Gifted & Talented Education (GATE)
Glenknoll Elementary School offers a rigorous academic program in a small-school setting. Gifted and Talented students are clustered into selected 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms. The teachers assigned to these classrooms have completed training for teaching gifted students and in compacting and differentiating student instruction. Students in these classes have the opportunity to work with students who have been recognized as academically gifted, as well as with a range of students whose gifts may be unique and divergent.
Glenknoll Elementary is a California Distinguished School, and annually scores in the top ten percent of California Schools. In addition to our strong academic program, Glenknoll offers a variety of special activities. Gifted students provide leadership for our school’s “Battle of the Books” and Student Leadership program. Each year the Student Leadership Program selects a charity and conducts fund raising efforts. Student leaders are responsible for all aspects of planning and implementation. Optional after-school programs are offered on Wednesdays. A sampling of recent offerings includes Chess Masters, Exploring Spanish, Mad Scientist Club, and Art Construction.
All students at Glenknoll take part in a variety of special programs that enhance their learning experiences. Students at all grade levels attend field trips and special assemblies. Examples from recent years include the Fourth Grade “Walk Through California,” 5th Grade “Walk Through the American Revolution,” 6th Grade “Walk through the Ancient World,” Discovery Science Center Water Quality Assemblies, Read Across America Week, and Meet the Masters Art Program. These specialized activities allow our gifted student to process their learning at more complex levels, and with more sophisticated, in-depth research.
Glenknoll teachers encourage gifted students to demonstrate their understanding of content and process through a variety of methods such as creative displays, performances, art, and group projects. Students may choose to join Band, Orchestra, Peer Assisted Leadership(PAL), or take part in an annual Variety Show. Members of the School Leadership Team are selected through class elections.