Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children (JAGC) Colorado

Options for Advanced Learners

The sources listed are intended for reference purposes only. The inclusion of any person or entity shall not be deemed to imply a recommendation, endorsement or approval of the services provided by such person or entity. Please email info@jeffcogifted.org with additional resources.

Jeffco GT Dept. Info
Dept. Website
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented

Jeffco SPED Dept. Info
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/special_education

Community Help Line - 303-982-6682
Virtual community forums throughout the year to share information with the community
An updated website with frequently asked questions, resources, and information for families

Considerations for Online Courses and Acceleration

Check with individual school principals for course credit toward graduation requirements. Not all courses outside Jeffco will apply.
Grades affect students in high school where calculation of high school GPA impacts class rank and valedictory status, at four year university/college where cumulative GPA effects applications for scholarships, internships and research opportunities and at the graduate school level where cumulative GPA affects application for fellowships, law school and medical school.
Not all colleges and universities give credit for AP and other coursework.
Credits earned through concurrent and dual enrollment may not apply outside of Colorado. Students should work with their school counselor to determine how the specific courses can transfer between institutions. CDE Concurrent Enrollment Policy: http://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/ce_poilcypractice
Who teaches the course? Are faculty experienced with remote/virtual learning?
What is the faculty-student communication policy? (Return email within 24 hours, etc.)

Considerations for Full-Time Homeschool

If families opt to homeschool their child (as opposed to remote learning via the GT Center School), and they are no longer on the GT Center School’s enrollment list, they would lose their spot and would have to reapply for the 2021-22 school year or thereafter.
Is there another adult who will be able to help or can I do this myself? Will a working parent be able to give the homeschooling parent some extra time for breaks/planning?
Do I have a support network and people who I can ask questions?
Does my child/family want to stay connected/enrolled in the schools our students are currently enrolled?
What current extracurriculars are our kids already involved with and what will those groups be doing this year?

How to Incorporate Personalized Learning

What is personalized learning? Try to picture a classroom that doesn’t have a “one size fits all” approach to education. The teacher doesn’t lead all students through the same lessons. Instead, the teacher guides each student on an individualized journey. The what, when, where and how of learning is tailored to meet each student’s strengths, skills, needs and interests. (Understood.org)

Find a subject your child is passionate about. Work with your teacher/s to develop a plan that meets instructional requirements. Here are some resources (see also Homeschool Options section for more):

Jeffco School Options

GT Center Schools Info & Policies
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented/gt_center_schools#:~:text=Students%20voluntarily%20leaving%20a%20GT,Travel
Elementary School
Refer to the Jeffco Restart plan and your individual schools for specifics on learning options offered.
Middle School and High School
There are many ways students can earn college credit while in high school. Most Jefferson County high schools have credit-earning opportunities where students earn college credit by taking a college-level course (concurrent enrollment or dual credit) or by taking college-level exams in AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) courses and meeting college scoring requirements. Students can also take high-school level online courses, as offered by BYU independent study, for example.

Concurrent (CE) & Dual Enrollment
Requirements for CE courses at high schools
Requirements for CE courses at community college campuses
Search for courses offered at high schools
ASCENT program
Resources & information about Accuplacer Next

Jeffco Career and College Pathways
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/career_college_pathways
AP & IB (Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate)
For IB & AP credits, while many colleges grant credit for a 3 on an AP or 4 on an IB test, some have a higher benchmark, and others don’t grant any credits. The policies vary with the university/college, and families would have to consider that when shopping around for universities. Jeffco Public Schools offers several advanced learning options. Click here to find out more about specific schools and programs.
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/career_college_pathways/ap_ib
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment credits and grade recognitions vary by institution, so Jeffco can’t mandate who will grant which credits to various universities. The only agreement Jeffco has is with Colorado community colleges.

Jeffco students in grades 9-12 can enroll in their home high school as well as a community college within the homeschool service area. Concurrent enrollment allows students to enroll and earn college credits while still in high school. Course options vary by high school so check the school’s website for additional information.
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/career_college_pathways/postsecondary_opportunities
Dual Enrollment
Jeffco students may participate in dual enrollment programs with prior approval from the principal. Students and families are responsible for all costs associated with these courses.
Students have two options to access dual enrollment classes:

Local colleges award credit to our students at a nominal cost that the student is responsible to pay. Students/Families must contact the high school directly to find out about Dual Enrollment offerings.

