Elementary Gifted Programs

Click here to learn about placement and enrollment
Elements and Renaissance GT program logos

Parent Information Meetings

An information meeting about Elementary Gifted and Talented programs was held Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025.

Elements Overview

Students with high intellectual capabilities thrive in our Elements program for grades 2-5. The Elements program consists of:

  • Classroom cohort model
  • Curriculum features increased pace, depth and complexity compared to general classrooms.
  • Research-based, designed to meet the unique learning and social/emotional needs of gifted students.
  • Many students progress to the Nobel or Dimensions Academy (DA) middle school programs.
  • Located at Oak Grove and Ridgeview elementary schools.
  • Students begin 2nd grade working with on-grade-level math, but progress quickly to 3rd grade content. From 3rd grade onward, instruction is accelerated by one full grade level.

Elements Placement Criteria Targets 

  • 85th percentile on reading and math FastBridge assessments.
  • 90th or higher on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) which is administered to most Bloomington Public Schools first graders

    OR 

    90th percentile or higher on at least two of the first three subtests of an IQ test (like the WISC-V) and at least 90th percentile on the overall/composite score. Please note that IQ testing must be administered by an approved licensed provider.
  • High teacher recommendation.
  • Applicants with the highest cumulative scores are placed first. District students are given priority.
  • Because different programs are offered at each level, fifth-graders will be retested for middle school programs and eighth-graders will be retested for high school programs. If a family has a prior IQ test, they may submit that in place of additional ability testing.

Renaissance Program Overview

Students with high intellectual capabilities and desire the opportunity to explore critical and creative thinking models will thrive in our Renaissance program. Renaissance intentionally focuses on serving students who have traditionally been underserved by gifted and talented programs and will work toward giving each student a choice and option to progress into any of our middle school advanced learner options (DA, Nobel, etc.). 

  • Classroom cohort model
  • Capable of performing above grade level in all curricular areas
  • Curriculum features increased pace, depth, and complexity compared to general classrooms.
  • Renaissance is located at Hillcrest Community School

Renaissance Placement Criteria Targets 

  • 90th percentile or higher on the CogAT Test of cognitive abilities.
  • Achievement scores in math and/or reading that do not match cognitive abilities.
  • Applicants with the highest cumulative scores are placed first.

For All Learners

In addition to the Elements and Renaissance programs, Gifted and Talented staff are available to collaborate with elementary schools to support staff in meeting the needs of all learners.