The needs of gifted students go beyond the standard classroom activities. It is difficult to generalize gifted students because of their characteristics which are personal and unique to each student. This group of students have an increased pace in which they learn and complete work, they learn more rapidly, exhibit a greater depth of understanding concepts, need time for in-depth exploration and investigation, and ask challenging questions.

Typically, their interests are advanced and beyond their peers, which increases the need of participating in a grouping environment where they have the ability to interact with their same aged peers with similar intellect. Providing an early and appropriate educational environment allows gifted students to use their exceptional ability in constructive ways. According to research, intellectually gifted children will not be happy and complete until they are using intellectual ability at a level approaching full capacity.*

Educators are challenged with developing curriculum that will be challenging, enlightening, and intriguing to students of different abilities, and still maintain a sense of community within the classroom. At Stargate we develop educational programs that meet these specific characteristics and focus on nurturing the academic and social differences. Our focus is on identifying each students unique learning style and abilities in order to develop each student to their full potential.

* Halster, J.W. (1988) Guiding gifted readers--From preschool to high school. Columbus: Ohio Psychology Publishing

Stargate is a public charter school focused on serving the needs of intellectually gifted students within Adams County School District 12. A dynamic combination of students, professional educators, and parents makes Stargate an active and engaging environment for learning and individual growth

Students at Stargate enjoy a creative and innovative environment that encourages inquiry, independence, and promotes self initiated and self directed learning. We encourage values that support productive lives of service, community, and mutual respect. Stargate is student-centric and strives to create an exciting and engaging environment, offering:

• Academic Excellence
• Advanced Learning Techniques
• Arts and Foreign Language Active Exploration and Discovery
• Abstract and Complex Thinking Skills
• Attention to Social Skill Development
• Parental and Community Involvement

 

Stargate students are involved in directing and pacing their learning. Our talented teachers utilize differentiated curriculums with each student to implement instructional strategies. These strategies are focused on their unique strengths, which are academically and socially appropriate for gifted students. Teachers utilize advanced teaching tools such as personal learning plans, project-based and needs based learning activities, multiple field trips, and other hands-on experimental learning activities.

• Education is First
• Quality and Hard Work
• Love of Learning
• Self Confidence & Personal Accountability
• Diversity
• Community Involvement
• Continual Improvement

Stargate provides education for gifted kindergartners through eighth grade. We are committed to providing each student an experience that promotes and challenges personal exploration and understanding, that provokes and reinforces intellectual growth, and seeks to discover the value of creative independent thinking. Experienced teachers integrate basic and complex skills into a curriculum designed to stimulate higher level thinking, ultimately leading to creative problem solving. Stargate faculty guide students through a program that exceeds the District and State educational standards.

A child...
Is an active learner
Learns as an individual
Learns as a whole person

A key aspect of the success of each student at Stargate is the involvement of parents in their educational experience. Parents are encouraged to participate in the volunteer activities available; such as chaperoning field trips, participating in fund-raising activities, holding positions on the Board of Directors, assisting in the many school committees, or assisting in a teachers classroom. The possibilities are endless - the results of involvement are powerful.

Spanish and French Language Clubs

Destination Imagination

Girls Scouts & Boy Scouts

National Junior Honor Society

Orchestra and Band

Ski Club

Drama Club

Eagle's Landing (before and after school child-care enrichment)

Math Counts

Science Matters

Colorado C-SAP Excellent Rating

John J. Irwin Awards
School of Excellence Award
2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003 & 2003-2004

2000-2001 Blue Ribbon School Nominee