Characteristics of Gifted Learners

Common Characteristics of Gifted Children

There is no universal checklist of characteristics of gifted children, and not all gifted children fit a typical profile. 

The information on this page is merely to serve as a starting point in helping identify and understand some of the characteristics you might be seeing in your child. 

Academically and/or intellectually gifted refers to individuals who demonstrate exceptional abilities and potential in academic or intellectual domains. These individuals typically possess advanced cognitive abilities, rapid learning capacity, and a high level of intellectual curiosity and creativity. They may exhibit exceptional skills in areas such as problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, memory, and academic achievement across various disciplines.

Academically gifted individuals often excel academically, achieving high grades and demonstrating a deep understanding of complex concepts. They may exhibit advanced knowledge and comprehension of subjects at a level beyond their age or grade level. Their intellectual abilities may extend to areas such as mathematics, science, language arts, social sciences, or the arts.

Intellectually gifted individuals possess a broader range of intellectual abilities, extending beyond traditional academic subjects. They often possess advanced reasoning skills, a capacity for abstract thinking, and the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. They may display a keen interest in philosophical questions, complex problem-solving, creative endeavors, and the pursuit of knowledge across multiple domains.

It's important to note that giftedness can manifest in various ways, and there is no single definition or set of criteria that universally captures all aspects of giftedness. Different individuals may demonstrate their giftedness in different ways, and their strengths and talents may vary across domains.

Durham Public Schools uses The North Carolina Department of Instruction's definition of giftedness:

"Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experiences or environment. Academically or Intellectually Gifted students exhibit high-performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both the intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or Intellectually Gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Article 9B (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5)"