High Ability

In keeping with the mission of Carmel Clay Schools to effectively meet the educational needs of all students, rigorous programs are provided for high ability students whose general intellect and academic achievement are significantly beyond their peers.  These programs provide differentiated curriculum and instructional strategies especially designed to help high ability learners meet their individual potential.

Multiple delivery systems meet a variety of student needs ranging from specific academic strengths to general intellectual giftedness. Students may receive differentiated instruction within the regular classroom for subject specific strengths. In Middle School, Honors courses in English/Language Arts and Mathematics are designed for students with content specific academic strengths that are two or more years above grade level. Advanced Math placement is also available to qualified students in grades K-8.

An Advanced Mathematics sequence of study is offered for students who have mastered their grade level standards and are prepared to be accelerated to the next course (one year above grade level). Students in this sequence of study complete Algebra I in eighth grade and earn high school credit. To qualify for Advanced Mathematics courses, students must earn the required scores on a standardized achievement assessment, such as NWEA, district end-of-course assessments and course grades.

Honors Mathematics courses are designed to accelerate and enrich high ability students whose instructional level is at least two years above grade level. Honors Mathematics courses offer differentiated curriculum, materials, and instructional methods and focus on advanced content, problem solving, and critical thinking. Students currently enrolled in Advanced Math may qualify for Honors Math by earning the required scores on a standardized achievement test, such as NWEA, and district end-of-course assessments. 

Most students in the Honors Mathematics sequence of study complete Honors Pre-Algebra, Honors Algebra I, and Honors Geometry, although a few may complete additional courses as commensurate with their ability. Students earn weighted high school credit for Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry.

Honors English/Language Arts courses offer differentiated curriculum, materials, and instructional methods and focus on advanced content, problem solving, and critical thinking.

To qualify for Advanced/Honors courses students must earn the required score(s) on achievement, ability, and/or qualitative assessment(s).