Gifted and Talented Academy (GTA)
The advanced programs at North Middle School and Jenkins Middle School are designed on the Talent Development Model of Gifted Education, which recognizes that a student's giftedness may not be global. For example, a student may have areas of giftedness – in math, art, ELA, music, or leadership. The advanced programs at North and Jenkins use individualized scheduling. This process allows for greater access to instruction in areas of high aptitude. Students can participate in up to 6 advanced classes at different levels of acceleration. This differs from the all or nothing approach of other programs. This research-based approach enables North MS and Jenkins MS to address the needs of each student individually.
GTA Application Process
Timeline and Checklist Guide for Applying to the Gifted and Talented Academy (GTA)
- Complete the appropriate GTA application by the grade-level due date.
- Applications open December 1 for Grades 6-8. Apply by February 15th
- Obtain a teacher recommendation from a teacher who knows your student well.
- Share the Gifted Talented Academy (GTA) Teacher Recommendation Form so they may complete an online recommendation.
- If you are applying from outside School District 11, provide formal identification paperwork and/or most recent advanced learning plan and relevant test scores to gt@d11.org, Gifted Programs Specialist.
- Please review the GTA Selection Criteria when applying.
Family Resources and Events
Gifted and Talented Academy (GTA) Meetings:
December 10 at North Middle School 6:00-7:30pm
December 12 at Jenkins 5:30-6:30pm
Please contact Ray Sevits (raymond.sevits@d11.org) at North and Megan Goglio (megan.goglio@d11.org) at Jenkins if you are interested in setting up a GTA shadow experience.