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Gifted & Talented
Gifted & Talented Education
We are pleased to share an important update on the Leonia School District’s ongoing work to enhance our Gifted & Talented (G&T) Program. As part of our mission to provide all students with challenging and equitable learning experiences, the district recently completed a comprehensive review of our G&T services.
This initiative, conducted by an external consultant, evaluated the effectiveness of our current G&T practices across all three school buildings. The audit focused on alignment with the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:8-3.1 and the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, with an emphasis on equitable access and areas for program improvement. The findings and recommendations were presented at the April 22, 2025, Board of Education meeting. The audit process included valuable input from board members, parents, staff, and administrators, as well as a review of student identification and participation data, instructional practices, and program communication.
The results confirmed Leonia’s strong commitment to supporting advanced learners and identified several opportunities for growth, including clarifying the distinction between gifted education and enrichment, improving equitable identification processes, expanding project-based learning experiences, and enhancing professional development for staff.
In alignment with our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the district will launch a focused implementation plan beginning in Summer 2025 to ensure our gifted services are rigorous, equitable, and responsive to student needs. This implementation includes training for administrators, professional development for staff, and establishing committees to help improve the identification process and the program offerings.
We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and opportunity for each of our students.
Coordinator: Jin Lee, Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Programs
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We are committed to identifying and supporting students who demonstrate exceptional ability and potential. Our Gifted & Talented (G&T) program is designed to provide meaningful academic challenges, enrichment opportunities, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of high-achieving learners, while ensuring access to the full general education curriculum.
We are currently in the process of reviewing our program offerings (see the plan forward for more information). This section will be updated as we continue to modify and improve our current offerings.
ACS Elementary School
Grades K-4
The elementary Gifted and Talented Program (G&T) program is designed to meet the needs of advanced learners through differentiated instruction that provides appropriate challenge, rigor, and enrichment. The program nurtures each student's strengths by fostering critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity. Learning experiences and interdisciplinary projects are intentionally designed to go beyond grade-level standards, encouraging depth of understanding, high-order thinking, and meaningful engagement.Leonia Middle School
Grades 5
The 5th Grade Gifted and Talented Program provides differentiated instruction designed to challenge students at their level and extend their learning beyond the grade-level expectations. Through engaging multidisciplinary projects and enrichment experiences, students explore content in greater depth and complexity while developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. G&T instruction emphasizes rigor, inquiry, and academic growth.Grade 6
The 6th-grade classes are departmentalized by content area. Placement in accelerated Math classes is determined using a multiple-measures matrix. In the other content areas, the 6th Grade Gifted and Talented Program provides differentiated instruction designed to challenge students at their level and extend their learning beyond the grade-level expectations. Through engaging multidisciplinary projects and enrichment experiences, students explore content in greater depth and complexity while developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. G&T instruction emphasizes rigor, inquiry, and academic growth.Portfolio Classes: Students in grades 7-8 are identified through an application process for placement in Portfolio English, Social Studies, and Science classes. Multiple measures are used in this identification process. Approximately 25% of students are enrolled in Portfolio classes.
Math: Math placement in accelerated classes is determined separately using a multiple-measures matrix. Students are identified in grades 6, 7, and 8.
- Multiple Points of Entry: Students have annual opportunities for reconsideration based on updated assessments and performance data.
- Summer Program Pathway: The SMILE summer program serves as an additional entry point for students seeking eligibility for the accelerated math track.
Clubs: The middle school offers a wide range of interest-based clubs that are available for all students to participate in.
Leonia High School
Grades 9-12: High School programming included Academy Programs and AP courses taught by content area specialists.
Students at the high school level are identified and enrolled in:- Advanced Placement (AP) courses are based on prior academic performance and prerequisite requirements.
- Students may apply to and enroll in multiple Academy programs, including:
- Leonia Academy of STEM
- Leonia High School Marketing and Business Leaders Academy
- Leonia Humanities Academy
- Leonia Music and Arts Conservatory
- Leonia Academy for Hospitality and the Culinary Arts
- Leonia High School Academy of Vocations and Trades
Academy Programs and Dual Enrollment Opportunities require a formal application. Most academy courses include dual enrollment options, allowing students to earn college credit while gaining specialized knowledge in their chosen fields.
The AP program and academy courses are integral components of Leonia High School’s academic offerings. They provide students with opportunities to engage in rigorous coursework. These programs support post-secondary planning by enabling students to explore potential career pathways and earn college credit while still in high school.PK-12 Instructional Supports and Monitoring
Educators use evidence-based strategies and enriched instructional tools to help G&T students extend and deepen their learning. Instruction is delivered through tiered supports, in alignment with best practices outlined in the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS/MTSS) framework. Student progress is monitored throughout the year. Programming is periodically reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness, and adjustments are made as needed.PK-12 Family Involvement and Communication
Families of students identified as gifted and talented are consulted and informed of services available to support their child’s learning. Communication is ongoing, and parents are encouraged to participate in conversations about their child’s progress, needs, and experiences in the G&T program. -
We are currently in the process of reviewing our criteria for eligibility (see the plan forward for more information). This section will be updated as we continue to review and modify our criteria.
Identification Process
The district uses a multi-measure approach to identify students for gifted and talented services. Student performance is assessed using a variety of qualitative and quantitative data, including:- Reading Running Records
- Math Assessments
- Standards-Based Classroom Assessments
- STAR Renaissance Learning Assessments
- NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment) Results
- Art and Music Teacher Assessments and Recommendations
Students are typically reviewed for G&T eligibility at the end of Grade 3, and selected students participate in the program beginning in Grade 4. However, student performance is reviewed continuously, and referrals can be made at any time by teachers or parents.
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Appeal Process
At Leonia Public Schools, we use a thoughtful and comprehensive process to identify gifted learners. If a parent or guardian believes their child was not appropriately identified for the Gifted & Talented (G&T) program, they may request an appeal by submitting a written sppeal to the building principal. The written request shall include:
- The reason for the appeal.
- Any evidence that supports the child’s need for program modifications.
- A portfolio of student work or relevant assessments, for example:
- Up to five student work samples (e.g., original writing, artwork, projects).
- Cognitive or achievement test results from a licensed psychologist within the past two years.
A review meeting will be scheduled with the principal, classroom teacher, enrichment teacher, G&T Coordinator, and the parent/guardian to discuss the student’s performance and determine appropriate next steps.
Gifted & Talented Complaint ProcedureAs outlined in N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq., any individual who believes the district has not followed state regulations for Gifted & Talented education may file a written complaint with the Leonia Board of Education. The Board will review the complaint and provide a written response. If the individual disagrees with the Board’s decision, they may file an appeal with the New Jersey Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes, following procedures in N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9.
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