PCSSD Programs for Talented & Gifted

Discovery: Grades K-2

The Discovery curriculum is taught as WHOLE GROUP enrichment in all K-2 classrooms weekly by a certified Gifted and Talented Facilitator. The certified GT Facilitator maintains records (i.e. portfolio, skills checklist) to document student(s) actions/responses, which is considered long-term identification.

TREK: Grade 3-5

Students can be referred by teachers, parents, peers, and students. A bi-racial screening committee consisting of an administrator, classroom teachers, a counselor, and a GT facilitator utilizes a case-study approach in selecting gifted students. Based on multiple criteria, a student profile is created for each child referred. School staff and placement committees receive training before the identification meeting. Information is provided on how to identify students from under-served sub-populations. This in-service is updated as needed with new information and research.

The curriculum designed for the TREK (Talented and gifted Risk-takers Empowered to explore and excel through creativity and Knowledge) program focuses on higher-ordering thinking and and problem-solving skills, research, analytical reading and writing, and enriched mathematics within unique lesson and unit studies.

In grades 3-5, identified gifted students participate in the TREK program. TREK is a program for elementary students who have been identified through a fair, equitable, and thorough placement process. Students are served by utilizing a pull-out model with 150 minutes weekly. The overall objective of the program is to improve research, thinking, and communication skills by providing a flexible curriculum that is qualitatively different. An appeal process allows parents to challenge the non-placement of their child in the program.

PAP at Middle School Level

The Preparing for the Accelerated Pathway (PAP) courses are offered at all middle schools in the four core content areas at grades 6-8. They are more challenging than regular-level classes and will likely have rigorous homework and tests to help students prepare for the advanced level of Advanced Placement (AP®) courses. These courses are part of the daily instruction. Gifted and talented students receive differentiated services through PAP courses where teachers are trained to integrate differentiated instruction and provide academic challenges.

Within these classrooms, the identified gifted and advanced students will be given opportunities to complete advanced and innovative performances or products and exposure to various learning experiences, which may include out-of-school assignments.

PAP & Advanced Placement Courses at the High School Level

The Advanced Placement courses offered in our district are based on student interest and enrollment. Course offerings may vary each school year. For specific course updates and inquiries, please contact the high school administration office. 

PAP and AP courses are offered at the high school level in the four core content areas and in Music, Art, and Computer Science in grades 9-12.

At the high school level, gifted and talented students receive differentiated services through PAP, and AP courses where teachers are trained to integrate multiple instructional strategies and College Board curriculum in the Advanced Placement (AP®) courses.

High school opportunities for our 9th-12th grade identified students consist of PAP, Advanced Placement, and concurrent college courses. In addition, students who complete their AP courses also take the end-of-course College Board AP exams. These students receive weighted credit and with a score of 3, 4, or 5 on these exams can receive college credit for the course, which includes all college/universities in-state and defined college/universities out-of-state. Each AP teacher is required to create a syllabus approved by the College Board.

  • Visit the National Merit Website for information regarding qualifications and steps to move from being a National Merit Semifinalist to becoming a National Merit Scholar.

  • Students may create a khanacademy account to connect it to the PSAT and Collegeboard! Sophomores, start practicing now for the PSAT for your junior year.

Spring 2025 College Board Exams

The 2025 AP Exams will be administered in schools over two weeks in May: May 5–9 and May 12–16

Scholarships

Advanced Placement Courses

  • AP Biology

  • AP Calculus AB

  • AP Calculus BC

  • AP Chemistry

  • AP Computer Science Principles

  • AP English Language

  • AP English Literature

  • AP Environmental Science

  • AP Music Theory

  • AP Physics 1

  • AP Psychology

  • AP Spanish Language

  • AP Spanish Literature

  • AP Statistics

  • AP Studio Art 2-D

  • AP Studio Art 3-D

  • AP Studio Art Drawing

  • AP US Government & Politics

  • AP US History

  • AP World History: Modern