The Kindergarten through 2nd grade Gifted and Talented Program allows students to extend their knowledge of the curriculum in the general education classroom. This program will enrich creative thinking and problem-solving strategies through hands-on learning. The 1st and 2nd grade program includes a pull-out/push-in model with weekly sessions that provide enrichment opportunities.

The 3rd– 4th grade Gifted and Talented Program has both push-in/pull-out components. One component includes weekly sessions with enrichment opportunities to extend students’ knowledge of the curriculum. The other component of this program allows students to prepare and participate in competitions, such as the Science Olympiad. The Science Olympiad allows students to participate in problem solving, laboratory investigations, hands-on activities, and more.

The 5th through 8th grade Gifted and Talented Program is a pull-out model which allows students to participate in opportunities that extend beyond the classroom curriculum. The program focuses on students learning, use of technology, community and real-world connections, and success through different learning experiences.

The program includes participation in the Passaic County Gifted & Talented Consortium and preparation for competitions including Science Olympiad (Grades 5 & 6) and National History Day (Grades 6-8). The Passaic County Gifted and Talented Consortium hosts competitions, such as Battle of the Books (Grades 5-8), Kahoot Bowl, Quiz Bowl, Logic Problem Solving, Crime Scene Investigation, Debates, and more! 

The mission of the John P. Holland Charter School’s gifted and talented program is to engage and challenge students through enriching project-based learning. Through the use of complex materials, technology and research-based instruction, students will undertake challenging and meaningful learning experiences. This program will enhance the child’s development in a natural school setting, while offering higher- level learning beyond the classroom.

According to the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, "Gifted and talented student" means a student who possesses or demonstrates a high level of ability in one or more content areas when compared to his chronological peers in the school district and who requires modifications of his educational program if he is to achieve in accordance with his capabilities.

• -Increase student’s ability to think critically

• -Encourage collaborative learning experiences through creative problem solving

• -Develop leadership skills

• -Expand academic opportunities

• -Demonstrate the ability to plan, monitor, and evaluate one’s own learning experiences

Grades 4-8 School Identification Criteria: Must meet 3 out of 4 of the following requirements
*Due to the cancellation of the Spring 2020 NJSLA, this criteria will be used for grades 5-8 for the 2020-2021 school year.

1) Grades: “A” average in Math or ELA
2) STAR Reading or STAR Math: 85 percentile or higher
3) NJSLA Math or NJSLA ELA: 775 or above
4) Teacher or Specials Teacher Recommendation

Grades 1-3 Identification Criteria: Must meet 3 out of 4 of the following requirements
*Due to the cancellation of the Spring 2020 NJSLA, this criteria will be used for grades 1-4 for the 2020-2021 school year.

1) Grades: “A” average in Math or ELA
2) STAR Reading or STAR Math or STAR Early Literacy: 85percentile or higher
3) 90 percent on the benchmark given at the end of the previous school year
4) Teacher or Specials Teacher Recommendation

Kindergarten Identification Criteria: Must meet all of the following requirements

1) “3.7” average in Math or ELA categories
2) STAR Early Literacy: 85percentile or higher
3) Teacher or Specials Teacher Recommendation

How to file a complaint for noncompliance to Stregthening Gifted and Talented Education Act: Click here.