Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the program focus?
Seven identified content standards serve as the focus of the instructional
program. They are:
Analytical thinking and reasoning
Problem solving
Creative thinking
Independent learning
Effective communications skills
Global thinking
2. How do students get into the Atlanta Public Schools Challenge Program?
The system conducts a talent search twice yearly, following Georgia’s
Multiple Criteria Gifted Identification Process. Referrals are assessed and
must meet a minimum of three requirements in the following areas:
Mental ability
Achievement
Creativity
Motivation
3. How are students referred?
Students may be referred for consideration by automatic referral (achievement
test scores), teacher referral, parent referral, peer referral and self-
nomination. Every APS school has a Gifted Eligibility Team which considers
student nominations. The nomination process is conducted in September and
January of each school year.
4. How often can students be evaluated for the gifted program?
Because APS conducts a thorough student assessment following the Georgia
Multiple Criteria Process, students who complete the entire process may not
be considered for re-evaluation for two school years. All assessment data
remains current and may be reconsidered if new information is presented.
Special Projects
The Atlanta Public Schools Challenge Program offers a variety of special
projects to serve gifted students in the metro area including:
XANADU is a summer enrichment program for gifted elementary students and
other high achievers. This project offers gifted and talented students
Program Courses in the morning and Fine Arts Programs in the afternoon. The
four-week program is offered through the APS staff development program and
begins in June of each year. Applications are available from the Gifted
Program Office in early spring.
THE FULL POTENTIAL PROGRAM began as a Javits Grant Project but has continued
as an APS initiative. Utilizing homogenous grouping and specially trained
pilot classroom teachers, this delivery model expands the number of minority
and economically disadvantaged students who benefit from participating in the
gifted program. Continental Colony, Fickett, Miles, Peyton Forest, and
Cleveland Avenue are Full Potential Schools.
The Challenge Program – What Does It Offer?
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
• Resource classes with a focus on developing independent learners,
creativity, global thinking, leadership skills, effective communications and
problem solving.
• Opportunities to participate in academic competitions, including the
Knowledge Master Open, Science Olympiad, Future Problem Solving, Quiz Bowl,
Chess Odyssey of the Mind, and Debate.
• Educational field experiences, designed to engage the learner in higher-
level thinking processes and expand their world to a myriad of possibilities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS:
• Enriched content curriculum classes.
• Opportunities and academic competitive events such as Debate Quiz Bowl,
News Quiz, Science Olympiad, Chess, The Duke Talent Search and more.
• Focus on the development of higher level thinking skills and problem
solving abilities.
• Exposure to a variety of instructional strategies to aid students in
identifying talent and interest areas.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
• Opportunities to participate in AP/IB Classes and Honors Classes along with
options to participate in mentorships, internships and joint enrollment
options.
• Enriched content curriculum classes in all subject areas through
collaborative teaching by Challenge Program teachers.
• Participation in academic competitions such as Quiz Bowl, Debate, Academic
Decathlon, and Chess.
• Special assistance with the Governor’s Honors Program process.
For more information on Atlanta Public Schools Challenge Program for Gifted
and Talented Students, please contact the Coordinator’s Office at 404-827-
8681.
Governor's Honors Program
The Governor’s Honors Program is a six-week summer program specifically
designed to provide challenging and enriching instruction to extraordinarily
accomplished juniors and seniors. These opportunities are offered in
disciplines such as English and other World Languages (Communicative Arts),
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Theatre, Music, Dance,
Design, Technology and Executive Management.
The nomination process starts at the local school, where sophomores and
juniors are eligible for consideration. Students who wish to participate in
the Governor’s Honors Program must take the PSAT. Candidates are interviewed
by committee(s) at the local school and funneled through to county-level
interviews, which are held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Students
nominated at the county level are invited to statewide screenings scheduled
by the Governor’s Honors Program Office. The screenings are held in January
or February. Nomination forms, transcripts, and PSAT scores must be submitted
in advance for review.
Interested individuals should speak with the teacher(s) or principal at their
local school or contact the director for the Atlanta Public Schools Challenge
Program at 404-827-8681.
Contact Us:
Dr. Sharon B. Jones, Program Coordinator
Campbell Academy, Suite 107
21 Thirkeld Avenue,SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30315
Phone: (404) 624-5111 or (404) 624-2057
Fax: (404) 624-9855
sjones@atlanta.k12.ga.us
