At Skinner, we are committed to meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of gifted learners through a whole-child approach. Our Gifted and Talented program serves students identified as Gifted (GT), Highly Gifted (HGT), Magnet Eligible (ME), and those in our Talent Pool (TP). Every fully identified student has an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) designed in collaboration with families, teachers and the student. These strength-based goals ensure meaningful challenge and ongoing growth and they are progress monitored throughout the year. Our equitable GT model is centered around rich content extensions. project based learning, and robust enrichment programming that spark students’ curiosity and deepen learning beyond the standard curriculum.
We nurture students’ social-emotional development through Core+ enrichment classes, student-led clubs, athletics, and daily Learning Family time which supports responsible decision making, relationship skills, social awareness, self awareness, and self management skills.. Events such as Skinner Cares Day further build belonging, empathy, and resilience. We also partner with WellPower and Judy’s House to design targeted support groups which build social emotional skills based on needs of the current student population.
Equity and access are central to our work. Universal screening, teacher nominations, and Talent Pool monitoring help us recognize advanced potential in all students, particularly those historically underrepresented in gifted programs.
Families are valued partners in this process. We communicate regularly through conferences, newsletters, and direct outreach, ensuring transparency and collaboration. Together, we create opportunities for gifted learners to thrive as leaders, thinkers, and compassionate community members.
For more information about gifted programming at Skinner, please contact Becca Glosser via email at rebecca_glosser1@dpsk12.net.
Visit the DPS Gifted Education website
All of the courses and enrichment opportunities listed below are intentionally designed to meet the goals of the Advanced Learning Plan (ALP).
Gifted and Talented Programming at Skinner includes:
Skinner offers differentiation for gifted students through a compacted curriculum in this core subject area. Placement in these classes require teacher recommendations, assessment scores, and/or a formally identified strength in Math supported by an Advanced Learning Plan. Curriculum includes grade level academic standards while working at a faster pace to include depth and complexity in the various topics covered.
Grade level acceleration is available for students who pass an advanced math placement exam and require advanced instruction in math. This path places 8th grade students in 10th grade Integrated Math II, taught on campus by a Skinner teacher.
Our integrated Literacy classrooms intentionally build the social-emotional skills gifted students need to thrive while also providing opportunities to connect in ways that foster respect for diverse perspectives and build pride in our inclusive community. Skinner offers differentiation for gifted students through assignment extensions or “Distinguished Development” activities in this core subject area. Curriculum includes at and above grade level academic standards which encourage gifted students to dig deeper into the various topics covered.
Book club provides choice and autonomy, encouraging deep critical thinking, and fostering leadership and social skills. It offers a stimulating environment with intellectual peers, allows flexible pacing and challenge, and supports creative expression, all of which promote intellectual and personal growth.
Students choose high-interest books for independent reading based on their Lexile level which is determined by iReady Testing administered three times per year. This promotes motivation and engagement through personalized, appropriately challenging texts. This approach also encourages reading growth at their own pace, nurtures a love of reading, and develops critical thinking skills as students make connections between topics they find meaningful and the skills they are applying to curriculum texts being explored in Literacy courses.
Skinner scholars are offered diverse Core+ elective courses which speaks to our belief in a well rounded education. Courses include Creative Writing, YESS Mentoring, Woodworking, Family and Consumer Science, Spanish, Choir, PE, and Audio Production.
Students receiving high scores for superior art projects are invited to display their work at Citywide showcase events and students who show unique promise build their own art portfolios in the Spring semester which can be leveraged for advanced placements in upper level courses in high school.
Talented musicians are encouraged to apply for Citywide performances and/or the Spring semester talent show to showcase their superior musical abilities.
All Skinner Scholars compete in the school science fair. Students receiving high scores for superior projects are encouraged to participate in the DPS Steam Expo & Science Fair and/or the Denver Regional Science and Engineering Fair held every spring. Several students have won distinguished awards and have been advanced to the Colorado Science & Engineering Fair. During the 2024-25 school year, we had 3 students compete at the state level and one student scored top honors in her category earning scholarship money for college.
Skinner employs a full time STEAM teacher who works with all three grade levels. Students are able to advance through the curriculum at their own pace and increase base knowledge levels by choice and interest. Teachers collaborate across content areas to develop and implement STEAM lessons that use multidisciplinary techniques.
Websites for GT Resources: