The goal of the GATE program is to meet the unique needs of the identified gifted and talented students in a way that is markedly different from the regular curriculum program.

Grades 3-6 students may be identified for the GATE pullout classes by meeting the multiple criteria set by our District within the State's guidelines. A teacher, parent, or other adult may refer a child for GATE screening. Since we are a small district, and to ensure full inclusion of all our students, we (with parent permission) test all of our second grade students annually in June with the Cognitive Abilities Test. The GATE Coordinator collects the various data including teacher ratings, achievement tests, etc., for a review by a school acceptance committee that makes the final decision for admission to the program.

In September, we contact the parents of students new to our District, inform them of our GATE program, and give them an opportunity to have their child(ren) tested. Our teachers also make recommendations concerning new students. Further individual assessment of children previously tested by the District will be given upon request by parents, students, or teachers at the discretion of the committee. Children in grades 3-6 will not be tested in two consecutive years. Transfer students who have already been GATE-identified will have their records reviewed to determine continued eligibility. The committee may require additional testing.

GATE students in grades 7 and 8 are served through acceleration in the four core fields and participation in special programs and/or elective offerings.