The Elementary Discovery Program is a self-contained, center based, program for highly gifted learners grades 2-6. The program is designed for identified gifted learners who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from the regular school gifted programming options.
The Discovery Program is currently housed regionally at three schools: Northridge Elementary in Highlands Ranch, Renaissance ELOB School in Castle Rock, and Pine Lane Elementary in Parker.
The Douglas County School District’s Discovery Program is designed to meet the needs of gifted elementary school students who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from the regular school gifted programming. These students have likely exhausted the gifted education resources provided by their general education setting and may be identified by the following characteristics:
They make connections between and among disciplines and concepts beyond what may be expected among their age peers.
They are able to learn quickly and require appropriately paced instruction.
They are usually inquisitive and often passionate about one or more areas of interest.
They have interests beyond those expected of their peers.
They are advanced academically in literacy and numeracy concepts.
They have academic needs that require modifications beyond what can be expected in the regular classroom.
They display a high level of cognitive potential.
They have social and emotional needs which are suited to grouping with intellectual peers.
The Discovery Program meets the needs of its learners through the following:
Allowing for both acceleration and enrichment in multiple areas of the curriculum, ensuring student progress commensurate with ability.
Stressing academically rigorous content in order to excel in meeting or exceeding state and national grade level standards in identified areas of strength.
Supporting unique academic, emotional, and social needs.
Fostering self-motivation, responsibility and self-confidence, and establishing patterns of independent lifelong learning.
More information can be found at the DCSD website.