Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, ACPS offers gifted services under the title Advanced Academic Services (AAS).

Over the years, ACPS has heard and listened to families and educators discuss what the impact of labeling a student as “gifted” can mean. The association with the previous program's title has not always been positive. The name Advanced Academic Services (AAS) better aligns with identifying different advanced levels of services to meet the needs of students. It focuses on developing a student’s potential rather than a label assigned to a child.

In ACPS, we believe all students have the fundamental right to an education that promotes the development of their potential. Each child has a unique profile of academic strengths and abilities. ACPS is committed to providing challenging learning experiences for all students that build on individual strengths and optimize abilities, including Advanced Academic Services (AAS), formally known as Talented and Gifted Services.

Additionally, ACPS’s beliefs, policies, and procedures are grounded in equity and inclusion. We believe in developing the strengths and talents of all students and offer a continuum of AAS to meet a range of student needs, which also aligns with the Talent Development Model. The Talent Development theoretical framework posits that schools should identify services necessary to develop high potential. Giftedness is not viewed as an absolute or fixed state of being. Instead, it is considered a developmental set of behaviors that can be applied to problem-solving situations. Gifted behaviors emerge in certain people, at certain times, and under certain circumstances.

ACPS identifies students in need of Advanced Academic Services (AAS) who have the potential to achieve at high academic levels. ACPS addresses the various levels of advanced academic interventions the schools and staff will provide for students through an advanced academic services model incorporating the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) across grades K-12 using a three-tiered system.

ACPS offers a continuum of AAS to nurture skills acquisition, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through grade 12. This K-12 continuum provides increasing levels of challenge and is designed to emphasize the importance of matching services to student needs with flexible entry points. All children have the opportunity to work at a level of challenge that promotes continuous intellectual growth. Through advocacy and a continuum of differentiated services in ACPS, the unique needs of students will be valued and nurtured to challenge students' minds, meet their emotional needs, and prepare them to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. 

ACPS offers a Talent Development Model, Young Scholars, General Intellectual Aptitude (GIA) Services, Specific Academic Aptitude Services (SAA), Honors, Dual-Enrollment, Governor’s School, and Advanced Placement courses.

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) advises schools to adopt an MTSS framework for supporting gifted learners. ACPS implements a three-tiered continuum of services model for K-12 students that aligns with this framework, incorporating Advanced Academic Services (AAS). 

A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a framework used in schools to provide different levels of instructional and behavioral support to students based on their individual needs. It integrates data-driven decision-making, progress monitoring, and evidence-based practices to help all students succeed. 

According to the NAGC (p. 2, 2020), “An MTSS framework can support gifted students by providing a systematic approach to identify their needs, providing the appropriate level of challenge, and monitoring progress over time.” The model suggests that Tier I is for about 80% of students and aligns with the district curriculum and grade-level content with some remediation or advancement of material. All students have access to differentiated resources and instruction. For Tier II, the focus would be on extra challenges or extra help, and for Tier III, the focus would be on intense interventions. The ultimate goal is to expand our notion of advanced services to discuss different levels or tiers of rigor based on the duration, frequency, and intensity of services.  

In this presentation, we break down the various math course options and pathways available to rising 6th graders and beyond in ACPS for the 2025 school year. From foundational courses to advanced tracks, students and parents will gain a clear understanding of the opportunities for academic growth and enrichment. We also discuss what honors courses will look like, highlighting the key differences and expectations for those looking to challenge themselves. Finally, we touch on some of the recent changes in the AAS math curriculum to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.