Critical and Creative Thinking Lessons are provided for all grades K-6 students that represent a broad range of thinking strategies which extend and enrich the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).  The lessons support differentiation within the classroom.  Grade-level specific lessons are available in math, language arts, social studies, and science.

Differentiated Services are determined based on student needs and therefore may change over time.  For example, a group of students might require additional challenge in math for a specific unit.  These students might work together in a small group on math extension activities instead of basic skills.  Or a student may have extensive knowledge on a particular science or social studies topic.  In this case, the student might work on an independent research project on that topic.  Services are tailored to the individual student and the content area(s) and/or the unit of study.

The Local School Advanced Academic Programs Screening Committee consists of at least three people to include the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, principal/administrator designee, and classroom teacher(s).  A school counselor, reading teacher, media specialist, ESOL teacher, and/or other specialists may also serve on the committee.

Full-time AAP (level IV) center placements are for grades 3-8.

The level IV 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. 

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

The teachers in both settings are trained in gifted education and teach the same advanced academic curriculum to students who are ready for a highly challenging instructional program in the four core subject areas.  The main difference is in the make-up of the class.  All of the students in a full-time AAP center-based class have been identified as center-eligible by a central selection committee and will be coming from several neighborhood schools to comprise the center class.  In a Local Level IV classroom, the students are a mix of students who are center-eligible and high achieving students who are capable of working at advanced levels, all enrolled in their local school.   

Many schools that offer Local Level IV services add students to the Level IV class in areas of academic strength through flexible grouping.  This is an important avenue of access for students who have traditionally been underrepresented in advanced academic programs. 

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 Advanced Academic 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. 

Parent/guardians of students at schools that offer Local Level IV Services have two choices if they wish their level IV- eligible child to participate in the full-time AAP (level IV) 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 full-time AAP (level IV) center based on your FCPS street address.

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

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

Schools with full-time AAP (level IV) 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.

Students found eligible for the full-time AAP (level IV) 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 Reactivation Form to the Advanced Academic Programs Office and including a copy of the eligibility letter.  The Reactivation Form is available on the forms page.  Students may also be considered for school-based services at the local school.

Students found eligible for placement in a full-time Advanced Academic Program (Level IV) through a central selection process receive a highly challenging instructional program in the four core subject areas.  The Level IV program is designed to meet the needs of advanced learners with a strong emphasis on higher level thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Students have ongoing opportunities for reflection and self-assessment that develop an understanding of the characteristics, demands, and responsibilities of advanced intellectual development.

Foreign Language partial immersion is a means of acquiring a foreign language through content matter instruction. Students learn mathematics, science, and health through the medium of a foreign language (French, German, Japanese or Spanish). Half the school day is spent learning in the foreign language. Students receive instruction in English for language arts and social studies during the other half of the day. Math, science, and health were chosen for the beginning years of development of the foreign language because they use manipulatives and concrete, hand-on activities, both of which help with the natural second language acquisition process. The foreign language immersion teacher teams with the grade-level English teachers to integrate the total FCPS curriculum.

Hunters Woods and Bailey's Elementary schools are Arts and Sciences magnet schools. These schools receive additional resources aimed at enhancing and enriching the Program of Studies. Bailey's and Hunters Woods serve their immediate attendance areas as well as accepting students from outside their boundaries through a computerized random lottery. Magnet students use state-of-the-art technology to extend their core studies and study subject areas through conceptual units by integrating the visual and performing arts to increase academic achievement. The magnet schools integrate the arts, science, and technology with instruction to make learning a creative, enriched experience. Students conduct research, produce live dramatic performances, compose original musical scores, design science experiments, and build museum exhibits.