With prior approval from the high school principal, a student can enroll at approved colleges and take courses. The student is responsible to pay all tuition costs and fees.

https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/career_college_pathways/postsecondary_opportunities
Jeffco Ascent Program Post High School
Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) is a Concurrent Enrollment program which allows students to participate in college courses after their 12th grade year.
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_627881/File/Jeffco%20PS/Programs/Choice%20Programs/Concurrent%20Enrollment/ASCENT%20FAQ%20(4).pdf
Jeffco Alternative Schools & Directory

Jeffco Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs
Located in neighborhood middle schools and high schools as well as Warren Tech and Warren Tech North. All CTE programs offer academic, elective, and/or college credit.
Jeffco Career Links
Resource for industries and schools to build connections between classrooms and careers. Supports work-based learning opportunities.
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/career_college_pathways/jeffco_career_links
Jeffco Charter Schools
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627965&pageId=1067027&charter=true
Jeffco Elective & Choice Programs
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/choice_programs
Jeffco Homebased Options
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/alternative_learning/home_based_options
Jeffco Innovation Programs
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_627881/File/Jeffco%20PS/News/2018/JIAFRecipeients.pdf
Jeffco Virtual Academy - JVA (Online)
Educational options for 6-12 grade students who reside in Colorado. Program options: Middle School (including GT courses), High School (including honors, AP and CU Succeeds), Targeted Actions to Graduation (TAG), Credit Advancement (summers only), Credit Recovery & School Group Enrollments.
https://jeffcovirtual.jeffcopublicschools.org

JVA middle school GT options https://www.jeffcogifted.org/school-options.html#
JVA concurrent concurrent enrollment options https://jeffcovirtual.jeffcopublicschools.org/enrollment/high_school/traditional_enrollment

Sobesky My Path
Individualized self-paced credit recovery program designed to remove barriers to graduation for over-age and/or under-credited students. Priority is given to juniors and seniors in need of significant support (mental health, social emotional, academic, environmental, etc.) to graduate on time.
https://sobesky.jeffcopublicschools.org/Departments/my_path
Two Roads Jeffco Charter
Serves K-12 full-time and homeschool students at Arvada and Littleton campuses. Concurrent enrollment with Red Rocks and Arapahoe community colleges and ASCENT program to high school students, where students can earn college credit and an Associate’s Degree while still in high school.
https://tworoads.jeffcopublicschools.org
Jeffco Adult Education & Degree Completion Programs (over age 18)
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/adult_education
https://www.chalkbeat.org/posts/co/2018/03/23/program-to-bring-back-dropout-students-is-one-of-10-new-ideas-jeffco-is-investing-in/
Jeffco Dropout Prevention - Project Finish Line
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=627965&pageId=1161599

Local In-Person and Online School Options

Private Schools
May offer full-time and part-time at home options
School Choice for Kids School Finder
https://schoolchoiceforkids.org
CareerWise
CareerWise youth apprentices split their time between their traditional high school classroom and the workplace. They earn a wage while receiving hands-on work experience where they can apply their classroom learning.
https://www.careerwisecolorado.org/students/participating-schools/
Colorado Alternative Schools
https://www.publicschoolreview.com/colorado/alternative-public-schools
Colorado Skies Academy - Englewood Grades 6-8
https://coloradoskiesacademy.org
Fusion Academy - Greenwood Village 6-12
https://www.fusionacademy.com
Project Lead the Way Hands-On Learning
https://www.pltw.org/our-programs
Odyssey School of Denver Expeditionary Learning
https://odysseydenver.org
Ricks Center
Private pre-K-8th grade school for gifted children
https://www.du.edu/ricks/
Wings Aerospace Academy - Englewood
Aerospace skills and experiences one day per week for grades 6-12
https://wingsaerospaceacademy.org

College Programs
Arapahoe Community College - Littleton
Concurrent Enrollment
https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/concurrent-enrollment
GED
https://www.arapahoe.edu/advising-support/testing-center/ged-testing
Colorado Early Colleges
Tuition-free public charter schools across Colorado allow students to take college courses while in high school including college direct and homeschool programs
https://www.coloradoearlycolleges.org
College Direct Courses on College Campuses (Grades 9-12)
https://parker.coloradoearlycolleges.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1667378&type=d&pREC_ID=1816925
Homeschool Options K-12
https://www.coloradoearlycolleges.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1685710&type=d&pREC_ID=1841392
Red Rocks Community College - Arvada
High School Options
https://www.rrcc.edu/high-school-relations
GED
https://www.rrcc.edu/assessment/ged-testing
Front Range Community College - Westminster
High School Options
https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-and-courses/high-school-programs
GED
https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-and-courses/ged-testing

