West High School Highly Gifted Program

Students in the Highly Gifted program are offered the opportunity to access a differentiated program that may allow flexibility in scheduling a four-year plan of study.   This rigorous program yields an impressive number of National Merit Scholars as well as Presidential Scholar candidates. However, due to the challenge of the curriculum, students may discover that greater effort will be required to achieve the grades they are accustomed to earning.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, students must score at the 98th percentile or above on tests evaluating cognitive ability and academic achievement, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in core classes. The achievement score must be current within 3 years of entering high school.Students must also demonstrate a high level of competency and potential as measured by written work, transcript/GPA, teacher recommendations and interview.

Academic Planning

We are committed to providing each student with an academic plan that meets her/his unique needs and strengths.  In 9th and 10th grades, students must be enrolled in six classes. In 9th grade the HG program will cluster students in  Honors English, Biology, and Honors World History and schedule individually in Math, World Languages and electives based on ability and past achievement.  In 10th grade, the HG program will cluster students in Honors English and upon recommendation, place students in Honors US History or AP US History. The counselor will work with students on their high school plan and conduct annual SLP meetings.

In 11th and 12 grades, students may select from a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) classes as well as choose to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.  Two year individual plans are developed with each student with specific guidance provided in the areas of college planning.

Credit-by-choice options may include:  correspondence study, credit by examination, community service/field study and independent study. Completion of college course work and early admissions college programs are also options under credit-by-choice. Students admitted in the Highly Gifted program, must maintain a 2.5 GPA in core classes to remain in the program.  

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Gifted Mentorship Program  

The Gifted Mentorship Program offers eligible 11th and 12th grade gifted students the opportunity to experience a community-based education.  Individuals are paired with an adult mentor in a specific occupation, organization, or area of interest.  Students may apply by contacting Janet Morris, the Mentorship Coordinator for West High School: Morris_Janet@asdk12.org                For more information: http://www.asdk12.org/projects/gifted/

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Links for Students  

www.collegeboard.com  Register for SAT and Subject tests, college match service. quick reference to college information. Practice SAT questions provided. Sign up for the "SAT Word of the Day"

www.actstudent.org Register for the ACT test, in which the writing portion is optional.

www.princetonreview.com This is the best site for researching private schools

www.commonapp.org This is the most efficient way to apply to college as most colleges participate. Check the listing to see if your college is included. Fill out one application, and send to multiple schools.

wue.wiche.edu This site lists all participating state institutions in the WUE Scholarship Program. You may link directly to the college website for more information.

www.ctcl.com This is great! A database from one of the best college directories available, Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope. Also check out his other book, Looking Beyond the Ivy League.

www.ecampustours.com Take a virtual tour of 1800 different college campuses

www.bls.gov/oco/  Research professional careers with the online edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S.  Dep’t. of Labor.  Education requirements, growth potential, salary potential and more is available at this site.

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Articles for Students  

Overcoming Test Anxiety
Surviving Your College Search: The Adventure Begins
An Internet Road Map for the College Bound Student
Top Ten Tips for Writing Your College Essay
The Art of Selling Yourself
Scholarship Tips
Generation gap year: More students deferring college
Flying High -- Engineering Takes Off

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Articles for Parents  

College Planning for Gifted Youth
Leaving the Nest
Focus on Financial Aide-How to  Apply
A Parent’s Guide to Financial Aide
Tips for Parents-Helping Your Child Through College Admission
Parents’ Role in College Application

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