Nurtured in Love

High Ability Program at Holy Cross Lutheran School

Holy Cross is committed to meet the needs of high ability students whose performance is consistent with nationally-recognized criteria for giftedness. We provide them with advanced experiences beyond grade-level curriculum through acceleration and/or enrichment of the curriculum.

High Ability students perform at or show the potential for performing at an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain (areas of aptitude and talent) compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interest.

Cluster Model

Cluster grouping is when gifted and talented and/or high-achieving students are identified as being within the top five percent and placed in a standard, mixed-ability (heterogeneous) classroom within their grade. Groupings of three to six or five to eight are typical cluster groups. If there are more than eight to ten students meeting the necessary criteria, another cluster group is typically formed and placed in a different class.

Advantages of Clustering

Grouping all gifted children in a regular classroom provides:

• Social, emotional, and academic advantages to students.
• Inclusive spaces.
• Gifted students often feel more comfortable among students with similar abilities.
• Cluster groupings help facilitate this comfort level by increasing the number of high achieving students within one class.

Cluster Model

Cluster grouping is when gifted and talented and/or high-achieving students are identified as being within the top five percent and placed in a standard, mixed-ability (heterogeneous) classroom within their grade. Groupings of three to six or five to eight are typical cluster groups. If there are more than eight to ten students meeting the necessary criteria, another cluster group is typically formed and placed in a different class.

Advantages of Clustering

Grouping all gifted children in a regular classroom provides:

• Social, emotional, and academic advantages to students.
• Inclusive spaces.
• Gifted students often feel more comfortable among students with similar abilities.
• Cluster groupings help facilitate this comfort level by increasing the number of high achieving students within one class.

To apply for tuition assistance from Holy Cross, please complete the FACTs application.

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