Gifted & Talented

The GT center at Westridge is a "school within a school" program consisting of self-contained, advanced learning classrooms. Students are grouped with like-ability peers and engaged in a rigorous academic environment, infused with social-emotional learning, enrichment and individualized opportunities.

Interested in having your student join the GT community? View directions on how to apply.

Below is a big-picture overview of programming in the GT center. These elements are approached in a variety of ways for different teachers and grade levels. GT center teachers are highly qualified to teach gifted students with a master's in gifted education or a GT-endorsed license. If you have specific questions or need anything, feel free to reach out and contact us!

Accelerated pace and curriculum

• Students typically work one grade level above in math.
• Curriculum pacing is designed with gifted students in mind.
• The district-approved curriculum is taught with opportunities to infuse gifted education-specific resources.

Depth and Complexity Framework

• Teachers and students engage in the Depth and Complexity Framework (DCF) across content to get at deeper and more complex thinking.
• The DCF language and icons are infused throughout the curriculum, in communication, and combined with thinking routines and strategies.

Vertical technology integration

• Students utilize technology from first grade up to build digital portfolios.
• Students access technology for a variety of projects and experiences.

Social Emotional Learning and support

• Students have access to a GT counselor for social-emotional learning opportunities as a whole class, in small groups or individually as needed.
• Restorative practices are utilized school-wide.
• The focus is on who the gifted are and what it means to be gifted.

Interest and passion projects

• Opportunities to explore interests and passions
• Programming is approached through individual student strengths

Enrichment

• GT students have a variety of experiences to enrich themselves and the curriculum.
• Students participate in a yearly collaborative, technology-based project or challenge.

Westridge community

• Flexible grouping options to participate in events and activities with same-age peers across classrooms
• Participate in school-wide events, field trips, and fundraisers

Differentiation

• Purposeful use of flexible grouping
• A student-focused approach to address academic and affective needs
• Data-based decision-making for the greatest student impact

Events, news and information can change frequently. Don't see what you need? Reach out and contact us, we love to help!

Virtual GT Information Night

• What: Learn more about the GT center program at Westridge and meet the teachers.
• When: TBA
• Where: Westridge Elementary
• Who: New families only for the 2024-25 school year (currently enrolled families need not attend)

GT visitation tours at Westridge - by appointment only

Reach out to the GT coordinator, Matt Wilkinson to schedule a tour or learn more. Call Mr. Wilkinson at 303-982-3964 or email matthew.wilkinson@jeffco.k12.co.us.

Navigating the world of gifted and talented doesn't have to be complex when you can get the help you need.

• Jeffco Gifted & Talented Department
• Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children (JAGC)
• Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
• Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Parents often ask how their students can prepare for their GT center placement. Here are a few items to keep in mind:

• First and foremost, we want students to be kids over the summer and enjoy their much-needed break!
• There may be some benefits to having students practice their basic math and reading skills. However, it’s more important there are opportunities for choice and to do this in a fun way.
• Parents are discouraged from turning the summer into "extended school."
• Our students will have a highly qualified GT teacher they will be working with in the fall.
• Seek out enriching opportunities such as summer camps, museum trips, outdoor activities, etc. The Jefferson Association for Gifted Children (JAGC) can be a great resource for these ideas.

The Jeffco Public Schools Gifted and Talented (GT) Department’s vision is to Actualize Learners’ Potential for gifted and high-ability learners through a focus on access, equity, inclusion and diversity. All students deserve an education that provides meaningful growth academically, socially and emotionally.

Each year, every second grader in Jeffco takes The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) which measures reasoning skills with different types of verbal, quantitative and nonverbal questions. The results of this test inform teachers which students may be identified as gifted and talented. 

What Is A Gifted Student?

GT students are learners between the ages of four and 21 whose abilities, talents or potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special educational programming. Children under five who are gifted may also receive early childhood special educational services. 

Gifted students include students from all backgrounds who have exceptional abilities or potential. Gifted students are capable of exceptional performance,  production or learning behavior and have one or more of these areas of giftedness:

Areas of giftedness

• Intellectual abilities
• Specific academic skills
• Creative or productive thinking
• Leadership abilities
• Visual arts, performing arts or musical abilities
• Physical skills

The 2024 Fall GT Center application is now closed.  Please contact your GT Resource Teacher with questions regarding GT Center.