Old Donation School

Old Donation School (ODS) is a centralized, full-time, gifted school serving identified students in grades two through eight. Admission is application based and requires that students meet the criteria for gifted identification in VBCPS. The ODS curriculum expands and extends the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) curriculum specifically to meet the needs of the gifted learner. The specialized curriculum is designed using methods and resources for developing the abilities of gifted learners.

The middle school component requires all students to study a world language beginning in grade 6. In addition to these language credits, all students receive credit toward graduation for Algebra I, Geometry and Earth Science upon successful completion of these courses. Because a world language is required of all students at the school, an extended day allows participation in an exploratory program. Classes such as chorus, orchestra, band, theater arts, computers, oral/written communication, and other specialized courses are offered. Extracurricular activities include options such as forensics, debate, Academic Challenge, SCA intramurals and other clubs in which students have special interests. Students may participate in athletic sports teams in their neighborhood schools with transportation provided.

At Old Donation School, students who may be experiencing difficulties in their coursework are provided opportunities to develop strategies to be successful. Rarely, a change in placement of where students receive gifted services may result. When this occurs, the Senior Executive Director for Middle Schools will be notified in writing. However, students do not exit the gifted program. Every area of service (resource cluster, Old Donation School, and resource model at the high school level) consistently assesses the needs of the students and modifications are made accordingly in order to best meet the needs of the student. The VBCPS gifted program places in emphasis on the transition points, elementary to middle, middle to high and neighborhood school to select school, to ensure that students meet with success to minimize a need for a change in services.