Our program is designed to provide gifted students with the opportunity to achieve, to be self-directed, to accept responsibility, to develop creative and critical thinking skills, to pursue individual and alternative solutions, and to value inquiry and lifelong learning while working within the framework of the Common Core State Standards.

Program Philosophy

The Gorham School District's program for gifted learners is founded upon developmentally-appropriate structures that enable specialized instruction for students K-12 identified as gifted in academic, visual and performing arts. The programming provides gifted learners a school environment that addresses their unique learning needs.  

Learning opportunities for these students are in lieu of regular classroom instruction and these assignments or explorations are extensions of, or are different from, mainstream classroom instruction. Specialized instruction is grounded in the concept of depth versus breadth, where students are striving to reach deeper understandings of topics. Studies reasonably extend beyond the walls of the classroom. 

This program acknowledges the value of having gifted students spend time together for some portion of their schooling to fully enhance their social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

Program Goals

1. To provide opportunities, resources, and encouragement for the development and application of gifted behaviors.

2. To provide learning experiences and support systems that promote the interaction of creativity, task commitment, and above average ability.