day in grades three through five. Second, The Enrichment Model works as a “pull-out” program from the regular classroom for one day per week for students who are excelling in grades kindergarten through five. Martin School has a gifted handbook available at Martinschools.org/page/gifted.

Gifted Class Benefits

Children who meet the gifted criteria receive a special Educational Plan to meet their individual academic and social needs.  The plan is implemented by teachers with a gifted teaching certification endorsement.  Gifted classes allow for project based learning and enrichment beyond the typical Florida standards.

Call if you need help with your child. We test children ages 5.5 through college for gifted dyslexia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other processing disorders.  Dial (561) 625 4125.