Elements/Dimensions Academy Program Overview - Oak Grove and Ridgeview Elementary Schools
Students with high intellectual capabilities thrive in our Elements (grades 2-3) and Dimensions Academy (grades 4-5) programs at the elementary level. Students learn in a classroom cohort model with curriculum featuring increased pace, depth and complexity compared to general classrooms.
Our research-based program is designed to meet the unique educational and social/emotional needs of students.
Many students successfully progress from our elementary programs to the DA middle school programs.
Elements/Dimensions Academy Elementary Placement Criteria Targets
- 90 percent or higher score on MAP reading and math tests or comparable achievement test
- 90 percent or higher score on at least two subtests of an IQ test or the CogAT Test of cognitive abilities. Please note that IQ testing must be administered by an approved licensed psychologist/psychiatrist.
- High teacher recommendation. BPS students - no form needed. Out-of-district applicants please complete the recommendation form on the application page.
- Applicants with the highest cumulative scores are placed first. District students are given priority.
- Because different programs are offered at each level and standardized tests are typically only considered valid for two years, fifth-graders will be retested for middle school programs and eighth-graders will be retested for high school programs.
Renaissance Program Overview - Washburn Elementary School
Students with high intellectual capabilities and desire the opportunity to explore critical and creative thinking models will thrive in our Renaissance program. Students are in a cohort model, are capable of performing above grade level in all curricular areas, and will experience increased pace, depth, and complexity compared to general classrooms.
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.).
Renaissance Elementary Placement Criteria Targets
90 percent 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.
This program is open to BPS students at schools who are participating in our Javits grant, including Indian Mounds, Oak Grove, Valley View, Washburn, and Westwood elementary schools.
Information Meetings
An information meeting about Elementary Gifted and Talented programs will be held Tuesday, November 28 from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Previous Presentations
- Elements/Dimensions Academy Virtual Parent Information Meeting 2022
- New information for 2023-24 school year coming in November
- Elementary Elements/Dimensions Academy Informational Slideshow 2022
- Transitioning to Middle School/6th Grade
For All Learners
In addition to the Elements, Renaissance, and Dimensions Academy programs, Gifted and Talented staff are available to collaborate with elementary schools to support staff in meeting the needs of all learners.