Gifted Education

Gifted students are those students who demonstrate high levels of academic accomplishment or show exceptional academic potential beyond their age peers of similar experience or environment. These students need advanced and complex content that is paced and sequenced to respond to their intellectual curiosity, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and rapid acquisition and understanding of information.

The Prince William County Public Schools Gifted Education and Talent Development Program offers pull-out resource services in kindergarten through 12th grade for students whose learning needs cannot be entirely met in the general education classroom setting.

Gifted students typically have one of more of the following characteristics.

Curious, questioning attitude

Keen observer

Vivid imagination

Learns quickly

Sophisticated sense of humor

Exceptional memory

Sensitive to human issues, fairness, justice

Effective communication skills

Motivated to learn or develop a skill

Quickly learning a second language

Intense interests

Enjoys problem-solving

The gifted education identification process is ongoing throughout the school year. A student may be referred at any time by a parent, professional, divisionwide screening tool, or self-referral. The process begins with the completion of a referral form. These forms are available on the PWCS Gifted Education and Talent Development website. Referrals can also be made by sending an email to the gifted education resource teacher at the school.

To refer a student for gifted evaluation, return the referral form or send an email to Miss Morgan McCole, the gifted education resource teacher at Occoquan Elementary School. If you would like a printed copy of the referral form, if you have any questions about gifted services, or if you would like more information, please contact Miss Morgan McCole at mccoleme@pwcs.edu.

More information about the gifted identification process and gifted services can also be found on the PWCS Gifted Education and Talent Development website.