Advanced Academics

2024-25 Advanced Academic Referral window is closed

The window to refer students for potential identification in the Advanced Academic Program is now closed. We are no longer accepting new referrals for the current academic year. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Mission: 

The mission of the Yelm Community Schools Advanced Academic Program is to deliver an equitable, high-quality education that accelerates learning and enhances instructional practices for all students, with a particular focus on those identified as highly capable. This program is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of these students, fostering their academic growth and potential.

Vision:

We believe that the inherent abilities of highly capable students necessitate differentiated and customized instructional programming to effectively meet their unique educational needs and support their individual growth. 

We believe the district's program must be inclusive and representative, recognizing that highly capable students come from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Under Washington State Law, students identified for Advanced Academics are those who “perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Outstanding abilities are seen within students' general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivities within a specific domain.”

The Yelm Community Schools Board of Directors is committed to providing high-quality services for all students, including those identified as Advanced Academic. This commitment has driven the development of services designed to be more inclusive and equitable.

Program Goals:

• Provide differentiated instruction in English Language Arts and Mathematics for students whose needs extend beyond the support offered by the core curriculum.
• Create an environment that fosters divergent thinking, creative problem-solving, and higher-order cognitive skills.
• Offer opportunities that encourage self-directed learning and promote independent exploration.
• Ensure that advanced students are appropriately challenged and demonstrate significant academic growth. 

Teachers implement Common Core State Standards with a focus on differentiation. They use their understanding of students and ongoing assessments to offer multiple methods for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills tailored to their strengths and areas for growth.

Timeline:

• Fall, October - December: Advanced Academic Referral Window is Open
• Winter, January - February: Screening and Assessment 
• Later Winter/Early Spring, March - April: Advanced Academic Eligibility Determined 
• Late Spring, May - June: Parents/Guardians are Notified of the Results and Appeal Window Opens

Advanced Academics Transfer Students:

If your student was identified for or received Advanced Academic/Highly Capable services in their previous school district, they are considered an Advanced Academics Transfer student. 

Students previously identified as Advanced Academics in another district or state will receive services through Yelm Community Schools. The YCS team works with parents/guardians and the school to gather information and determine appropriate services.  

Step 1: Complete District Enrollment 

Enroll your student in Yelm Community Schools, then contact your school or the Advanced Academic Program. 

Step 2: Provide Required Documentation

Provide all the required documentation to the Advanced Academic Program, including: 

• Identification letter or confirmation from your previous district that your student was identified for Advanced Academics and was receiving services. 
• Standardized ability assessment scores that were used to identify the student in the previous district (examples: CogAt, NNAT, etc.)

Step 3: Coordination with the Advanced Academics Program

After reviewing all submitted documentation, a staff member from the Advanced Academics Program will contact you within 30 days to confirm the transfer of records, discuss available services and outline the next steps for your student.