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ADVANCED ACADEMICS

NEISD GT students write at their desks.

NEISD fourth grade Gifted and Talented (GT) students locate fingerprints.

Texas public schools offer a range of advanced academic programs that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond. Through specialized courses, assessments, and services, students can demonstrate college readiness, earn college credits, and qualify for scholarships like the National Merit Scholarship.

Cleveland ISD Advanced Academics

Cleveland ISD students visited their political representatives in Washington, D.C

Gifted and Talented Program

Advanced academic opportunities available for students begin with Gifted and Talented programs in elementary school and progress to Advanced Academic Programs, such as Dual Credit and Advanced Placement (AP), in high school. 

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act defines gifted children as:

Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities. 

The National Association for Gifted Children developed a positioning statement to guide best practices. The NAGC states, “Students with gifts and talents perform – or have the capability to perform – at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential.”

College Preparatory

College preparatory classes provide the foundation students need to succeed in postsecondary education. These core courses, required for high school graduation, offer rigorous academic preparation without reaching the advanced level of AP coursework. High-achieving students may later transition from college prep to AP classes.

Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment

Through dual credit and dual enrollment programs, high school students can simultaneously earn credit toward both a high school diploma and a college degree.

  • Courses may be taken online or at a local college campus.
  • Students save significantly on tuition, fees, and housing costs.
  • Dual credit gives students a head start on college coursework.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to take college-level classes while still in high school. High AP exam scores can lead to college credit and advanced placement in universities, reducing time and costs for a degree. Students interested in Advanced Placement programs have many options, including:

  • AP Calculus
  • AP Physics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Physics
  • AP English
  • AP Biology
  • AP Geography

Advanced Academics Benefits

  • College Board studies show that Advanced Placement students score higher on standardized tests than non-AP students. They attend college at higher rates, earn higher grades in college, and are less likely to drop out. AP students display more positive attitudes toward the academic material that their courses cover, and they are much more likely to major in an area related to their AP courses. 
  • Dual credit options offer significant cost savings over a conventional college education. Students in high school may explore their academic interests before entering college, and they can begin their college education early. Dual credit students tend to make smoother transitions from high school to college.
  • Gifted and Talented Education programs prevent boredom while challenging students. GT students have more opportunities to earn advanced degrees in college, and they usually enjoy greater success in their chosen careers.

Additional Resources

National Association for Gifted Children- Myths about GT classes and students

College Board- Advanced Placement Information

Program Spotlight: Advanced Academics

Check out this quick video of what students learn in Advanced Academics. Advanced Academics provide students with opportunities to demonstrate college and career readiness.  

Advanced Academics News

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