The CATS (Children with Academic Talents in School) program serves identified gifted students in grades K-5th grade. Students are engaged in enrichment groups twice a week pursuing areas of interest and topics in greater depth and complexity. Students formulate solutions to complex questions or real-world problems demonstrating knowledge and skills through the development of a product or presentation for a real authentic audience.
Middle School
Students in middle school Prisms are provided opportunities to grow and increase skills in math and English. Passion projects, chosen by students, allow them to build on areas of strength and complete robust research projects while developing a finished product by the end of the semester. Components of the class include executive functioning skills, identifying and using authentic sources, the Big 6 Research Model, and interaction with a professional mentor.
High School
Honors-level coursework in English is available for students in grades 9 and 10; these courses serve the needs of gifted students through their emphasis on developing writing, oral expression, and higher-level thinking skills through the study of literature. IB English 11 and 12 complete our course offerings for students identified as gifted in English; these courses offer college-level instruction focusing on an in-depth study of literature and the ability to write for different contexts and audiences.
Likewise, students identified as gifted in mathematics are served by honors-level coursework in grades 9 and 10. IB and AP coursework is offered in grades 11 and 12.
All honors, IB, and AP math classes are characterized by a broad scope and a rigorous pacing of content. The IB and AP courses offer college-level instruction and require the completion of independent mathematical projects. Students in grades 11 and 12 are often able to earn college credits in IB English 12, IB Math Analysis, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics through a dual-enrollment arrangement with Lord Fairfax Community College.