Gifted Education & Talent Development at Freedom High School
Students at Freedom High School may be referred for Gifted Identification by their parents, teachers, guidance counselors, peers or self-refer. The Gifted Identification and Placement Committee will meet to review cases and make decisions regarding eligibility. To begin the process, contact the Gifted Education Resource Teacher, Gordon Arrighi, [email protected].
Delivery of Services
The following options are available for students identified as gifted:
- Gifted Resource Seminars
- Conference Services
- Advanced Placement Courses
- Dual Enrollment Courses
- Pre-Governor's School
These classes and programs are not limited to students identified as gifted but are seen as a vital part of services in high school. The courses provide acceleration and differentiation as a part of meeting the needs of identified gifted learners.
Gifted Resource Seminars
Eighteen hours of direct resource services are offered every year for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Nine hours are scheduled for our seniors. Students meet in small groups to discuss topics and refine critical, conceptual, reflective, creative, and collaborative thinking skills. Students select to leave a class to receive resource services. If a student finds that missing class is too disruptive to the academic performance, the resource teacher may work with the parent and student to find the best option.
Conference Services
If a student does not want to be removed from the gifted program, but also does not want to attend resource seminars, the student may be placed on conference status with parent permission. The student would meet periodically with a resource teacher to discuss academic goals and achievement.
Governor's School Opportunities
Summer Residential Governor's School
Summer Residential Governor's Schools provide students with month-long learning opportunities on college campuses. Students may apply during sophomore and junior years but may attend only once. Admission is competitive, but tuition, housing, and meal costs are covered by the county. Applications typically become available in October and will be considered only if submitted with the gifted resource teacher's approval. For more information about Summer Residential Governor's School program options, visit the PWCS Gifted Education & Talent Development: Summer Residential Governor's School page.
Governor's School @ Innovation Park (GS@IP)
Students may also apply to attend the GS@IP for their junior or senior years of high school. The program is not limited to gifted students but requires strong ability in math and science. Selected students will attend college-level math & science courses on the George Mason campus in Manassas. The students return to their base school for lunch and Language Arts & History core classes. Visit the GS@IP page for application and program information.