Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

At Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy, we are committed to cultivating the brilliance, creativity, and leadership potential of our gifted and talented scholars. Grounded in the district’s vision of preparing globally competitive, critical, and creative thinkers, our program is designed to challenge students intellectually while nurturing their curiosity, confidence, and voice.

Our Gifted & Talented program provides enriched, rigorous learning experiences that encourage scholars to think deeply, solve complex problems, and explore advanced concepts across content areas. We empower students to develop their talents and pursue their passions through innovative instruction, project-based learning, and real-world application opportunities.

Welcome Back Letter

Dear Gifted Students and Parents,

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy! I hope you had a restful and enriching summer and are ready to embark on a new journey of learning and growth. As the Middle School Gifted Lead Teacher, I am thrilled to work with our gifted students and their families to ensure a successful and inspiring year.

Our goal this year is to continue providing a challenging and supportive environment where our gifted students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to recognizing and nurturing each student's unique talents and abilities, and we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

A Few Pointers for the School Year:

1. Stay Engaged: Participate actively in your classes and fully utilize the enrichment
opportunities available. Remember, your voice matters, and your contributions can
make a difference!

2. Explore Your Interests: Whether it’s through clubs, projects, or independent studies,
find ways to explore your passions and interests. The more you pursue what you love,
the more you will grow.

3. Ask for Help When Needed: If you ever feel overwhelmed or need support, don’t
hesitate to contact your teachers or counselors. We are here to help you navigate any
challenges you may encounter.

4. Stay Connected: Communication is key! Keep in touch with your teachers and peers, and
make sure your parents are informed about your progress and activities.

5. Visit the APS Gifted and Talented Website: For more information about how we
identify, serve, enrich, and support gifted students, please visit the Atlanta Public Schools
Schools' Gifted and Talented website. You’ll find answers to frequently asked questions
and valuable resources to support your gifted journey.

Let’s make this school year memorable and filled with discovery, creativity, and success. I look
forward to working with each of you and seeing the amazing things you will accomplish.

Best regards,
Dr. Russaw
Middle School Gifted Lead Teacher
Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Eligibility Information

To be eligible for gifted services in Atlanta Public Schools, a student must meet specific criteria in four areas: mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation, according to Atlanta Public Schools and Georgia Department of Education. A parent or guardian can refer their child for testing by completing a referral form during the designated referral window, typically August 5 – October 2. Students are automatically screened based on test scores, and if they meet certain thresholds, they will be automatically referred for testing.

For more information, contact the gifted eligibility chairperson or the gifted contact teacher at CSKYWLA or visit Atlanta Public School district site.

Identifying, Serving, Enriching, and Supporting Gifted Learners in Atlanta Public Schools

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is committed to empowering exceptional learners to thrive academically and creatively. Through our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, we provide enriched learning experiences for students in grades K–12 who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability or creative talent. These opportunities—available in all traditional APS schools—are designed to challenge, inspire, and nurture each child’s unique strengths. Students are identified through a fair, state-approved process that evaluates mental ability, academic achievement, creativity, and motivation, ensuring every gifted learner receives the right level of support.

Our Vision

Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools will architect globally competitive, critical, and creative thinkers of the 21st Century.

Our Mission

Through advocacy and innovation, the unique needs of gifted and talented students will be recognized,valued, and nurtured so their inspired minds are equipped to change the world.

Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) provides differentiated instruction for intellectually advanced and creatively gifted students. Gifted services are available for actively enrolled students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in an APS school. Note that students residing in the city of Atlanta enrolled in private schools or home study programs are not eligible for APS gifted testing and services.

Parent FAQs on the Gifted Eligibility Process and the Assessments Used

What is Gifted and Talented Education?

What opportunities are available for gifted learners?

In addition to advanced learning in the classroom, APS offers several enrichment opportunities to help gifted students explore their interests and strengths. Programs like Odyssey of the Mind, Middle School Academic Bowl, Georgia Academic Decathlon, internships and mentorships, and the Xanadu Summer Program allow students to think creatively, develop leadership skills, and challenge themselves in exciting and meaningful ways.

Who oversees gifted education in Georgia's public schools?

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Gifted Education & Advanced Academics division oversees gifted services across the state of Georgia It ensures that laws and regulations pertaining to education are followed and that state and federal money appropriated for education is properly allocated to local school systems. GaDOE provides education-related information to students, parents, teachers, educational staff, governmental officials and the media.

How are standards updated?

Where can I get support to help my gifted student?

Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) established guidelines for SENG-Model Parent Support Groups. SENG Model Parent Groups are structured to bring together interested parents of gifted and talented children to discuss such topics as motivation, discipline, stress management, and peer relationships. The co-facilitators of the group, though they are knowledgeable about parenting and about educating gifted/talented children, provide a non-judgmental and nurturing atmosphere that fosters learning and support.

The Council for Exceptional Children(CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and /or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. Listed below are some of the services that are provided.

1. Professional development opportunities and resources

2. 17 divisions for specialized information

3. Journals and newsletters with information on new research findings, classroom practices that work, federal legislation and policies.

4. Conventions and conferences

MENSA is an organization that believes in the idea of forming a society of bright people. Mensa aspires to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. The Society welcomes people from every walk of life whose IQ is in the top 2% of the population. Mensa strives to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity, to encourage research into the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence, and to promote stimulating intellectual and social opportunities for its members.