The Manassas City Public Schools is committed to the identification of gifted and talented students among all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. We believe in a talent development approach, in which supports are placed specifically for students of historically excluded populations.  Gifted students are considered to be those whose talents and abilities differ from their peers to such a degree that differentiated educational opportunities must be provided to further affirm and develop their potential. Through a broad-based curriculum in grades K‐12, the gifted program strives to address the unique needs, performance, strengths, and learning styles of each identified student.

Vision

Nurture individual student potential to become innovative, productive leaders in society. 

Mission

Challenge all students to enhance critical and creative thinking skills through rigorous, engaging, and meaningful learning. Students discover passions as intellectual integrity and research skills strengthen.

Many parents have asked, “How do I know if my child is gifted?” Here are some basic differences between a bright student and a gifted one:

BRIGHT STUDENT                        GIFTED STUDENT

- Answers questions                     - Discusses in detail, elaborates
- Works hard                                 - Plays around, yet tests well
- Completes projects                    - Initiates projects
- Technician                                  - Inventor

Eligibility:

• Referred students complete the following:
  • an abilities test (CogAT)
  • achievement tests (MAP)
  • portfolio activities

Programs for Eligible Students:

• Programming matches student needs and is not a “one-size fits all” format. Below you will find general examples of program offerings. Not all students participate in all programming options. Please contact your child’s gifted resource teacher with specific questions about services. 
  • Kindergarten: Supporting a Talent Advancing Readiness (STAR) enrichment program. All students are exposed to gifted enrichment lessons throughout the year.
  • Grades 1-6: General education classroom cluster grouping with in-class support, gifted resource classroom enrichment lessons, or gifted individualized education plans.
  • Grades 7-12: Specialty advanced programs, general education classroom cluster grouping with in-class support, gifted resource enrichment lessons, or gifted individualized education plans.

The MCPS GT Advisory Committee (GTAC) serves as an advisory body to Manassas City Public Schools through its Superintendent.  The Committee includes parents, teachers, administrators, students, and/or community representatives organized to represent the interests of gifted and talented students in our schools and to make recommendations regarding division services and programming for GT students. The committee members attend regularly scheduled meetings.  The committee strives to be representative of all geographical areas and to reflect the diverse ethnicities of Manassas City Public Schools.

Annually, we seek representation to serve on this committee.  If you are interested in serving a one-year term, please complete and submit the form below prior to November 1, to be considered for the upcoming school year. A committee will be appointed by recommendation of the Superintendent in the Fall. Submitting this form acts as a signature.

MCPS Gifted/Talented Advisory Committee Application

GTAC Meetings: via zoom

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 -  6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Thursday, December 15, 2022 -  6 -7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 15, 2023 - 6 -7 p.m.

• Students may be referred by their parents, teachers or themselves.
• Referral forms are available in both English and Spanish for grades 1 through 12 under the GT Referral menu item on the left side of this page.
• Referral forms may also be obtained by contacting Anthony Vargas at 571-377-6088 or avargas@mcpsva.org.