- Anchorage School District
- High School Gifted Programs
High School Highly Gifted Program at West High
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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.
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 Highly Gifted English, Highly Gifted Biology, and Highly Gifted Social Studies and schedule individually in Math, World Languages and electives based on past achievement & ability. In 10th grade, the HG program will cluster students in Highly Gifted English, and upon recommendation, place students in Honors or AP level Social Studies. The counselor will work with students on their high school plan and conduct annual SLP meetings.
In Grades 11 & 12, 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 into the Highly Gifted Program must maintain a 2.5 GPA in core classes to remain in the program.
Program Eligibility
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Students must score at the 98th percentile or above on tests evaluating cognitive ability and academic achievement. A minimum GPA of 3.5 for 2 of 3 semesters at middle school with no D's or F's is also required. The achievement score must be current within two 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.
Gifted Mentorship Program at ASD High Schools
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The Gifted Mentorship Program is for exceptional high school juniors and seniors who are self disciplined and interested in pursuing an independent study under the direction of a professional/expert in a field of great interest to the student. The program is for high-ability, high-achieving students who have completed advanced coursework.