Student Services

In-Classroom Differentiations
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.

Inspire Choice
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.

Enrichment Groups
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
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.

Mosaic
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

Apply for Mosaic Program 2025

Mosaic Program Information

Moasic Presentation

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. 
 

Mastery of Standards
If course placement cannot be determined by previous coursework, students may be assessed on their mastery of standards to determine the appropriate class. All assessments must be completed by August 15 In order to create an optimal schedule for the following school year. Due to scheduling factors such as class size, availability and overall scheduling limitations, students are not guaranteed enrollment in a given course.

Additional Opportunities
Some students may choose online course options, at their expense, for remediation or acceleration purposes. CMS will accept completion under certain guidelines. University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) provides a tuition based accelerated math program in the evening for exceptional math students. Students in this program will have a study period instead of a math class at CMS. Testing is in the spring. For more information visit the UMTYMP website.

For more information, please contact Molly Hammel l K-8 Talent Development Coordinator l EPGiftedTalented@edenpr.org l 952-975-7060

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

Eden Praire Schools follows the state definition of English learner: 
“As defined in Minnesota under 2017 Minnesota Statutes, section 124D. 59, subdivision 2 and English learner is “a pupil in kindergarten through grade 12 or a prekindergarten student enrolled in an approved voluntary prekindergarten program under section 124D.151 or a school readiness plus program who meets the requirements under subdivision 2a or the following requirements: 
1. the pupil, as declared by a parent or guardian uses a language other than English; and 
2. the pupil is determined by a valid assessment measuring the pupil’s English language proficiency and by developmentally appropriate measures, which might include observations, teacher judgment, parent recommendations, or developmentally appropriate assessment instruments, to lack the necessary English skills to participate fully in academic classes taught in English.” 

Screening  Eden Prairie Schools must screen children who have a language other than English listed on the MNLS. Students are screened according to grade level:
Kindergarten W-APT: 1st semester Kindergarteners will take two of the four domains of the screener (listening & speaking) 
Kindergarten W-APT: 2nd semester Kindergarteners will take all four domains of the screener (listening, speaking, reading, and writing)
WIDA Screener: 1st - 12th graders who are new to the country, or do not have ACCESS test results from the school year
Previous ACCESS Scores: 1st - 12th graders who have taken the ACCESS test during the last school year in Minnesota, or another WIDA consortium state

Language Instruction Educational Program :The goal of Eden Prairie Schools EL program is to help students build a foundation of content knowledge, academic problem-solving skills, and language proficiency. To meet this goal, Eden Prairie Schools follows the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) standards, and Minnesota's Academic standards in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education/Health. EPS serves students both in their core classes, and in pull out, EL-only classrooms depending on each student’s linguistic needs.  The following describe how our EL service is provided:

Service Models: 

• Pull out English language development (ELD) - These classes are taught by a licensed EL teacher, outside of the student’s core classes, and focus on language development in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These courses are taught in English only. 
• Co-teaching & Push In - A licensed EL teacher goes into the classroom and provides language 
• Sheltered EL classes - These classes are offered at our high school for newcomers at EL levels 1-2 who need core credits in content areas. These classes  are taught by a licensed content teacher in collaboration with an EL teacher. The grade level content is taught in English and scaffolded for the students language proficiency level.
• Consultation with classroom teachers - EL teachers regularly collaborate with classroom teachers 
• Amount & Scope of Instruction: In addition to quality core instruction that is scaffolded by classroom teachers, Eden Prairie Schools serves ELs in one or more of the above program models depending on their English proficiency level, time in US schools, and educational history. Generally, students receive more time in EL service at lower proficiency levels, and less time in EL service at higher proficiency levels. 
• Refusing EL Service: A parent/guardian has the right at any time to withdraw their child from the EL program by providing written notice to the school principal.  The written notice is good for one year.  Parents/guardians may re-enroll the child in the EL program at any time upon request. Parents/guardians must send another letter withdrawing their child from EL service if their child continues to qualify for EL service the following year.  

Annual English Proficiency Assessment: Every year, Eden Prairie Schools is required to assess the English language proficiency level of all students identified as EL. Because Minnesota belongs to the WIDA Consortium, we are required to assess ELs using the ACCESS for ELLs or Alternate ACCESS for ELLs assessments.  
Students are assessed on the language of math, language of science, language of social studies, language of language arts, and social/instructional language by listening, reading, speaking, and writing (four domains). Students can practice the test at: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/WIDA/portals/wida.
 

Exiting: Students are exited from EL service when they have met proficiency on the ACCESS assessment.  Eden Prairie Schools must follow the state exit criteria: 

Students reach proficiency with a overall composite score of 4.5 on the ACCESS test, and three domains (reading, writing, listening & speaking) at 3.5 or higher.  The EL teacher must reassess students in the domain that is lowest to exit them from EL service. If a student has a score of 3.5 or higher in all 4 domains, students are automatically exited from EL service.

Monitoring: When a child is exited from the EL program, EL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers, administrators, counseling staff, and district staff, to ensure the students are successful in their content classes.  This may include checking student grades and assessment scores, meeting with students.