Gifted and Talented Programs
Elementary Challenge Program
Program Model
Challenge is designed to complement regular classroom instruction and serves gifted students in a resource or pull-out class model. Students in Grade 3 receive 125 minutes of instruction per week while students in Grades 4-5 receive 200 minutes of instruction per week. This model of gifted instruction is supported by the SC Department of Education.
Challenge curriculum centers around integrated units of study that offer enrichment in the core content areas of English, mathematics, social studies, and science. A curriculum overview is linked at the end of this page.
Student Qualification Criteria
Gifted and talented educational programs in South Carolina are established by SC Regulation R43-220 and regulated by the SC Department of Education (SDE). For more information regarding the qualification process, please see the SC Gifted and Talented Programs Qualification Criteria .
Student Qualification Timeline
All students enrolled in a South Carolina public school participate in gifted and talented screening in Grade 2. Students have additional opportunities to qualify in Grades 3-12. For more information regarding the qualification timeline, please see the GCS Gifted and Talented Programs Qualification Timeline and Opportunities.
Challenge Curriculum
Non-GCS Students - Aptitude Assessment Opportunity
Each October, Greenville County Schools offers the CogAT aptitude assessment for students who reside in Greenville County but are not currently enrolled in a SC public school that offers aptitude testing. If a non-GCS student wishes to be evaluated for SC gifted and talented qualification, including admission to the Charles Townes Center, the student may register to take the CogAT aptitude assessment with Greenville County Schools. Registration for this special testing opportunity is required, and registration links will be posted on the GCS School District and Sterling School websites during September of each school year.