Gifted Education

The Extended Educational Experiences (EEE) Program has a strong tradition of excellence within the community. More than 600 elementary students receive gifted services each year.

Each elementary school is assigned one weekday for their identified scholars (1st through 5th grade) to attend the Gifted Center. Most students are bussed from/to their elementary school for their full day of gifted instruction.

Students begin their EEE day in a homeroom group arranged by similar-age children. Homeroom groups stay the same throughout the school year and focus on the unique affective needs of gifted learners.

Each trimester, scholars select from a variety of content courses, or “majors” to attend for most of their weekly EEE days. Major courses are in-depth, teacher-designed content classes that are interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on: math, literature, science, art, and history.

At the end of each trimester, scholars participate in a “Learning Fair" where families are invited to see a final product, presentation, or performance demonstrating student learning. Major courses are also grouped by similar-age children.

The EEE faculty is made up of nine highly-skilled teachers, whose teaching experiences range from pre-K to post-secondary. They all hold gifted certification (K-12) and are uniquely trained to understand, instruct, and support gifted learners. EEE teachers serve as a resource for families and for their students' regular education teachers.

Extended Educational Experiences (EEE)

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, the Gifted Center is housed in the historic Eugene Field elementary school building. We serve academically gifted elementary students from all 21 of Columbia's public elementary schools along with qualifying private and homeschooled 1st through 5th graders.

Gifted students have academic needs that require an accelerated pace of instruction, more complexity of content, and opportunities to explore areas of personal interest or strength. The curriculum experiences, provided at the Gifted Center, are designed to address these needs and to encourage students to stretch themselves beyond their comfort level. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with intellectual peers in a school setting is an important part of the experience.

Academically gifted students are as diverse and unique as any group. Some gifted students adapt very well to school, make friends easily, and are comfortable with themselves. Others may find challenges at every turn. The decision to participate in a gifted program should be based, in large part, on the needs of each individual student. It is not a reward for achievement or good grades, but rather an intervention to support success using a variety of program options.