Our district offers the Learning Immersion/Talent Development (LI/TD) magnet theme at the elementary level at six schools.

The LI/TD theme is designed to provide gifted and advanced learners with an appropriately challenging learning environment focused on best practices for gifted education.

The Learning Immersion (LI) program is designed to nurture academic potential and develop the talents of students in grades K-5. The Talent Development (TD) program serves gifted students in third-fifth grades with rigorous instruction. AIG students in the TD program at a LI/TD magnet school have automatic continuation into an IB middle school within their transportation zone. In addition, the program embraces the 4Es- explore, empower, enrich, and engage. 

• Explore all students' interests, gifts, and talents through LI/TD Enrichment Electives and learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.
• Empower all students through a rigorous curriculum and higher-level instruction based on best practices of gifted education.
• Enrich learning experiences for all students by infusing innovation, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
• Engage all students with meaningful, authentic, collaborative experiences that foster a love for learning and academic, social, and emotional growth.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Gifted resources and strategies are incorporated into daily instruction
• Emphasis on critical and creative thinking
• Adjusted pacing/compacted curriculum
• Shared inquiry discussions

Enrichment Electives

• Opportunities to participate in interest-based LI/TD Enrichment Electives

Specialized Staff & Support

• Supported by LI/TD Magnet Coordinator and AIG Teacher
• Ongoing professional development in gifted instructional strategies, social and emotional supports, and curriculum for teachers

Entry Requirements

• Students can apply through the School Choice Lottery.
• Students in grades 3-5 must meet the entry requirements necessary to participate in the School Choice Lottery.

Learn more about the LI/TD theme through our one-pager in English & Spanish. 

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year: Students in grades 3-5 who seek participation in the CMS School Choice Lottery for a LI/TD magnet school must meet the entry requirement of being identified as Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted (AIG). Future-enrolled students with an active CMS student ID may request AIG screening during the established testing window (November 18, 2024-December 6, 2024) Please reach out to Kenneth Hiroshige, TD Compliance Specialist, at kenneth1.hiroshige@cms.k12.nc.us to schedule testing.