High School Highly Gifted Program at West High

Students in the Highly Gifted (HG) program are offered the opportunity to access a differentiated and rigorous curriculum that challenges a student to further explore their interests. These students are college-bound, driven, and excited to work within a rigorous educational track.  HG teachers regularly collaborate to help make sure curriculum and student’s academic and social emotional needs are met.  Due to the accelerated and enriched 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 their unique needs and strengths.

Designated Highly Gifted classes:

9^th grade:

• HG Biology
• HG English I
• HG Alaska Studies/Freshman Career Academy Exploration

10^th grade:

• HG English II

Students are scheduled individually in Math, World Languages, and other electives based on past achievement and ability.  In 10th grade, students will be placed in Honors or AP level Social Studies upon recommendation.  In 11th & 12th grade, 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. 

Program Eligibility and Requirements

Qualifying students must have a reading achievement score at or above the 96th percentile and a verbal ability score at or above the 98th percentile.  The achievement score must be current within one year, and the ability score within 3 years of placement in the HG Program. 

To maintain enrollment in the high school program students are required to achieve a grade of C or higher in all core classes. To maintain enrollment in the middle school HG program, and continue into the high school program, students are required to achieve a grade of C or higher in all core classes. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of competency and potential as measured by written work, transcript/GPA, teacher recommendations, and/or interview. 

The West High HG program is carefully designed with year-long courses for 9th and 10th graders, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience. To participate, ASD students must commit to the program at the beginning of the academic year, as mid-year enrollment is not allowed due to the sequential structure of the curriculum.

To maintain enrollment in the program, students are required to achieve a grade of C or higher in all core classes. If a student receives a D or F in any core class:

• The student and their parents will be notified during the first semester, allowing time for intervention and support.
• If the required academic standards are not met by the end of the semester, students will transition to an alternative schedule for the second semester to better meet their academic needs.

This proactive approach ensures that students have the opportunity to succeed in a rigorous academic environment while providing clear communication and appropriate support.

Gifted Mentorship Program at ASD High Schools

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.