Gifted & Talented

Broward County Public Schools’ Gifted and Talented Program nurtures advanced learners through rigorous, enriched instruction tailored to their unique abilities. Designed for K–12 students who demonstrate high academic potential, creativity, and critical thinking, the program fosters intellectual growth, innovation, and a love of learning. With specialized strategies and a focus on the whole child, BCPS ensures gifted students are challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Highlights
Contact Information

Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

We are now accepting applications for gifted students currently in grades 2-7 (3rd-8th grade for the 25/26 school year) for the Gifted Academy @ Parkway Middle

For gifted students currently in grades 8-11 (9th-12th grade for the 25/26 school year) they can apply for the Gifted Academy @ Plantation High

To complete the application for school choice please visit browardschools.com/schoolchoice

Contact Information

Gifted & Talented Division at Arthur Ashe Campus

1701 NW 23rd Avenue

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311

Zuzel Rodriguez
Curriculum Supervisor for Gifted and Talented
Phone: 754-321-3402

Laurie Mallis
Gifted Coordinator

Lisa Plass
Gifted Coordinator

Susan Teller
Gifted Coordinator

Stephanie Acosta Castro, Ed.S.

Director, ESE Support/Compliance

Diane Eagan

Executive Director

Program Details

Identification

Identification
Schools have an obligation to identify and provide services for gifted students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. A student may be referred for screening for gifted by a parent/guardian, a teacher or other staff member, the student themselves or any other individual with knowledge of the student.

Broward County Public Schools universally screens all second grade students using the STAR assessment results.

The State of Florida defines a gifted student as “one who has superior intellectual development and is capable of high performance.”

Gifted Program Models

Each Broward County Public School must develop and implement a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of their gifted students as outlined in the Broward County Public Schools Procedural Guide for Gifted Education.

Services are provided in the core content areas, depending on students’ needs. Gifted services, however, are not limited to the curriculum and learning environment. Other services must be provided based on the individual needs of the student.

Curriculum

Curriculum differentiation is incorporated to provide flexibility in instruction. Strategies used may include:

In depth study
A high degree of complexity
Advanced content
Variety in content, process and/or product
Acceleration of instruction

Teachers of the gifted must be appropriately endorsed by the State of Florida, on an out-of-field waiver and working towards endorsement or complete the Broward County In-Field designation for gifted.