Overview
Elementary
At the elementary level in Zionsville Community Schools, students are identified for needing advanced curriculum instruction in Math, Language Arts, or General Intellectual (Both). The needs of gifted children are met in the same way that the needs of all students on the learning spectrum are met – through differentiating instruction. (If you would like to learn more about differentiated instruction, please look under “Additional Parent Resources” on this website.)
Most identified elementary students are cluster-grouped in one to three classrooms in each grade level at each Zionsville elementary school. They receive accelerated and more complex curriculum and instruction in math and/or language arts but otherwise participate in all other grade level activities, field trips, science/social studies curriculum and specials.
Middle School
Students placed in our middle school high ability program will experience an accelerated and differentiated curriculum specifically designed for students with high ability.
5th and 6th Grade High Ability
High ability students in 5th and 6th grades will have access to core courses designed to be differentiated in content, pace, and complexity. Mathematics curriculum is accelerated at least one year.
A transitional mathematics class is also available. This course compacts 5th, 6th, and 7th grade mathematics over two years.
7th and 8th Grade High Ability
Accelerated classes offered at the 7th and 8th grade level include language arts, science, social studies, and math (algebra is offered in 7th and 8th grade for high ability students).
Mathematics: Students who take high ability pre-algebra in the 7th grade are placed in high ability algebra in the 8th grade. Student who take high ability algebra in 7th grade are placed in honors geometry in 8th grade. The HA algebra class offered is an honors course more demanding than the regular freshman algebra course at ZCHS. The regular middle school algebra class offered is the same course offered to freshmen at ZCHS.
The options for students at the middle school are designed to offer many ways to develop and extend a child’s unique talents and interests as well as providing rigorous academic preparation for further study.
High School
At Zionsville Community High School, we provide a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced course work at the secondary and post-secondary level. We offer a variety of advanced courses designed to challenge and prepare students. High ability students at the freshman level may take English 9 Advanced Curriculum, Geometry Honors, and Algebra II Honors. The freshman advanced courses provide accelerated pacing, rigor, and enrichment allowing students to explore topics in greater depth. Students who are successful in an advanced course possess strong language arts and/or math skills, a high degree of self-motivation, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. All of these courses are based on the Indiana Academic Standards and fulfill the graduation requirements. Over half of all ZCS graduating seniors typically graduate with college credit in at least one or more subjects, most often through either a dual-credit offering with a university or credit received through AP examinations. High ability high school students with questions about appropriate options and prerequisites for placement should consult their school counselor.
Multiple professional development activities in gifted education are provided for our teachers. Each year a cadre of ZCS teachers attends the Indiana Association for Gifted conference. ZCS educators also attend free workshops offered in gifted education throughout the year by The Indiana Division of Exceptional Learners. Teachers meet regularly to share effective strategies and to review procedures. For our youngest learners, all teachers have been formally trained to recognize the characteristics and special needs of gifted children.
State grant funds are used to bring nationally-recognized experts to us and to purchase professional resources and student materials. The grant also provides stipends for teachers to pursue an endorsement in high ability education. The number of high ability endorsed elementary teachers in ZCS has increased significantly in the past several years. All teachers district-wide follow the curriculum established for students who need advanced instruction and receive resources and training throughout the year.