Frequently Asked Questions

This is a partial listing of questions frequently fielded at the Gifted Services Office. If you have a specific question that is not listed here, email us and we will answer you.

Would my child receive gifted services at all Saint Paul Public Schools?

What gifted education services are available to my elementary-aged child?

What gifted education services are available to my middle-school aged child?

What gifted education options are available to my high school aged child?

Would my child receive gifted services at all Saint Paul Public Schools?
Students who qualify for gifted services through the N-NAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) process, a portfolio review of their work or some combination are eligible for services by the specialists at any school. A student who qualifies for gifted services through this district process is eligible for service at any Saint Paul Public School.

Students who have not qualified through either of the above processes, may still receive services in their current elementary school, based on their individual needs. Service in one elementary school, however, does not guarantee service in another. Service on the middle/junior high and high school levels is currently based on "self selection" into challenge-level or advanced placement-type classes.

What gifted education services are available to my elementary-aged child?
Public elementary schools vary in their levels of service. Several schools use the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, which offers services to high ability/gifted students based on their individual needs. These schools have a Schoolwide Enrichment Model (S.E.M.) specialist on staff or a group of teachers that act in the capacity of that specialist.

Specific questions about the services offered at your child's school should be directed to that specialist. If your school does not have a specialist, you may want to direct your questions to the school's administrator.

What gifted education services are available to my middle-school aged child?
Most of the middle schools and junior high schools offer challenge level classes in the core academic areas of math, science, language arts and social studies. There may also be offerings of challenge level foreign language classes, or arts and music classes. Challenge classes are meant to go at a faster pace and/or into greater depth than the regular academic offering. Students may self-select into these classes when registering for school in the spring. Parents are strongly encouraged to help their children select classes and to ask questions of the school if they are not sure if a challenge class is right for their student.

Other offerings for high ability/gifted students may include such activities as Math League, History Day, Science Fair and other academic or arts-related classes or activities. These vary by school, so you should ask about these BEFORE you select a middle school or junior high.

Some of the middle schools and junior high schools in the Saint Paul Public Schools have an on-site coordinator that oversees the scheduling and helps fellow teachers meet the needs of high ability and gifted students in challenge level classes. Part of their time is often spent teaching challenge level classes. They may also coach students in academic challenge activities or classes such as History Day or Math League. To find out if the junior high or middle school you are considering has an on-site coordinator, feel free to call the school and ask about it.

In the end, the opportunities available to middle school and junior high students are there for those willing to pursue them.

What gifted education options are available to my high school aged child?
High ablity/gifted students at the high school level have several options available to them to meet their needs. These include advanced level classes, taking classes "out of grade level", specific advanced level programs and "post-secondary options". Most of the high schools offer advanced level or challenge level classes in most subjects. They often also allow students that have shown mastery in "grade level" classes to take classes that are "above grade level", such as a freshman taking sophomore or junior level classes.

Some of the schools also have programs such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate. These programs offer classes that meet strict high standards and have high expectations. Completion of these high school programs offer students the chance to "test out" of certain college level classes and to begin their post-secondary education with college credit already given to them. Having a high school degree with one of these program "degrees" attached to it may also offer students better consideration for admission to the colleges of their choice.

Students that complete all of the coursework required for a Saint Paul Public Schools high school degree, but are not yet old enough to graduate, may take courses at local colleges and universities in the "post-secondary option". These classes count toward the student's college required coursework as well as their chosen degree programs and overall required number of college graduation credits.

Further information about any of these programs or options may be directed to any of the high schools, or to the gifted services office.