Talented and Gifted (TAG)

Free Orchards has an active TAG program designed to identify and accommodate students who fall into the Gifted and Talented category.  Though all students have unique strengths, talents and gifts, the TAG program identifies students who are intellectually gifted and/or academically talented in reading and math.

Students who score at or above the 97th percentile on a cognitive abilities test such as the CogAT in third grade, or an individually administered test with supporting evidence, qualify as intellectually gifted. These students are "thinkers", and may or may not have advanced academic skills. 

Students who excel in reading and/or math, and who score at or above the 97th percentile on standardized subject area tests with supporting evidence qualify as academically talented. These students often require an advanced level of instruction and accelerated pace. Standardized tests, teacher and parent rating scales, anecdotal information, and work samples are used for identification. Information is gathered and an identification team meets to screen each candidate for possible identification.