Gifted & Talented

Gifted & talented students in grades 9–12 pursue challenges suited to their unique abilities.

Laurel Springs offers experiences for gifted & talented students that develop the intellect, encourage achievement, and nurture academic and personal goals. Our students participate in a more elaborate, in-depth study of major topics, and engage in problem solving that integrates knowledge across systems of thought. In addition, our teachers encourage students to demonstrate leadership qualities, high-level practical skills, and a capacity for creative thinking.

As a distance learning program, we are able to create an individualized learning plan that is built upon each student’s strengths and needs. This process allows the teachers to collaborate with each student to develop a path focusing on his or her areas of interest and future goals.

“The Academy allowed me to take advantage of many Honors and AP course offerings with strong and consistent teacher support. The symposia, online seminars, and forums for Academy students helped me to develop relationships with my peers. I completed in-depth projects in my areas of interest, and my teachers were always available to assist. With Academy support, I managed my athletic training schedule and academic demands, including college courses, which allowed me to complete my high school education one year early.”
- Matej Silecky, Class of 2011

The Laurel Springs Gifted & Talented Academy offers families all the opportunities of an elite private school including certified teachers, excellent curriculum, school counseling, mentoring, and college placement services.  Curriculum options include Honors and AP courses, as well as opportunities to conduct in-depth research projects on topics of the student’s choosing.

To learn more about the Gifted & Talented Academy, please complete our inquiry form.

How the Gifted & Talented Program Works

Our students work independently and with their teachers, and also collaborate with like-minded peers through online discussions, seminars and classes.  The Academy offers virtual classroom experiences and the advantage of working in small, intimate groups, so gifted students can get to know each other and feel supported by their peers and teachers.  We recognize that gifted & talented children may develop asynchronously, so Academy students are placed in the most appropriate courses for their learning level, regardless of their chronological age. 

Academy students are encouraged to stretch their capability of complex analysis, evaluation, in-depth exploration and critical thinking.  They present their research through an original piece of writing or through an exhibition, such as film, photography, or the creation of a website. These research projects are often developed around a student’s specific gift or talent, providing an exciting journey of deeper involvement and understanding of his or her favorite artistic, musical, athletic, or intellectual pursuits.   

We enrich the experience for gifted students by offering worldwide symposia on advanced topics, introducing guest speakers who are professionals and experts from a variety of disciplines.

Academy teachers are trained to create unique learning paths through courses, enabling each student to pursue greater depth of breadth in the content area, based on his or her individual needs. Our teachers specialize in the art of differentiated instruction for various types of gifted learners. One-on-one communication is the basis for an educational dialogue that encourages students to move beyond what they could achieve in a traditional setting.

Admission to the Gifted & Talented Academy

The Laurel Springs Gifted & Talented Academy admits students in grades 9-12 on a year-round basis, though most students follow a traditional fall to early summer schedule. The ideal candidate has a proven record of academic excellence, high achievement in areas of personal interest beyond academics, strong test results, and recommendations from teachers and mentors.

Students who are interested in applying for acceptance into our Academy program should complete and submit the following forms for our Academy selection committee to review. It is important to complete and submit all documents to be considered for Academy acceptance.

• Academy Checklist
• Academy Student Questionnaire
• Academy Parent-Guardian Recommendation
• Academy Recommendation

Tuition

Tuition for enrollment in the Laurel Springs Gifted & Talented Academy is $12,000 for a full year and $6,500 for a semester, which includes:

• Up to 6 courses/6 credits (3 credits for semester enrollment), with personalized teacher service and curriculum materials
• Symposia participation
• Elective and PE Portfolios as required or desired
• Mentor-teacher services
• Personal college coach with weekly meetings
• Learning style profile and consultation with learning success coach
• Lab kits, enrollment fees, shipping costs and sales taxes (CA residents only)

Additional courses are $1,600 each for a full year and $800 each for a semester.

For more information about admission requirements and the application process, call the Academy’s Admissions Coordinator, Beth Probert, at 877-925-1451, or email BProbert@LaurelSprings.com.