Gifted

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives and focusing on durable skills such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in groups to communicate their ideas through projects and presentations, developing strong written and oral communication skills. The AP Seminar course is strongly aligned with the K-12 sequence of gifted services and opportunities, but is designed to provide any high-achieving student, regardless of their program enrollment, an opportunity to engage in rigorous learning. The course's focus on skill-building rather than rote knowledge acquisition will provide a rigorous opportunity for any high-achieving student to engage in a challenging academics. The course builds critical foundational skills that will prepare students for other advanced coursework, including, but not limited to, AP English 11 or Gifted Independent Study (GIS). 
 

This semester course, which students can take both semesters in 7th and 8th grades, is designed to help meet the needs of gifted middle school students by providing a challenge and degree of differentiation beyond what can be provided in the regular classroom. Instruction is above grade level and emphasizes higher ordered thinking skills. Students will use problem-finding and problem-solving skills to complete in-depth, interest-based research, compile and synthesize information, and create products that reflect the highest levels of thinking, and exceptionally deep understanding of content, processes, concepts, and theories. Students must be eligible for gifted academic services in order to be accepted into the class.