The Gifted Directed Study, an elective year-long course for gifted-identified 10th and 11th graders, provides carefully-designed research experiences for self-motivated and self-disciplined gifted-identified students through the opportunity for independent investigation in a specific area of interest or passion, development of research techniques, and the practice of applying higher level thinking skills. The Gifted Specialist monitors and facilitates the independent study and collaborates with the student to define and schedule a personalized learning contract. The course culminates in the creation of a final product and formal presentation of the student’s research findings. Students must apply to take the course and receive approval before placement and scheduling.