Services Provided

General Background Information

The gifted and talented program at Fort Thomas Independent Schools consists of two separate programs: The Primary Talent Pool Program (PTP) and the QUEST Program (Gifted and Talented Program). Both programs are outlined below.


*For a listing of possible services provided on the QUEST Gifted Student Service Plan, scroll to the bottom and click on the Gifted Student Service Plan (GSSP) document.

Primary Talent Pool Program


What is the Primary Talent Pool (PTP) Program?

The Primary Talent Pool program is for highly capable students who are in first, second or third grade. Kindergarten students can be referred for selection during the second semester. Once students are selected for the PTP program, they remain in the program until the end of their third grade year. This program gives teachers an opportunity to provide enrichment and differentiated lesson plans (on an as-needed basis) to the selected students. Participation in the PTP program does not guarantee gifted services as the child reaches fourth grade.


Parent Notification:

Parents of students who qualify for the PTP program will receive a letter in September stating that their child has qualified for services.


Services Offered:

Students who qualify for the PTP program will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of services offered by the Gifted and Talented Department at Fort Thomas Independent Schools. These services may included (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Differentiation/cluster grouping provided by the classroom teacher on an as-needed basis.

  • Collaboration/consultation may also occur between the regular classroom teacher and the gifted program teachers.

  • Small group pull out sessions will be offered to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade PTP students. Times and dates will vary depending on space, student numbers, and areas of need.

QUEST Program

What is the QUEST Program?

The QUEST Program is a program for identified gifted and talented students who are in the 4th-12th grades at Fort Thomas Independent Schools. Once students are identified as being a part of the QUEST Program, they are identified until the end of their 12th grade year.


Identification Areas:

  • General Intellectual Ability

  • Academic

    • Math

    • Science

    • Language Arts/Reading

    • Social Studies

  • Visual and Performing Arts

    • Dance

    • Drama

    • Instrumental Music

    • Vocal Music

    • Visual Arts

  • Creativity

  • Leadership

Qualification Information:

For information on required qualifications for the QUEST program see the "Qualification Information" page on the menu at the top of this page.

Parent Notification:

Parents of students who qualify for the QUEST program will receive a letter in September.

Services Offered:

Students who qualify for the QUEST program will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of services offered by the Gifted and Talented Department at Fort Thomas Independent Schools. QUEST students have the option to participate in the services as listed below. These services may include (but are not limited to) the following:


  • 4th and 5th grade QUEST Students:

    • Students may receive differentiated activities or assignments based on their area of giftedness and provided by the classroom teacher.

    • Collaboration/consultation may also occur between the regular classroom teacher and the gifted program teachers.

    • Students may also receive pull-out services based on their area of identification. A variety of units will be offered at various times throughout the year (information about each unit will be published on this website and sent home via student folders).

  • 6th-8th grade QUEST Students: IN PROGRESS OF UPDATE

    • Students are serviced based on their identified areas of giftedness. Students are invited to attend a four week session (once a week), which includes four half days. Each session includes enrichment projects and activities related to the identified area (for example: Math or Science) and that grade level's core content. There is a different four-week session offered for each area of giftedness. In addition, the sessions are scheduled to avoid conflict with the regular classroom events and are offered throughout the year so that students do not miss too much class time.

    • Students may also receive differentiated activities or assignments based on their area of giftedness and provided by the classroom teacher.

    • Collaboration/consultation may also occur between the regular classroom teachers and the gifted program teachers.

  • High School QUEST Students:

    • High School QUEST students have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of AP classes offered at Highlands High School.

    • Opportunities for leadership experiences outside of the school environment will be forwarded to the students as they are received.

    • Students may also receive differentiated activities or assignments based on their area of giftedness, and provided by the classroom teacher (on an as-needed basis).

GSSP Definitions.doc