WHAT IS GIFTEDNESS?

The state of Florida recognizes "giftedness" as "students who have superior intellectual development and are capable of high performance". Osceola County identifies these students through a variety of methods, including teacher identification, screening, and test data evaluation.

Students who are identified as gifted may qualify for support services for their giftedness which can range from being grouped in classes with other gifted students, to being placed with teachers who understand their special needs, to having consulting teachers who meet with them on a regular basis.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE GIFTED?

• Gifted students will often ask “why?” about everything
• Gifted students will be heavily committed to a task they are interested in (this may not be school related…)
• Gifted students may be very emotionally mature, expressing concerns about world issues at a young age or wondering about their place in the world.
• Gifted students may be bored in class and sometimes do not have superior grades, yet they can answer every question the teacher asks.

           You Know Your Child is Gifted When… A Beginner’s Guide to Life on the Bright Side

OSCEOLA COUNTY'S GIFTED PROGRAM

In Osceola County, gifted students are served based on their individual needs at each individual school. While every school may serve gifted students differently, here are a few common programs found in our county:

Elementary – In elementary school (grades K-5) students are often served through a cluster model. In this approach, gifted students are grouped in the same classroom with peers of similar abilities, allowing them to engage in enriched discussions and work at an accelerated pace together. These classrooms are led by a Gifted Endorsed Teacher who has completed specialized training to understand the characteristics of gifted learners and how to best support them. Instruction in these settings should be differentiated, providing appropriately challenging work that promotes critical thinking, depth of understanding, and productive struggle.

Middle – In middle school (grades 6–8), gifted students are served through Advanced Academics, a dedicated gifted elective course. This class focuses on developing strong research and study skills while helping students understand their gifted asynchrony and how it impacts their learning and personal growth. Advanced Academics classes are led by Gifted Endorsed Teachers who have completed specialized training to understand the characteristics, needs, talents, and potential challenges associated with gifted learners. Their expertise ensures students receive instruction and support tailored to their advanced abilities.

High – In high school (grades 9–12), gifted students are served through the Consultation Model. In this model, each gifted student receives a minimum of a 15‑minute monthly consultation with a Gifted Endorsed Teacher. These consultations support students in areas ranging from academics to life skills, problem‑solving, and planning for college. Students may also seek guidance on scheduling, identifying challenging opportunities, and accessing enrichment during the school day.

Some schools provide a dedicated gifted elective course, Gifted Studies, for incoming 9th graders. This course helps students transition to high school and build a relationship with the Gifted Endorsed Teacher who will provide consultations throughout their high school experience. This course focuses on strengthening study skills, helping students understand their individual learning styles and talents, and supporting them as they develop a vision for navigating high school and preparing for college admission.

 

Odyssey of the Mind - Most schools also offer the "Odyssey of the Mind" enrichment program that is great for helping your gifted student grow their creativity and enrich their learning. Students in this club are given problems that require a range of skills and creativity to accurately solve over the course of many months without adult help. Teams participate in a tournament in February. For more information on Odyssey, contact an administrator at your student's school, or visit the Osceola County Odyssey of the Mind page.

Osceola Young Scholars Academy (Formerly GLIMPSE Academy) - This camp is designed for gifted and high-achieving students in grades K-8. The students will participate in activities designed to promote team building, discovery, and problem-solving. The teachers will be using Enrichment Clusters to design lessons to promote higher-level thinking with the students.