Gifted Services

Franklin City Schools identifies giftedness in superior cognitive ability, math, reading, creative thinking, and visual and performing arts. The district must follow policy and procedures established in Ohio Administrative Code 3324.03. These rules specify that assessment instruments must come from the list approved by the Ohio Department of Education. Parents, guardians, teachers, or peers may refer students for a gifted identification evaluation. Additional information regarding Gifted Screening and Identification from the ODEW, including Rules, Regulations, and Policies for Gifted Education may be found by clicking this hyperlink.

• Superior Cognitive Ability Identification: Whole grade assessments are administered in 2nd and 4th grade.
   
• Gifted identification in the areas of math and reading will be administered through the MAP 2-5 and MAP 6 assessments multiple times throughout the school year. There is no need for students to be referred for testing in these areas. Reading & Math Gifted Identification: MAP math and reading assessments are administered in grades 2-8 three times a year. Students with a score at or above the 95th percentile on this approved assessment receive a gifted identification in that specific content area. Students with a gifted identification in either of these areas will be supported within their regular classroom, through the cluster model with high quality, differentiated instruction.
   
• Creative Thinking Gifted Identification: Assessments are administered to students who have met a minimum screening score on the cognitive abilities assessment in second and fourth grades. 

If you would like to refer your student to be assessed for gifted services outside of the above times, the first step of the process is to complete the Cognitive Abilities Referral Form.  Testing will take place within 90 days of a referral and results will be sent via email within 30 days of an assessment. Any student currently enrolled within Franklin City Schools may be referred by a parent/guardian, teacher, student, or administrator for an assessment for gifted identification. All approved assessments from the Ohio Department of Education's Assessments Approved for Gifted Identification and Prescreening, will be administered by the gifted coordinator. 

*To be identified as gifted in Creative Thinking Abilities in the state of Ohio, you must meet two criteria. You must first show academic ability by obtaining a 95% on the NNAT3. You must then obtain a 95% on the TTCT.

ODEW Official List of Approved Assessments: Gifted Screening and Identification (ODE)

Out of District Scores 

The district accepts scores, completed within the preceding 24 months on assessment instruments approved for use by the Ohio Department of Education, provided by other schools, and/or trained personnel outside the school district. 

Transfer 

The district ensures that any child transferring into the district will be assessed within 90 days of the transfer at the request of the parent. Please make a request with your student’s teacher or the building principal.

Withdrawal from Gifted Programming

If at any time a parent wishes to withdraw their student from gifted services, the request should be written by the parent to the building administrator. 

Academic acceleration is an intervention that moves students through the curriculum at a faster-than-typical pace, matching each student's capabilities with the most appropriate level of challenge. A student does not have to qualify as gifted for them to be considered for acceleration. 

Franklin City Schools believes all students should work at their academic level, and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. Acceleration is based on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce procedures for Academic Acceleration for Advanced Learners as well as ODEW’s Policies for Academic Acceleration.

A student may be a strong candidate for acceleration when they demonstrate high academic achievement, as well as measured ability and maturity, that significantly exceeds that of their grade-level peers. Options for acceleration include early entrance, single-subject acceleration, whole-grade acceleration, and early high school graduation. 

To begin the process, families are encouraged to speak with their child’s teacher and complete the Franklin City Schools Acceleration Referral Form. An evaluation committee, including parents, teachers, principals, and specialists, will then review cognitive scores, achievement data, and social-emotional maturity using a variety of assessments and tools to make an informed decision. Be prepared to provide specific information as to why you believe the level and complexity of your child’s instruction should be modified. If approved, a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP) is created to monitor the student’s progress.

Written Acceleration Plan

Students who qualify for an accelerated placement will receive a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP) that will specify the placement, the period of time for which monitoring will take place, and strategies to support a successful transition. The WAP describes the transition plan and supports the successful implementation of student acceleration. After the successful completion of the transition period established in the WAP, an acceleration becomes a permanent placement. Sample written acceleration plans may be found on the  Policies for Academic Acceleration for Advanced Learners webpage.

DISTRICT SERVICE PLAN

The district ensures equal opportunity for all district students identified as gifted to receive any services offered by the district for which the student meets the criteria.

