Expansion of Gifted Programs at St. Louis Public Schools

St. Louis ¨C The St. Louis Public School District has expanded its successful gifted magnet school programs for 2007-2008. The opening of the McKinley 9th Grade Leadership Academy marks the first time, in more than a decade, that the district has provided a high school curriculum to accommodate the academic needs of the gifted learner. Currently, SLPS is the only public school district in the metropolitan area to offer full-time gifted education at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

The McKinley 9th Grade Leadership Academy offers a unique and specialized program for future leaders. Students enrolled in the program will take part in a rigorous and challenging learning environment, with special attention given to engaging students in a college preparatory curriculum that includes:

Advanced Placement courses
Dual credit courses
External and Internal Internships
Personalized experiential leadership opportunities

The program is housed in the same building as McKinley Classical Junior Academy, which serves gifted students from grades 6-8. The school is located in the McKinley CJA building at 2156 Russell Blvd.

The district¡¯s gifted elementary school, Kennard Classical Junior Academy, is also experiencing growth. This summer, the program¡¯s staff audited achievement test scores to identify underserved groups of students. Among those students receiving additional support are ESOL youngsters (English Speakers of Other Languages). As a result of the staff¡¯s efforts, Kennard¡¯s enrollment increased.

Students in St. Louis City and participating St. Louis County school districts are eligible to apply to the gifted magnet programs. Prospective students should submit an application to the St. Louis Public Schools¡¯ magnet schools. Applications will be available October 1, 2007. The deadline to apply to Kennard, McKinley and McKinley 9th Grade Leadership Academy is Friday, November 16.

To learn more about SLPS gifted programs, contact Mary Anne Hoppe, Director of Gifted Education, 314.345.2435, MaryAnne.Hoppe@slps.org. To schedule gifted testing, contact Shaun Albright, 314.345.4548, Shaun.Albright@slps.org. For more information about the McKinley 9th Grade Leadership Academy, please contact the principal, Brenda Smith at 314.773.0027 or email Brenda.Smith@slps.org.