Gifted and Talented

We understand gifted learners

Gifted and talented children have outstanding abilities, perform at remarkably high levels, and have very unique needs. Our teachers understand gifted learners and have worked to develop specialized learning opportunities to challenge and engage them every step of the way.

We work closely with students, teachers and families to identify gifted and talented learners and match them with the most appropriate learning environment - from classroom clusters to accelerated learning opportunities.

Contact

Heather Murray
Principal on Special Assignment
murrayh@stillwaterschools.org

Kristin Rolling
Stillwater Middle School Principal
rollingk@stillwaterschools.org

Gifted Programming

Elementary

Gifted Identification

Students - beginning in third grade - may be identified for gifted programming based on achievement data (FastBridge) and ability test results (CogAT).

The CogAT assessment is given to all third grade students as one way to determine eligibility for gifted programming. The test may also be given to students in other grades on a case by case basis. While this test can be used to identify gifted and talented students, more importantly, it is also used to identify strengths of all students that are not always revealed with achievement tests.

Elementary Gifted Programming

Gifted Clusters

Gifted clusters can be found in every elementary school in the district in grades 4 and 5. Cluster grouping is the practice of placing intellectually gifted students together in the same classroom with a teacher who has received additional training in working with gifted students.

Cluster classrooms have the same number of students as all other classes and include not only gifted students, but also students with a broad range of abilities. The idea of clustering is to allow high achieving students to learn with peers of all abilities, while also being able to group together for more challenging lessons. Cluster students do not necessarily use a different curriculum than the rest of the class. They are given more opportunities to go more in-depth with the curriculum.

Though testing for gifted programming doesn't happen until third grade, our high achieving students in grades K-3 also receive differentiated lessons from teachers as they see a need for more rigorous work in the classroom.

GATE (Gifted & Talented Education) Program

The elementary GATE (often called GATE 4/5) program serves a school-within-a-school for a small, very unique group of highly gifted learners in grades 4 and 5.

GATE will be moving to the new Bayport Elementary School in 2026-2027.

GATE 4/5 provides students with a challenging instructional program which meets and exceeds the district’s academic standards. Differentiation in the depth, breadth, and pace of instruction with an emphasis on higher level thinking skills is utilized to meet the needs of advanced learners.

Middle School

Middle School Gifted Programming

For many years, GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) programming has been offered only at Stillwater Middle. Beginning in 2026-27, both Stillwater Middle and Oak-Land Middle will provide similar academic experiences and high-quality options for GATE and gifted cluster students in grades 6-8, including access to:

Enriched English Language Arts (formerly called honors or accelerated ELA)
Enriched Science (formerly called honors)
Accelerated math pathways

This shift ensures that students across the district will have equitable access to advanced coursework at all grade levels —no matter which middle school they attend.

Middle School Programming Enhancements - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the middle school gifted program changing?

The district is expanding programming so that all gifted learners—those in the GATE program and those identified through our elementary cluster model—have access to enriched coursework at both middle schools. We’re creating a more inclusive and consistent system that ensures all students—regardless of where they live —receive high-quality, research-based instruction that supports their needs.

This change supports:

Equitable access for all students across the district: Students no longer need to travel outside their middle school boundary to access rigorous learning experiences.
Improved social-emotional well-being: Keeping students at their home middle school, alongside neighborhood peers and siblings, strengthens social connections, reduces anxiety, and supports healthy adjustment during a key developmental period.
Enhanced programming and opportunities for a broader group of learners: Enriched English and science classes and accelerated math pathways will be available at both buildings for any student ready for deeper or faster-paced learning.
Stronger continuity from elementary cluster programming into middle school: Students who participated in cluster programs and students from GATE will transition into a unified system of enriched and accelerated pathways.

Can incoming 6th graders (current 5th graders) still attend Stillwater Middle School for advanced programming?

Next year's 6th graders will attend their neighborhood (boundary) middle school and transportation will be provided. Enriched course options will be available in both Oak-Land and Stillwater Middle, so students do not need to leave their boundary school to access enriched learning.

What about current GATE students in middle school?

