Northfield High School is committed to thoughtfully meeting the needs of all students, including a large population of gifted and talented (GT) learners. GT students at Northfield are recognized, valued, and inspired to collaborate with teachers, peers, and families to develop their unique gifts.
GT Students at Northfield engage in ongoing growth and development that is supported by an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) each year. Students create goals and identify school supports that will support their goal attainment. Through the ALP, we will match every GT student with an adult mentor to check on their ALP Goals each spring.
At Northfield, we have many opportunities embedded in our honors curriculum, a robust CTE program with several different pathways, and opportunities for internships. The rigor of the IB program is a great match for the academic needs of many GT students. The various pathway programs we offer also align well with the goals and needs of many GT students.
Identification & Eligibility
How Students Are Identified
Per state law, all gifted identification must be based on a body of evidence, which must include standardized assessments. The development of a body of evidence is an ongoing, thoughtful process and may take time to gather qualifying pieces of data.
Families with in-district or out of district students should reference the district’s testing information page for information on how to get your student tested or apply results of testing from outside the district.
Services & Supports
Academic
Northfield’s GT program provides students with rigorous, challenging coursework designed to develop their strengths as IB learners. Key academic supports include:
Differentiated instruction and advanced coursework, including Honors and college-level courses
IB Diploma pathways, offering an internationally recognized, inquiry-based, and culturally relevant program
Student-driven Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs), where students set personalized academic goals and build self-efficacy and agency in learning
Tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, and project-based learning
Passion Projects, academic showcases, contests, and student work publication opportunities
Mentorships and internships with DPS and community partners
Completion of projects for the Seal of Climate Literacy
Social-Emotional
GT students’ social-emotional needs are supported through coordinated efforts by the GT Coordinator, GT site team, counseling, and mental health staff. Supports include:
Small group counseling, advocacy groups, and mental health services
9th-grade advisement, mentors, and minute meetings to support adjustment and wellness
1:1 mental health check-ins as needed for all grades
Professional learning for teachers to ensure they can effectively support the social-emotional development of GT students
Through the ALP each student will work with an adult mentor to check on their goals every spring
Extracurricular & Enrichment Opportunities
Northfield GT students have access to a wide range of enrichment experiences:
Opportunities to engage in mentorship, internships, and community projects
Participation in clubs, competitions, and leadership roles (some examples are Model UN and Speech and Debate)
Through the CTE Pathways we have Robotics, HOSA, and DECA
Gifted & Talented Committee
Our GT Committee members advise and support GT students and our teachers. Please reach out to one of them if you have any questions about GT at Northfield!
Jessica Rodriguez Bracey, Northfield High School Principal
