In what grades are students eligible to attend a GT center?

GT center placements are for grades 3-8.

May a child be referred for GT center placement more than one time?

Yes. Children in grades 3-8 may be referred once each school year. Parents, who would like their child considered for GT center Placement, must complete a referral form each year and submit it to the Gifted and Talented Resource teacher at the local elementary school or the director of student services at the middle school.

What is the GT center (Level IV) program?

The GT center program provides full-time academic placement for highly gifted students. Teachers follow a curriculum framework to differentiate the depth, breadth, and pace of instruction based on the FCPS Program of Studies.  Students work with academic peers in all core subject areas. 

Where are GT centers located?

GT centers are located at the following schools:

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How is transportation provided to a GT center?

FCPS provides transportation for students who have accepted placement to a GT center.  GT centers mail bus routes to parent/guardians.

What are Local Level IV Services?
Local Level IV Services provide an important option for advanced learners who need the challenge of a GT center curriculum and do not want to leave their local school. They also provide another avenue of access for gifted services to students who may need to practice and strengthen their basic skills but have the capacity to think, reason, and problem solve on advanced levels.

How are Local Level IV Services different from the GT Center?

This level of service is offered only to the students who attend that school.  At GT centers, eligible students are also bused from other FCPS schools. The curriculum taught through Local Level IV Services is the same curriculum taught at the GT center.

Will Local Level IV Services replace the existing GT center programs?

No, Local Level IV Services are not an attempt to close the existing GT centers; they are designed to provide access to the GT center curriculum to more students.

How is it determined which schools will provide Local Level IV Services?

Elementary schools that are interested in providing this level of service with strong community support submit a proposal to their Cluster Assistant Superintendent.  The proposal is reviewed, discussed, and then forwarded to the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and the GT Programs office.  The proposal includes a rationale for providing Local Level IV Services, an implementation timeline, professional development plans for teachers, and staff and community input. 

Which elementary schools offer Local Level IV Services?

If my local school offers Local Level IV Services, what are my choices and how do I indicate my decision?

Parent/guardians of students at schools that offer Local Level IV Services have two choices if they wish their GT center eligible child to participate in the GT center curriculum.  The eligibility letter mailed to parent/guardians includes a Permission Form.  Parent/guardians may elect to keep the child at the local school and receive Level IV Services OR request that the child be placed in the GT center based on your FCPS street address.

If my local school does NOT offer Local Level IV Services, what are my choices and how do I indicate my decision?

Parent/guardians of students found eligible for GT center placement are assigned to a GT center based on their address.  The eligibility letter mailed to parent/guardians includes a Permission Form. 

What do I do with the Permission Form?

The Permission Form contains all necessary instructions.  The form is completed and returned to the GT office by the due date.

What are the student-teacher ratios for students who receive Local Level IV Services and GT center classes?

The staffing formula for Local Level IV Services and GT centers is the same as for general education classes.

Are there space limitations?

No, all students found eligible for the Level IV services are guaranteed placement.

How are teachers chosen to teach Local Level IV Services?

Teachers are selected by the school principal.  All FCPS teachers must hold a valid Virginia Teaching License. Teachers are required to receive an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education on their state license within five years of accepting a GT assignment.

How much homework can students expect to receive?

Schools with GT centers follow the same regulation guidelines as the general education program. FCPS regulation number 3205 states, "On average, homework across disciplines should not exceed 0.5 hours for primary level, 1 hour at the upper elementary level, 1.5 hours at the middle school level, and 2 hours at the high school level."  For more information on homework policies, refer to Regulation 3205, available online at http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/0/A4C212A4F025C4EC85256FD30054576C?OpenDocument.

Are there orientations/tours for students who are eligible for GT center placement?

Yes, information regarding orientations and tours is included in the eligibility letters mailed to parents/guardians.  Orientations occur in May.  The specific dates are determined by each GT center school.

What happens if my child is found eligible for the GT center program but chooses not to attend the designated GT center or receive Local Level IV Services?

Students found eligible for the GT center program may defer eligibility by noting so on the parent/guardian Permission Form. Students may activate their eligibility status at a later date by submitting the Activation Form to the GT Programs Office and including a copy of the eligibility letter.  The Activation Form is available at www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/forms.htm.  Students may also be considered for school-based services at the local school.

Can a sibling of a student in a GT center be transferred to the same school?

A parent or guardian may request a student transfer for his or her school-aged child (K-12) for the next school year during transfer season.  Student transfers are made on a space available basis and must meet one of the requirements in regulation 2230:

(1) boundary adjustment;
(2) family relocation;
(3) childcare hardship;
(4) medical, emotional, social, family adjustment; or
(5) sequential curricular program (high school only). 

Parents/guardians are advised to review the student transfer regulation and frequently asked questions before making a request. Enrollment Information

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