*Next year's 7th graders will have the option to:
- Attend their neighborhood middle school. Transportation will be provided.
- Request to remain at Stillwater Middle School by submitting an Alternate Enrollment Request. Decisions will be based on available space. Transportation will be available through a hub stop busing option.*
*Next year's 8th graders will remain enrolled at Stillwater Middle School for their final year. Transportation will be available through hub stop busing option.*

Will transportation be provided for students who choose to stay at SMS?

Hub stop busing will be available for next year’s 7th and 8th graders who remain at SMS. More information about hub locations and routes will be shared this spring.

How will course placement work?

Current GATE students will be enrolled into the appropriate accelerated math course and will continue on an appropriate pathway in science and ELA.

Will both middle schools offer the same level of rigor?

Yes. The district is committed to ensuring that both schools offer the same course options, expectations, and level of academic challenge for all of our gifted students.

What will happen to the current GATE model at Stillwater Middle School?

The district is shifting away from the previous model in which GATE students remained together in a single program at SMS. Beginning next year, advanced coursework will be available across both schools, allowing more flexibility and equitable access.

Will my child still be able to take advanced math classes?

Yes. Accelerated math pathways will continue to be offered at both schools, allowing students to progress at the pace that best meets their needs.

How will this affect students socially?

We understand the importance of peer connections, especially for current GATE students. Current SMS GATE students entering 7th or 8th grade may choose to stay with their peers at SMS, and schools will support students in building new friendships and connections as needed.

Moving forward, students will be able to attend their neighborhood school. Staying at their home middle school with familiar peers and siblings strengthens social connections and reduces anxiety. It also supports a healthy adjustment during this important developmental period. Students will continue to learn with a cohort of advanced peers, while having opportunities to build friendships and connections with a wider group of classmates.

How can I learn more or ask questions?

You may reach out to your middle school principal or Dr. Efe Agbamu at agbamue@stillwaterschools.org with specific questions.

High School

Gifted programming for high school students

Our comprehensive high school program is designed to meet the advanced learning needs of gifted and talented students. Developing a class schedule to appropriately challenge a student and prepare the student for future educational goals requires careful planning. Our academic counselors are available to help students and families create an academic pathway for the high school years and beyond.

Optional acceleration opportunities include:

Credit by Assessment

Opportunity for students to test out of some required courses.

Independent Study Projects

Opportunity for students to design a study project in an academic area of Interest.

Articulated College Credit (ACC)

Students take a course offered by a partnering technical or community college course that is taught right here at the high school, and may be able to earn credit recognized by that institution.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students who successfully complete these college-level courses taught at SAHS, and pass an AP exam, may be able to earn college credit at participating institutions.

Concurrent Enrollment (CE) and College in the Schools (CIS)

Students take a course offered by a partnering college or university that is taught right here at SAHS. Students who successfully complete the course may earn credit that is recognized by many institutions across the country.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

Students in grades 10-12 may enroll in courses offered on college campuses or online and can earn both high school and college credit.

Eligibility

Stillwater Area Public Schools has adopted research-based best-practice assessments to determine which students need specialized instructional services and programs to meet their full potential. Assessment procedures are specific to the student’s age and grade level and may include but not be limited to:

Cognitive (general intellectual) Ability tests
Achievement tests
Teacher recommendation/input

Classroom performance, all assessment information, and additional data is reviewed by a building/district identification team to determine whether or not the student is in need of specialized services and/or programs.

Testing accommodations will be considered only for students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Elementary Students:

Not currently enrolled in our schools?

Families of non-enrolled students who are interested in the GATE program need to submit reports of both ability and achievement tests. Stillwater Area Public Schools require scores from published, standardized tests administered by a qualified individual or educational institution.

Required Assessment Data:

Ability Test Scores - Examples of acceptable ability tests include: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Stanford-Binet V.
Achievement Test Scores - Examples of acceptable achievement tests include: NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), FastBridge, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, or any other nationally normed achievement test reporting mathematics and reading percentiles within the last 18 months.

Students currently enrolled in Stillwater Area Public Schools receive placement priority. Qualifying non-enrolled students will be invited to enroll for the following year in the GATE program after Feb. 1 as space allows.