Yorktown Advanced Academics & Talent Development (formerly Gifted Services)

Gifted students need opportunities to think abstractly, work at various rates and levels of complexity, and pursue tasks independently. In addition, students eligible for gifted services need opportunities to learn with others of like abilities, as well as opportunities to develop socio-emotionally. APS Advanced Academics and Talent Development is implemented through school-based and countywide activities, which comply with School Board and State objectives. These school-based services are delivered in the following ways:

• APS Advanced Academics and Talent Development collaborative resource model, in which the classroom teacher works with the Advanced Academics Coach (AAC) to develop and present appropriately differentiated learning experiences for gifted students within the general education classroom.

• In the general education classroom setting, identified students are cluster-grouped (minimum of 5 – 8) and through a variety of flexible groupings based on ongoing data.

• Identified students work with teachers who are specifically trained in instructional needs of and curriculum written for gifted students.

• Specific curricula which are differentiated or extended from concepts in the general education curriculum, and when appropriate, through opportunities for acceleration and extension.
• APS Advanced Academics & Talent Development website
•  2022-2027 APS Gifted Services Local Plan
• APS Gifted Services FAQ

Advanced Placement courses & AP Capstone Diploma at Yorktown HS

• Collaborate with the AAC to provide differentiated curriculum, extension opportunities, and supplemental curriculum resources.
• Plan units and lessons to meet the learning needs of students identified for gifted services.
• Coordinate instructional needs of all learners in the classroom.
• Keep open communication with AAC regarding students that may need to be screened for gifted services.

•  Collaborate and co-plan with teachers
• Extend and deepen student learning through higher level discussion, rich content, and high expectations
• Provide supplemental resources
• Model lessons, co-instruct, or facilitate lessons
• Coaching best practices instructional strategies (i.e. APS k-12 Critical Thinking Strategies)
• Facilitate book clubs and extension projects
• Promote differentiation practices throughout the school
• Manage gifted and talented screening process and evaluation
• Facilitate professional development for teachers

• Learn about APS Advanced Academics and Talent Development
• APS Advanced Academics and Talent Development FAQs
• September 2023 YHS Back to School Night AAC Information (open with student APS account)
• 2024 VA Summer Residential Governor’s School information(open with student APS account)
• APS Fine Arts Apprentice Program ​​ information

• VA Summer Residential Governor’s School information from VDOE

• APS Fine Arts Apprentice Program ​​ information

• Programs for Gifted Students

• Math, Science and Technology

• Art

• Virginia Association for the Gifted

  • 2023 ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN VIRGINIA this is a comprehensive list of enrichment opportunities for gifted learners in Virginia.  Please contact the individual groups listed to find out more about their programs.

• BLAST: Summer Program for STEM at a Virginia university campus, for current 9th grade students. DEADLINES: Application Opens:November Application Closes:February

• STEM Camps and Programs Outside of APS

• Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

APS Advanced Academics Summer Opportunities list

Yorktown High School recognizes students’ academic rigor and achievement as Yorktown Scholars.  The purpose is to recognize students at graduation who have completed and performed well in college level courses (Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment) during their years at Yorktown High School.

• Coursework and Grade requirements: :  Students are required to complete at least 6 college level courses and earn final grades of B or higher in all classes (with a one- time exception of a C or C+ final grade in one class).   All students who meet the coursework and grade requirements will be recognized as a Yorktown Scholar at their graduation ceremony through the wearing of an honor cord.
• Changes for 2024-2025: Given the addition of the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma to the YHS Program of Studies, Yorktown Scholars recognition will no longer be awarded to students.

• All Grade Levels: APS Advanced Academics & Talent Development webpage
• Contacts
  • Chery McCullough, Director
  • David Horak, K-12 Supervisor
  • Amanda Dempsey, K-12 Specialist

• Virginia Department of Education: Gifted Education
• 2e Newsletter
• Center for Creative Learning
• National Association for Gifted Children
• Northern Virginia Writing Project
• Summer Program for High School Students at Georgetown University
• University of VA Summer Enrichment Program
• William and Mary College Focusing on the Future
• Virginia Association for Gifted Children