Gifted and Talented
Elementary Schools (grades K-5)
The elementary academies at Hillside, Kimberlin and Walnut Glen offer a differentiated curriculum designed for the academically gifted learner. Content in language arts, social studies, math, and science are presented with depth and complexity requiring higher-level thinking. Additionally, the math curriculum is accelerated to meet learner needs. As a fine arts magnet, art classes are provided to all children. Students identified with fine arts talents are provided enriched art and/or music lessons. Strings instruction is offered to all fourth and fifth graders.
Requirements:
- Complete formal application
- Academically gifted students - standardized achievement test scores in reading and math of 90 percentile or above
- Artistically or musically talented students - participate in annual auditions for the program.
Applications are scored, and the top students are admitted to the academies.
Elementary Applications for Possible Placement in Garland ISD Gifted and Talented Programs will be available at upcoming Parent Information Meetings. See the Gifted & Talented Calendar for dates andtimes.
Contact:
Coordinator of Gifted/Talented Education
972-487-3193
A899@garlandisd.net
Hillside Academy for Excellence
2014 Dairy Road Garland, TX 75041
Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
1520 Cumberland Drive Garland, TX 75040
Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence
3101 Edgewood Drive Garland, TX 75042
Middle School (grades 6, 7 & 8)
Austin Academy offers advanced academic coursework called “Enriched Honors.” Courses in English, math, reading, social studies, and science are targeted to the needs of academically gifted students. A full range of fine arts offerings including band, choir, orchestra, piano, art, and theatre arts is available.
Requirements:
- Complete formal application
- Students must qualify as academically gifted.
- Standarized achievement test scores in reading and math of 90 percentile or above are recommended
- OR - - Musically or artistically talented students are identified through auditions held in January.
Applications are scored, and vacancies are filled with the highest ranking applicants.
Note: Qualifying students from the Academy programs at Hillside, Kimberlin, and Walnut Glen are automatically accepted to Austin Academy.
Contact:
For questions regarding the application process:
Coordinator of Gifted/Talented Education
972-487-3193
A899@garlandisd.net
For information about the Austin Academy program:
Austin Academy for Excellence
1125 Beverly Drive Garland, TX 75040
972-926-2620
A041@garlandisd.net
www.garlandisdschools.net/austin
High School (grades 9 - 12)
Garland High School is the Gifted and Talented High School magnet and houses the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Performing Arts Endorsement (PAE) program. After completing the eighth grade, gifted/talented students wishing to continue to pursue rigorous curriculum or to fine-tune their artistic talents may apply to participate in the IB and/or the PAE programs.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Program is a comprehensive curriculum that responds to the needs of gifted/talented high school students. The program encompasses internationally based standards of achievement. Curriculum is designed to provide a broad liberal arts experience. Students become proficient in English, math, history, science, a second language, and chosen electives while participating in an in-depth exploration of the study of human behavior and the process of educational inquiry.
Successful completion of the course work and examinations at the junior/senior level may earn students credit or advanced placement at colleges or universities. The resulting educational experience will provide the student with a well-rounded, rigorous academic course of study emphasizing the development of the total individual.
Requirements:
- Complete formal application
- Standardized achievement test scores of 90 percentile or above
- Student profile that includes the above plus:
- Writing Sample
- Teacher Recommendation
- Successful Academic History
Applications are scored and vacancies are filled with the highest-ranking applicants.
Performing Arts Endorsement (PAE)
The Performing Arts Endorsement is a sequence of courses designed for the artistically gifted/talented students in the areas of theatre, piano studies, orchestra, vocal music, and instrumental music. Participation in the PAE Program provides access to a strong fine arts background in conjunction with the student’s academic program, whether IB, Honors, or the Regular program. Special interest clinics and activities are an integral part of each of the performing arts areas.
Areas of Performing Arts Endorsements:
- Instrumental
- Vocal
- Theatre
- Piano
- Orchestra
Requirements:
- Complete formal application
- Audition tape or live audition
- Teacher recommendation
Applications are scored and vacancies are filled with the highest-ranking applicants.
Contact:
Garland High School
310 S. Garland Avenue Garland, TX 75040
972-494-8492
A002@garlandisd.net
www.garlandisdschools.net/ghs