Gifted and Talented Programs
Middle Level GT Program
Program Model
Identified GT students in Grades 6-8 are currently served through the special class model. Qualified GT students are served via GT English Language Arts classes. Grade 6 ELA GT, Grade 7 ELA GT, and Grade 8 English 1 Honors* are designed to accelerate and enrich ELA content via deeper content connections, conversations, and critical thinking.
This model of gifted instruction is supported by the SC Department of Education. A curriculum overview is linked at the end of this page.
*NOTE: To enroll in Grade 6 ELA GT and Grade 7 ELA GT, students must meet SC Gifted and Talented Qualification Criteria. To enroll in Grade 8 English 1 Honors, non-GT qualified students may register based on prerequisite grades and teacher recommendation
Advanced math classes are also offered in middle school but require prerequisite grades and test scores as well as teacher recommendation.
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.
Middle Level GT ELA 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.