Local Options for 2e Learners (Gifted With Learning Differences)
Brightmont Academy - Broomfield
https://www.brightmontacademy.com
Colorado’s Finest - Englewood
http://www.englewoodschools.net/schools/colorados-finest-high-school-of-choice
Denver Academy - Denver
https://www.denveracademy.org
FlexSchool (secondary online)
https://www.flexschool.net/#/
Fusion Academy - Greenwood Village 6-12
https://www.fusionacademy.com
Hillside School - Longmont
https://hillsidelearning.org
Humanex Academy - Englewood
http://humanexacademy.com
Integrated Learning Academy - Boulder
https://integratedlearningacademy.com
Joshua School - Englewood
https://www.joshuaschool.org
Prospect Academy - North Jeffco proposed charter
https://www.facebook.com/prospectacademyco/
Temple Grandin School - Boulder
https://templegrandinschool.org

Online Options

Colorado Resources
Colorado Dept. of Education (CDE) List of Online Schools
https://www.cde.state.co.us/onlinelearning/schools
CDE 2019 Online Summary Report
https://www.cde.state.co.us/sites/default/files/docs/onlinelearning/Final_Summary%20Report%20for%20Online%20Schools%20and%20Programs.pdf
CDE Online Learning Research and Reports
https://www.cde.state.co.us/onlinelearning/reports
CDE Online Resources
https://www.cde.state.co.us/onlinelearning/resources
CDE Learning at Home Resources
https://www.cde.state.co.us/learningathome
http://www.cde.state.co.us/learningathome/remotelearningresources
PreK-12 Enrichment & Educational Resources (NAGC)
https://www.nagc.org/prek-12-enrichment-educational-resources?utm_source=Network+Members+2020&utm_campaign=ed6102f1fd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_17_09_45_COPY_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3159f6e9f6-ed6102f1fd-140358405&mc_cid=ed6102f1fd&mc_eid=1698a42c80
Alternate Learning Options for Gifted Children (NAGC webinar 59:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2WVP20pjEE&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Network+Members+2020&utm_campaign=ed6102f1fd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_17_09_45_COPY_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3159f6e9f6-ed6102f1fd-140358405&mc_cid=ed6102f1fd&mc_eid=1698a42c80
Additional Resources
Check with your school for acceptance of credit and AP courses toward graduation requirements
Searchable list of AP online options
https://www.niche.com/k12/search/college-prep/?academics=apProgram&gradeLevel=high&specialty=online
2020 Best Online Schools for Gifted Students in America
https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-online-gifted-schools/
Art of Problem Solving/Beast Academy (math)
https://artofproblemsolving.com/online
Astravo Online Academy
https://astravo.org
Athena’s Academy
https://athenasacademy.com/courses/
Bridges 2e Center
https://2ecenter.org/product-category/july-2020/july-2020-ii/
BYU Brigham Young University Independent Study - (AP & few Honors)
https://is.byu.edu/home
College Board CLEP Exams
Use your knowledge to earn credit through CLEP and save time and money toward a college degree.
https://clep.collegeboard.org/?SFMC_cid=EM201629-&rid=49091728
Colorado Connections Academy
https://www.connectionsacademy.com/colorado-online-school
Colorado Digital Academy
https://coloradodigitalacademy.org
Colorado Digital Learning Solutions
https://www.coloradodls.org
Colorado ENet Learning
https://onlinelearning.enetcolorado.org
Colorado Preparatory Academy
https://cpa.k12.com
Colorado Virtual Academy
https://coloradovirtualacademy.org
Coursera
https://www.coursera.org
Davidson Academy
http://www.davidsonacademy.unr.edu/Online
Denver Online High School
http://online.dpsk12.org
EdX
Access 2.500+ Online Courses from 140 Institutions
https://www.edx.org
Finish Your Diploma
https://finishyourdiploma.org
Florida Virtual School Global School (AP & honors) https://www.flvs.net/online-high-school-courses#flex
Fuel Education K12 International Academy (AP & honors)
https://www.fueleducation.com
Future Learn
https://www.futurelearn.com
GOAL Academy
https://www.goalac.org
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum
https://ghflearners.org
Global Ed Solutions
https://globaled.one
Institute for Educational Advancement Youth Programs
https://educationaladvancement.org/youth-programs-and-services-2/
Jeffco Virtual Academy
https://jeffcovirtual.jeffcopublicschools.org
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (AP & honors) https://cty.jhu.edu/online/courses/index.html
--Testing eligibility criteria https://cty.jhu.edu/talent/eligibility/policy.html#levels
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Laurel Springs School (AP) https://laurelsprings.com/academics/single-course-offerings/ AP Course offerings https://laurelsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FY19-P12-AP-Courses.pdf
https://laurelsprings.com/
Michigan State GATE Gifted & Talented Education for middle & high school
https://gifted.msu.edu
MOOCs Massive Open Online Courses - many free courses including some AP
https://www.mooc.org
My Tech High
https://co.mytechhigh.com
Next Level High School
https://www.nextlevelstudents.org
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development (AP & honors) https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/program_type/online-programs Testing eligibility requirements https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/eligibility
https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu
OnlineG3 - online classes for gifted learners
https://www.onlineg3.com/
Pearson Online Academy (AP & honors)
https://www.pearsononlineacademy.com
Stanford University Pre-Collegiate Studies
https://spcs.stanford.edu
Stanford Online High School - Part of Stanford University (AP and honors) https://onlinehighschool.stanford.edu/course-catalog
--Single class enrollments
https://onlinehighschool.stanford.edu/enrollment-options)
University of California SCOUT (AP) https://www.ucscout.org/about-scout

