Gifted & Talent Development

In Eden Prairie Schools, differentiation of high-quality curriculum, as well as focusing on expanding and enhancing the learning opportunities of the regular classroom, is a part of the experience for all students. The classroom teacher provides these options. Talent Development Education Staff offer resources for differentiation and instruction.

Students who have choices are inspired learners. In our elementary INSPIRE Choice programming, students are encouraged to explore interest-based learning options that connect what they are learning in school to what they enjoy to do outside of class. 

As early as kindergarten, students can discover their passions and learn deeply in subjects that interest them, which fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Many students are involved at this level. Talent Development Education Specialists offer instruction to students who demonstrate academic strengths beyond the grade level curriculum. These Talent Development Groups meet once a week for 30-45 minutes for six to eight weeks. At the end of the six to eight weeks, a new group is formed, with the goal of providing instruction to students throughout the school.

KeyScholars is a program for students in grades 2-5 that embraces evidence-based practices for identifying and nurturing gifted achievement and potential in students from all populations. Students engage in activities across academic content areas, utilizing problem-solving, higher-level thinking skills and advanced topics.

Students meet with Talent Development Education Specialists weekly, for a total of two or more hours.

Identification 

Students are referred for placement in the KeyScholars program by school staff or families. Additionally, school staff use a variety of data sources, such as classroom observations, ability scores and achievement test scores to identify students’ potential needs for programming. Once a student is referred, an identification committee may consist of Talent Development Education Specialists, administrators, school psychologists, and other professionals. The committee makes placement recommendations upon reviews of comprehensive student profiles, which include the following:

• ability scores at the 95th percentile or higher in the verbal, quantitative, and/or visual/spatial areas on a specialized assessment
• achievement scores at the 95th percentile or higher on national standardized tests taken during the school year
• teacher assessments of classroom performance
• parent/caregiver questionnaire

Talent Development Education Staff notify families that their students have shown needs that match KeyScholars programming. The needs of students who move into the district prior to or during the school year will be reviewed on an individual basis.

This level of service is available to students whose academic needs are significantly different from their peers. These students need a unique environment in which to reach their potential. 

The Mosaic program is available at Eden Lake and Prairie View elementary schools. Students who live within Eden Prairie Schools boundaries are offered free transportation. 

Identification and Application
Students are referred for placement in the Mosaic program either by completing the online application process or by identification by school staff. Once a student is referred, an identification committee that may consist of gifted resource teachers, administrators, school psychologists and other professionals. The committee makes placement recommendations based upon reviews of comprehensive student profiles, which includes the following:

• ability scores at the 98-99th percentile in the verbal, quantitative and/or visual/spatial areas on a specialized assessment
• achievement scores at the 98-99th percentile on national standardized tests taken during the school year
• teacher assessments of classroom performance
• parent questionnaire

Mosaic Program Information

At Central Middle School, the regular classroom curriculum is designed to include higher-level thinking activities and numerous opportunities for extensions and enrichment. Differentiation of high-quality curriculum focuses on expanding and enhancing the learning opportunities of the regular classroom for all students. 

Enriched courses
Students who are motivated and independent learners may choose to register for enriched classes in English, Social Studies, Math and/or Science in grades seven and eight. The purpose of enriched courses is to foster advanced discussions and abstract thinking. 

Advanced courses
Students in grades six through eight whose academic needs are significantly different from their peers are invited to register for advanced courses in English, Social Studies, Math and/or Science. 

In rare cases, school staff may consider early school entrance or subject/grade acceleration for a student. 

For more information, please contact:

Leslie Eggan  l  Talent Development Programming Specialist, 6-8 l  952-975-7342 | Leslie_Eggan@EdenPr.k12.mn.us

At Eden Prairie High School, the regular classroom curriculum is designed to include higher-level thinking activities and numerous opportunities for extensions and enrichment. Differentiation of high-quality curriculum focuses on expanding and enhancing the learning opportunities of the regular classroom for all students. 

Honors Courses
Students who wish to challenge themselves and pursue their passions may choose to enroll in Honors courses, which foster advanced discussions and abstract thinking. 

Pathways: Capstones
At Eden Prairie High School, Eagles can continue to build on their interests in preparation for Capstone courses in their junior or senior year. These college-level experiences are noted on transcripts to indicate the student received deep, real-world experience and maximal preparation for life after graduation.

Talent Development Mentor Program
The Talent Development Mentor Program is an individualized advanced learning opportunity to connect with professionals and peers. Working with a mentor provides students an opportunity to develop professional and leadership skills while exploring a specific career. Past mentorships have included broadcasting in the TV industry, hardware development engineer in the computer industry, and sensory science manager in the food industry. Students receive one credit per term for time spent in seminars and with mentors. Students interested in the program must be juniors or seniors. In addition, students must provide their own transportation to and from the mentor site. Students need to be available during 4th period for two consecutive terms.

Early Graduation
Students desiring early completion of the requirements for graduation must submit a plan, in writing, to their counselors prior to the start of second semester of their junior year. Interested students should see their counselors.

For more information, contact

Kelsey Snyder, Talent Development Programming Specialist, 9-12, Kelsey_Snyder@edenpr.org, 952-975-8049

Advanced Placement Courses
Eden Prairie High School offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses in all subject areas to meet the needs of students who wish to earn college credit while in high school or challenge themselves with advanced courses. Nearly half of all Eden Prairie Schools students enroll in at least one AP class per year. 

EPHS offers more than 25 AP courses, including Calculus AB & CD, Chemistry, Computer Science: Java II, Comparative Politics, European History, Microeconomics, Physics, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics, and Studio (Sculpt & Ceramics, Drawing & Painting, Digital), and Woodcrafting.

The superior academic caliber of our courses has enabled students to take exams for these and additional subjects with a high success rate. 

College In The Schools
The College in the Schools (CIS) program delivers introductory-level University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University - Mankato, St. Cloud State, University of Iowa, Normandale, and Hennepin Technical College credit courses to advanced juniors and seniors. CIS courses are taught at EPHS during the regular school day, and a student can earn both college and high school credit.

Eden Prairie Schools will grant academic credit to students enrolled in a course or program if that student successfully completes the course or program attended. The credits are to be counted toward graduation requirements and subject area requirements in the school district.

Post Secondary Enrollment Options

Eden Prairie will grant academic credit to students enrolled in a course or program if that student successfully completes the course or program attended. The credits are to be counted toward graduation requirements and subject area requirements in the school district. The student will receive both high school and college credit. There is no charge to the student for tuition, textbooks, materials or fees. 

Learn more about Post Secondary Enrollment (PSEO)