Elementary School Level
Gifted elementary students are provided with instruction via a differentiated curriculum responsive to the educational needs of the child. Gifted students may choose to apply to a centrally located full-time gifted elementary school, Old Donation Center, or students may remain in the neighborhood school and receive services via the resource-cluster program. Both models provide opportunities for gifted students to benefit from learning challenges offered through the differentiation of curricula, the incorporation of strategies designed to raise the level of learning, and the availability of specialized programs. The educational delivery models found at Old Donation Center and the home school resource-cluster program encourage and provide an arena for all teachers of gifted learners to practice effective collaboration. Through collegial sharing and opportunities for professional growth, they provide services for the entire elementary population. If you need additional information contact Kelly A. Hedrick, Director, Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development at kellya.hedrick@vbschools.com.
Read about the Gifted Dance and Gifted Visual Arts Programs (Grades 3-5) housed at Old Donation Center.
Middle School Level
The Middle School Gifted Program serves students through a resource-cluster model or a full-time gifted school. Students may apply for admission to the gifted middle school, Kemps Landing Magnet, or students may choose to remain in their neighborhood schools and receive gifted instruction through the resource-cluster model. Either option allows gifted students to work to their potential through curricular opportunities emphasizing differentiated instruction, specialized programs, and the use of strategies designed especially to raise levels of thinking and learning. If you need additional information contact Kelly A. Hedrick, Director, Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development at kellya.hedrick@vbschools.com.
Read about the Gifted Dance (Grades 3-8) and the Gifted Visual Arts Program (Grades 6-8)
High School Level
High school gifted students have a variety of offerings to consider. Each high school offers advanced placement courses, gifted program courses, and the services of a gifted resource teacher based at that school. Course offerings emphasize differentiated instruction, specialized programs, and the use of strategies designed especially to raise levels of thinking and learning. If you need additional information contact Kelly A. Hedrick, Director, Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development at kellya.hedrick@vbschools.com.
Read about Governor’s School for the Arts
Read about the Summer Residential Governor’s School
Local Plan for Gifted Education
Each school division is required to submit to the Virginia Department of Education for approval a plan for the education of gifted students. Copies of Virginia Beach's plan are available on this site and upon request. Copies and alternative formats of the document are available at the school administration building.