Gifted & Talented

Miles Lawson
Secondary Curriculum and Gifted and Talented Coordinator
651-403-7025 | miles.lawson@isd197.org

Katie Quinlan
Elementary Curriculum and Gifted and Talented Coordinator
651-403-7026 | katherine.quinlan@isd197.org

In West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Schools, the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program begins in grade 2 and seeks to nurture the exceptional abilities of students by providing ongoing opportunities for enrichment and acceleration. As a student in the GT program, your child will:

  • Participate in curriculum extension projects based on interest and/or academic strengths (opportunities vary each year)
  • Work with the Gifted and Talented/Enrichment Specialist (varies by grade level)
  • Have enrichment opportunities before, during or after school

Each elementary and middle school has a gifted education teacher who works with students and collaborates with classroom teachers to provide appropriate challenge and differentiation for students.

To learn more about Elementary Gifted and Talented service model click on the frequently asked questions document

Our two middle schools, Heritage E-STEM Magnet Middle School and Friendly Hills Middle School, have Gifted and Talented service models are specific to their building.  You can learn more by clicking on their links for each school above.

In high school, students have access to a variety of rigorous coursework through classes such as Advanced Placement (AP), College in the Schools (CIS), Concurrent Enrollment, Project Lead the Way, and beyond.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways and potential internships through opportunities provided at the high school within the Center for Applied Professional Studies (CAPS), Genesys Works, PIVOT Interactives,  School counselors are available to help with post-secondary planning and support students through the Naviance program, which allows them to develop a personalized portfolio of their work and research colleges and careers. A guide to preparing gifted and talented high school students for graduation has been developed for families: English Spanish.