Academically gifted students in grades 6-12 are served in the Honors and AP classes.  These classes are designed to meet the academic needs of these high- ability students.  These classes are offered in each core subject area at each grade level.  Classes are taught by regular classroom teachers who have received high- quality professional development in the area of gifted education.

The criteria for placement is determined by the most current scores of a state-approved, nationally standardized test.  For example, for placement in the 6th grade Honors classes, the 5th grade Iowa Test of Basic Skills and CogAT are utilized.  If a child does not have valid nationally standardized test scores and wishes placement in Honors or AP classes, the parent may make a referral for testing by contacting the gifted coordinator. 

The specific criteria for placement is as follows:

• 6th-8th Honors classes:  students must have an 85 national percentile or higher composite score or a 115 or higher IQ.
• 9th-12th Honors/AP classes:  students must have an 85 national percentile or higher in specific subject area, and a C average or higher in previous year's class.

Students who have a gifted identification in the specific subject area and meet the other criteria have automatic placement in these courses to "ensure equal opportunity" as stated in the law.  If  students have a C-or below in the previous year's class, they lose automatic placement for the next year.