Homeschool Options

Colorado Resources
CDE Homeschool Info
https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool
CDE Homeschool FAQs
https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool_faq
CDE Homeschool Resources homeschool programs and microschools
https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool_resources
https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool_resources_nationwide
https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool_resources#options
Microschools
Microschools are small, private institutions where students personalize their own educations and are held accountable for their own progress. http://microschoolcoalition.com
Access to Public School Activities
Colorado allows homeschooled students “have the same rights as” and “may participate on an equal basis in” extracurricular and interscholastic activities. Colorado Revised Statutes § 22-33-104.5(6) and § 22-32-116.5.
CHSAA Regulations
http://www2.chsaa.org/about/pdf/2017-2018/1bCompetitors_Brochure.pdf
Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families
http://www.coloradocyberfamilies.org
Colorado umbrella schools, unschools, associations, groups and co-ops

Jeffco Schools Curriculum by Grade
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/academics/curriculum/curriculum_by_grade
Additional Resources
100 Reasons to Homeschool Your Gifted Daughter
https://sallieborrink.com/100-reasons-homeschool-gifted-daughter/
Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool
https://allinonehomeschool.com
Davidson Institute Homeschooling
https://www.davidsongifted.org/search-database/topic/105167/entrytype/1
https://www.davidsongifted.org/search-database/entry/a10617
Gifted at Home
https://www.giftedathome.com
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum
https://ghflearners.org
Homeschool Facebook groups - search for available groups
Hoagies Gifted Homeschool
https://www.hoagiesgifted.org/home_school.htm
Hollingworth Center - Homeschooling Highly Gifted Children
http://www.hollingworth.org/HomSchHG.html
Homeschool Support Programs
https://schoolchoiceforkids.org/colorado-homeschool-support-programs/
Homeschooling in CO
https://schoolchoiceforkids.org/homeschooling-in-colorado/
Project-Based Learning Ideas
http://ourjourneywestward.com/unit-study-projects/
Project-Based Homeschooling
http://project-based-homeschooling.com/camp-creek-blog
https://mamaofletters.com/2013/03/27/what-is-project-based-homeschooling/
https://performingineducation.com/homeschoolers-pbl/
SAGE Center for Gifted Children
http://www.giftededucationresources.com/index.html
Pennsylvania Homeschoolers - very popular
https://www.aphomeschoolers.com/index.shtml
Prenda School
www.prendaschool.com
The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Gifted Children - many resources listed
https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-gifted-children/
Well-Trained Mind.com
https://welltrainedmind.com/considering-homeschooling/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlKzjqb7V6gIVCr7ACh2-zg0hEAAYASAAEgI3LvD_BwE&v=7516fd43adaa

Resources

Organizations & Articles

Center for Bright Kids
https://centerforbrightkids.org/resources.php
Seven Ways You Can Earn College Credits While Still In High School https://thebestschools.org/magazine/seven-ways-can-earn-college-credits-still-high-school/
The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962959170/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
College Without High School: A Teenager’s Guide to Skipping High School and Going to College
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0865716552/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Evaluating Online Learning Programs

By Stacy Hawthorne, Director of Online Learning at the Davidson Academy
With online learning on the rise, its accessibility and impact is starting to influence the college admissions process. More than half of all U.S. colleges and universities report specifically targeting online high school students in their recruitment efforts. Having online experience in high school can help strengthen a college application and help a student succeed in college, since more than 31 percent of all undergraduate students take at least one online course, a number that has been steadily increasing.

Therefore parents and secondary students should become informed consumers when evaluating online learning programs. Based on research in best practices in online education, I recommend looking for online courses that are collaborative, flexible, personalized, rigorous, and encourage critical thinking and rich discourse.

