Elementary Talent Development (TD) Catalyst Model

Each CMS elementary school implements the TD Catalyst Model to meet the needs of Academically Intellectually Gifted (AIG) and advanced learners. This model uses collaboration between classroom teachers, TD Teachers, facilitators,and administrators to best challenge advanced and gifted students. The goal of the Catalyst Model is to provide students with opportunities to enrich and deepen their academic abilities by providing appropriate instructional methods and curriculum to think critically, problem solve, and maximize their potential.

Learning Immersion/Talent Development (LI/TD) Magnet Schools

Students are challenged to reach their fullest potential at Learning Immersion and Talent Development (LI/TD) magnet schools. There are currently 6 CMS LI/TD magnet schools. Using the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCoS), the schools  provide a dynamic, versatile, enriching learning environment that accelerates student learning through best practices in gifted education. A high standard of academics and conduct will be reinforced as the school will place emphasis upon the student developing scholarly behaviors, critical and creative thinking, and problem solving skills. The curriculum is differentiated to provide students with enrichment, acceleration and exploration of individual interest areas. The LI program for K-2 learners focuses on nurturing academic talent and potential. By the end of second grade, students will be evaluated for entrance into the Talent Development (TD) program. Academically Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students in the TD magnet component in grades 3-5 will be immersed in gifted strategies and resources to cultivate growth and provide appropriately challenging learning experiences. Students who do not identify as AIG in any capacity by grade 3 may remain in the magnet, and their academic talent and potential will continue to be developed. Unique features of the LI/TD magnet program include consistent access to advanced learning opportunities, shared inquiry,  higher level questioning, research and project and problem based learning. Students also participate in interest-based enrichment electives. 

Families may apply for seats during the annual CMS School Choice & Magnet Lottery.

Horizons

The Horizons program is designed for highly gifted students in grades K-8. These students must be working at a minimum of 2-3 years above grade level in addition to meeting specific standardized aptitude and achievement criteria. Please contact the Talent Development and Advanced Studies Office at (980) 343-2644 for more information about this program.

Middle School

Each middle school receives support from an academic facilitator who works with students and teachers to develop rigorous, accelerated, complex curriculum and appropriate instructional practices in math and literacy. High-performing middle school students are evaluated annually for instructional placement in literacy and math courses.

Honors & Advanced Placement

Honors

Honors courses often offer the same curriculum as a standard class, covering additional topics in greater depth and complexity and/or covering the curriculum at a faster pace. Students earn additional .5 quality points for successfully completing honors courses at the high school level.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement Courses are offered for high school students. In AP Courses, students develop the skills needed to be successful in college, such as time management, critical thinking, and scholarly writing. Taking AP courses allows students to discover their passion by studying a subject in depth and gaining insight into possible college majors or careers. Students enrolled in AP courses can earn college credit or the ability to skip introductory courses by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam. All students who enroll in an AP course are expected to take the AP exam, which can allow them to earn college credit. Research shows that students enrolling in AP courses are better prepared for college and university success and are more likely to graduate in 4 years. For more information on college credit offered by all universities, please visit: apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-college-placement.

Contact your school to explore the AP course offerings that are available.

If you have questions about gifted identification and/or advanced programming, contact the school directly. For additional information or assistance, please contact the Advanced Studies department by calling (980) 343- 6955.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

CMS also offers students and families the option to participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This is a K-12 program that offers students a rigorous and challenging curriculum. It is inquirybased and provides students with the skills and perspectives needed to successfully compete in the global world. CMS has seven elementary schools that are either candidates or authorized for the Primary Years Program, five middle schools that are authorized for the Middle Years Program, five high schools that are either candidates or authorized for the Middle Years Program and authorized for the Diploma Program (DP); and one high school that offers the Career-related Program (CP).

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID is a college readiness system designed to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID is implemented in elementary, middle, and high schools across CMS.

The AVID Elementary classroom exemplifies organization, collaboration, high expectations, and a college-/career-going culture. It is important for students to be immersed in an organized, rigorous environment that utilizes the gradual release of responsibility. The ultimate goal of AVID Elementary is to prepare students for success at the middle school level, while also growing their individual agency and opportunity knowledge. 

At the secondary level, the AVID elective  exemplifies a college and career readiness culture. In the AVID elective, students learn organizational and study skills, and work on critical thinking skills to enable them to be successful in rigorous, higher level courses. Students enrolled in the AVID elective must also enroll in at least one of their school’s most rigorous academic classes, such as Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, Dual Enrollment, or CTE.

Cambridge

Cambridge Assessment International Education is the largest assessment and academic program in the world, and a part of Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. With over 10,000 schools, 160 countries, and 40 governments utilizing their curriculum, they are recognized throughout the world. Over 700 universities and colleges accept their exam credits, and recently the NC State University System created a policy that accepts all As and A levels earned at a C or higher. Many other state systems are following suit and have put similar policies in place.

Cambridge prides itself on preparing students for the rigors of life, university, and career by teaching critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The entire process is built on the philosophy of the Learner Attributes. These ideals and strong academic expectations allow students to become independent, global citizens that are ready to leave the protection of home and high school to successfully advance through whatever choices they make.

Edgenuity Courseware (Non-Credit Bearing)

Students engage in courses or units that are completely customizable by a teacher of record. Courses are designed for the blended learning environment and supplemental support. The teacher of record monitors student progress and schedules time to provide additional support to students as needed.

Edgenuity Courseware (Credit Bearing)
Students engage in courses that content leaders and specialists have specifically designed to provide tighter alignment and focus on priority standards. No edits or adjustments are allowed unless there is a documented student plan. In addition, this platform provides both new coursework and credit recovery options. The teacher of record monitors student progress and schedules time to provide additional support to students as needed.

Edgenuity SIS
Students experiencing unique situations have access to Edgenuity IS. The platform provides both new coursework and credit recovery options. Students engage in an online course with a teacher from Edgenuity. The E-learning contact at the school monitors progress and contacts students & families as needed.

North Carolina Virtual Public School
Students engage in an online course with a teacher from NCVPS. E-learning contact at the school monitors progress and contacts students & families as needed. Enrollment in courses is completed at the school level. Virtual options should be used only when a face-to-face option is not available or there are scheduling conflicts that impact a student’s ability to meet necessary graduation requirements.

Due to a fixed budget, CMS uses the NCVPS platform in the summer to support students with satisfying graduation requirements.