Gifted Best Practices

At Westgate Community School we understand the complexities that come with being a gifted human being. We use that knowledge to build a program that honors all that a gifted child has within them.

 

We offer a learning experience that is different from traditional schools. We focus on creative, flexible, and innovative teaching methods. Students are carefully placed into Language Arts and Math classes that match their academic level while also considering their social and emotional needs. This allows students to learn alongside peers who are a good fit for them.

Across the school, we use research-based Language Arts and Math curriculum along with Depth and Complexity strategies to support deeper thinking. Students learn through projects, real-world problem solving, and interest-based activities. They also have access to mentors and one-to-one technology, which helps extend learning and challenge students at all levels.

Westgate follows a Whole Child approach, meaning we support students academically, socially, and emotionally. This approach helps students stay interested, engaged, and motivated, while teachers and school leaders provide strong guidance and support.

 

Differentiation is an important part of learning at Westgate. Teachers adjust instruction within each grade level to meet student needs. This includes small group instruction and flexible learning options based on the environment, learning process, content, and final projects.

Teachers also use Depth and Complexity lessons, inquiry-based learning, flexible grouping, interest-based projects, and one-to-one technology to help all students grow. Students are given challenges that match their learning levels.

Before starting new topics, teachers use pre-assessments to see what students already know. If a student has already mastered content, the curriculum can be compacted and replaced with more advanced learning. If needed and supported by data, students may be accelerated in specific subjects.

High school students may take college-level classes through concurrent enrollment at Front Range Community College. This allows them to earn both high school and college credit at the same time.

 

Westgate values each student’s interests and strengths. Students are encouraged to explore their passions through Individual Learning Plans (ALPs), independent projects, passion projects, leadership roles, service learning, mentorships, internships, and college and career guidance.

Students also participate in enrichment classes such as physical education, music, I-Lab, art, and Spanish. High school students may take college classes through concurrent enrollment or support learning as teacher assistants in the school.

Westgate has a strong environmental education program led by an Environmental Education Specialist and supported by student interest. Students help care for the school’s chicken coop, gardens, greenhouse, goats, and bee hives. They also lead recycling and composting efforts.

 

Service learning is a key part of our program, and each grade level completes service projects throughout the year, including maintaining the Washington Street clean-up for the City of Thornton.

 

Westgate offers a variety of after-school enrichment clubs based on student interests. These clubs are led by Westgate staff and community partners. Our Whole Child approach helps gifted students stay engaged, explore their passions, and take ownership of their learning.

 

Social-emotional learning is at the heart of Westgate’s program. We believe students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected. All students participate in a social-emotional learning curriculum with a monthly school-wide theme during daily advocacy classes.

Westgate has a strong support team that includes assistant principals, school counselors, a facility dog, a Gifted Coordinator, an Environmental Education Specialist, and additional social-emotional support staff. Students can participate in one-on-one or small group sessions focused on building social-emotional skills. “Walk and Talks” with counselors are especially popular and effective.

Westgate also offers a peer mentoring program. High school students are trained to support younger students and build positive relationships under the supervision of counselors and administrators.

Environmental programming also supports social-emotional growth. Students work on environmental projects and receive mentoring from the Environmental Learning Specialist, including activities like “walks with the goats” and “Chicken Tender” training.

Throughout the school, students learn skills such as self-regulation, restorative practices, organization, and planning. Additional coping strategies and social-emotional supports are provided as needed through individual and small group sessions, including in virtual learning settings.