Collaborative courses contain synchronous (real-time) instructional elements requiring collaboration among participants. Online learning should not be isolating. As Nora Lewis, vice dean of professional and liberal education for the School of Arts and Sciences, said in the Pennsylvania Gazette, “We can build an incredibly vibrant, interactive community of people” online.
Online courses should have a flexible learning plan that allows them to be responsive to the needs of individual students. Assignments, instructional materials, and outcomes can easily be adjusted based on student strengths and interests without altering the expected course outcomes.
Personalized courses provide students with a highly supportive learning environment that address the needs of individual learners and provide opportunities for student voice in learning. Instructors should be present in the course and knowledgeable about their content and the students so that instructional materials and/or the actual course design can be personalized to the needs of each cohort of students.
Online courses with the appropriate level of rigor will challenge participants to achieve their potential. A supportive online classroom encourages academic risk and growth. This type of challenge is important to college and university admissions officers.
Critical thinking is a highly touted 21st century learning skill that is highly valued by secondary education and potential employers. Quality online courses will provide opportunities for participants to form and support opinions and experience a variety of perspectives.
Rich and authentic two-way discourse between all participants is a hallmark of quality online learning. This discourse can happen in real-time through video-based discussions or with authentic questions in discussion boards. The emphasis is on quality of discussion and not on quantity. The students and the instructor both play vital roles in maintaining the quality of the discourse.

There is much to be excited about in the emerging field of online learning. Parents and students in today’s learning climate are tasked with recognizing the potential of online learning and identifying ways to make it part of a diverse educational portfolio that will be viewed competitively in the college admissions process.

These Davidson Gifted Database charts provide comparisons of popular online programs used by gifted students. These programs can be utilized in a variety of ways; enrichment, tutoring, curriculum replacement, independent study, etc.

Special Needs & Accommodations

Virtual IEP/504 guide (PDF)

virtual-iep-meeting-tipsheets.pdf
File Size:	418 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

CDE Special Education Rules and Regulations
https://www.cde.state.co.us/spedlaw/rules
Preparing Students with Learning Differences for College Transition
https://www.landmark.edu/academics/online-programs/high-school-online-dual-enrollment-program?utm_source=LCIRThouselist&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LCIRTnews2018-11
Pros & Cons of Online School for Students with Learning Differences
(LDonline.org)
Many parents are turning to online or virtual school programs to help their child achieve academic success. While this can be a great option for students who are struggling in a more traditional academic setting, it is important to weigh the pros and cons specifically related to your child to make sure it will be the best fit. Here are a few to consider.
Pros
• Less Distractions: Working from home may help eliminate distractions. The school environment itself can be a distraction for students who have been bullied or who have anxiety toward school. A solo school environment may provide a new outlook on school.
• Work at Your Own Pace: Students with ADHD and other learning challenges may need more time on assignments, especially in topics they may not be interested in or are struggling the most in. Online schools usually allow students to work whenever works best for them. This means being able to walk away and come back to a task later.
• More One-On-One Attention: Depending on the online school that you choose, there may be a teacher available to help with assignments or you may be the teacher! Either way, your child will likely have more opportunities for one-on-one attention and may feel more comfortable advocating for this need.
• New Learning Environment: If you are considering an online school, you and your child are probably frustrated with their current learning environment. Having a new learning environment will hopefully alleviate the stress and frustration your child has previously associated with school and give them a fresh start.
Cons
• Not Enough Structure: While working at your own pace can be a benefit, it can also be a downfall for kids who struggle with executive functioning skills. Your child is responsible for staying on task and completing lessons on time, just like any other school. As a parent, you will need to play an active role in holding your child accountable and making sure they are progressing through their schoolwork in a timely manner.
• Limited Social Time: Many students with ADHD also struggle with social skills. Even if school hasn’t been the greatest environment for children to meet friends, they still need a social environment where they can work on social skills. Online school leaves little time to work on social skills, so be sure to give your child these opportunities in other ways such as a homeschool group, a social skills class, or extra-curricular activities.
• Means to an End: Learning is a lifelong adventure. For students with learning challenges, it is important to find strategies to overcome these challenges and discover the learning style that works for them. Often an online school setting simply becomes a means to an end. The goal is to complete the course work but the big picture is to also learn valuable skills that can be applied in the future.
• Multi-Role Parent: Online school may change your role too. In addition to Mom or Dad, you are now a teacher, principal, tutor, and more! Consider the current state of your relationship with your child and decide if taking on this new role will benefit your relationship or possibly hurt it.

For other opinions on online school and homeschool environments for your child, check out these articles.

School Options