Written Education Plans (WEPs)

All gifted students will receive a Written Education Plan (WEP). Franklin City Schools follows guidance through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Gifted Operating Standards by providing a Written Education Plan (WEP) for gifted services for cognitively and creatively gifted children. The WEP aligns with the goals of Franklin City Schools gifted service by supporting the growth of cognitively and creatively gifted students in the areas of critical thinking and student wellbeing. WEPs will be written at the beginning of the school year, with goals set by classroom teachers based on area of giftedness. WEPs will be presented to parents at conferences and signed upon agreement. WEPs will be maintained and updated yearly in SameGoal. 

A written education plan for a gifted student serves as a personalized roadmap to guide their educational journey. It outlines specific strategies, accommodations, and challenges to ensure they receive the appropriate support and enrichment to reach their full potential.

Key purposes include:

• Individualization: Tailoring educational experiences to the student's unique needs, interests, and learning style.
• Differentiation: Providing appropriate levels of challenge and support, avoiding boredom or frustration.
• Enrichment: Offering opportunities for advanced learning and exploration beyond the general curriculum.
• Acceleration: Considering options for grade skipping or early college enrollment if suitable.
• Social-Emotional Support: Addressing the unique social and emotional needs of gifted students, such as perfectionism or isolation.
• Communication: Establishing a clear framework for communication between parents, teachers, and the student to ensure consistent support and understanding.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking the student's progress and making adjustments to the plan as needed.

Written Acceleration Plan

Students who qualify for an accelerated placement will receive a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP) that will specify the placement, the period of time for which monitoring will take place, and strategies to support a successful transition. The WAP describes the transition plan and supports the successful implementation of student acceleration. After the successful completion of the transition period established in the WAP, an acceleration becomes a permanent placement. Sample written acceleration plans may be found on the  Policies for Academic Acceleration for Advanced Learners webpage.

Local Enrichment Opportunities

Gifted & Enrichment Programs Near Dayton and Cincinnati

1. The Super Saturday Program (Cincinnati)

A long-running Saturday enrichment program offering hands-on classes in science, art, robotics, chess, and creative writing for gifted learners ages 4–14. Classes are taught by specialists and held three times a year (fall, winter, and spring). Excellent for students needing intellectual challenge beyond school.

2. Cincinnati Area Mensa Gifted Youth Program

The Mensa Gifted Youth program connects bright and gifted students with peers and enrichment activities. It offers local workshops, field trips, and resources through the national “Mensa for Kids” curriculum. Great for building community and providing challenge in logic, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

3. Notably Gifted Arts Academy

Combines academic support and arts-based enrichment for children ages 5–18. Students can study dance, choir, piano, and visual art while developing leadership and creativity. This is ideal for children identified as gifted in visual or performing arts, or those who need expressive outlets.

7. Montgomery County ESC – Gifted Education Support (Dayton Area)

Provides professional support for educators and resources for families of gifted students across Montgomery County. They maintain a list of summer camps, academic competitions, and family resources for enrichment. Contact them to access regional gifted events and summer opportunities.

8. Cincinnati Museum Center – Youth Programs

Offers youth leadership, volunteer, and STEM engagement programs for students ages 13–18. Includes interactive science, history, and cultural exhibits. Ideal for older gifted students seeking hands-on, inquiry-based learning and leadership development opportunities.
 

10. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (Dayton)

A science museum, zoo, and planetarium combined — offering interactive science exhibits, camps, and outreach programs. Perfect for elementary and middle school gifted students with curiosity in science, astronomy, or technology.

11. Taft Museum of Art (Cincinnati)

Offers youth and family programs, art workshops, and summer art camps. Great for gifted children with strong creative or artistic abilities. Families can participate in weekend “Create & Play” events to foster creativity and art appreciation.

13. ExploreMore Gifted (Covington, KY – Cincinnati Region)

A weekend enrichment program just across the river, offering classes in STEM, art, and humanities for gifted learners. Provides project-based courses similar to university enrichment models. An excellent cross-border option for families near Cincinnati.

14. Mad Science Cincinnati & NE Ohio

Hands-on science enrichment programs for ages 5–12. Offers after-school clubs, summer camps, and science workshops that make learning fun and inquiry-driven. Great entry-level enrichment for younger gifted students.

15. University of Dayton Summer Honors Engineering Camp

A selective residential summer program for high school students exploring engineering fields. Participants engage in labs, projects, and mentoring with university faculty. Designed for academically advanced or STEM-identified students.

Dr. Leah Williams

Gifted Services Coordinator 

lewilliams@franklincityschools.com

(937) 743-8602, ext. 1459  

James McFarland

Assistant Superintendent

jmcfarland@franklincityschools.com

(937) 743-8601