Advanced & Gifted

Gifted children can and do have learning disabilities. Gifted children with learning disabilities often go unidentified because their advanced cognitive abilities often mask their learning disabilities.

It is widely acknowledged that giftedness is an inherent attribute. Although a few believe giftedness can be achieved through nurturing, the overwhelming consensus is that giftedness is present at birth, an inherited trait.

Once a student is found eligible for gifted services at a public school in the state of Georgia, the student remains gifted for their entire academic career, as long as they continue to meet the continuation requirements. If a student moves to a different district within the state, he or she does NOT have to retest at the new school as long as the necessary paperwork is provided.

The Gifted referral window at GCA opens in January every school year for parents, students, counselors, FELS, etc., to refer a student to be reviewed for potential gifted screening. Students are screened in Mental Ability, Achievement, Creativity and Motivation.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (USED OCR) estimates that six (6) percent of public school students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs.