The School for Creative Studies Advanced Academic Program


What is the SCS Advanced Academics Vision

At SCS our vision is to have all students reach full potential and growth by combining the highest level of curiosity and cognitive engagement with the aptitude of our gifted and advanced students in order to achieve lifelong success.

Creative Studies' AIG program is aligned with and supports the DPS AIG Plan.

The AIG curriculum attempts to link the high curiosity and aptitude of gifted students with advanced coursework that moves at an accelerated pace. This curriculum fosters independent thinking and learning within a challenging classroom environment.

We can do this uniquely with our 6-12th grade vertical alignment possibilities within our English and math courses, enrichment, as well with advanced electives courses.

How does Advanced Academics look at SCS?

Courses are taught by staff members who have received certification, are in the certification process, or have had professional development on teaching AIG students. Teachers who do not fall in either of these categories work closely with the Instructional Facilitator or AIG Facilitator and/or teacher in the same subject area who is AIG certified to plan relevant instruction.

Students receive specialized and rigorous instruction in all classes, but are specifically placed with like peers in appropriate math and English courses. The advanced academics team will work together to review data, collect samples, and receive teacher input throughout the year and transitions to make sure we are best serving our students. We have unique opportunities to do this being that we start with the students in the sixth grade and continue to provide and serve them until they graduate.

In the past we have coordinated professional learning and/or training for advisors of enrichment activities such as, but not limited to, MathCounts, Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate, National Junior Honor Society, and Odyssey of the Mind, Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, DukeTip!

Advanced Academics Specialist
@The School for Creative Studies:

Ashley Gray Taylor @ Ashley_Taylor@dpsnc.net


SCS Advanced Academics Committee


  • Ms. Clay, Principal

  • Ms. Ashley Gray Taylor, MS ELA, AIG Specialist

  • Mr. Gibson, MS AP

  • Ms. Bridges, HS AP

  • Dr. Kia Barfield, HS Math

  • Mrs. Shara Settle, High School Counselor

  • Mrs. Susanne Meza-Keuthen, Middle School Counselor

  • Ms. Veronica Black, HS EC Teacher/Case Manager

  • Ms. Crevoiserat, AP Coordinator, Magnet Coordinator

  • Ms. Vanessa Barnes, MTSS, Testing Coordinator

  • Ms. Kristen Street, Librarian

  • Ms. Smith, HS English, AP English, English Department Chair

  • Mr. Maurico Pantoja: HS History, AP History

  • Mr. Van Vliet: MS Math

  • Ms. Allison Keller: Film!


Advanced Academics Team also includes:

  • ALL Teachers: who will be providing instruction to an identified student or grade level subject area teacher knowledgeable about serving AIG students. (Especially those who teach those super awesome blended math courses! :)

  • ALL Parents


Need to know more about Advanced Academics?


District Advanced Academics Website: HERE <-GREAT RESOURCE for teachers, students, and parents!

Parents, teachers, and students can have a voice in improving our AIG program by participating in surveys, focus groups, and Kitchen Table Conversations. The Advanced Academic website will post when these events are planned and our school will send out information by way of the students, Ms.Price's weekly message, as well as the AIG website. You can always contact the AIG Facilitator at our school!