Is the Center for Gifted Studies the Right Fit for My Child?

Choosing the right learning environment for your child is an important decision. The Center for Gifted Studies at Ridgecrest Elementary is designed for students who thrive when learning is intellectually engaging, collaborative, and challenging.

The questions below can help you consider whether this program may be a good fit for your child.

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Your Child May Thrive in the Center for Gifted Studies If They…

Enjoy Deep Thinking

☐ Frequently ask thoughtful or complex questions
☐ Enjoy discussing ideas and exploring multiple perspectives
☐ Like understanding the “why” behind concepts

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Seek Intellectual Challenge

☐ Become bored when work feels too easy or repetitive
☐ Enjoy solving challenging problems
☐ Show persistence when working through difficult tasks

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Demonstrate Strong Curiosity

☐ Ask many questions about how the world works
☐ Show intense interest in particular topics
☐ Enjoy researching or learning independently

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Enjoy Learning with Intellectual Peers

☐ Like sharing ideas with other students
☐ Enjoy group discussions and collaborative thinking
☐ Benefit from working with classmates who have similar interests

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Think Creatively

☐ Generate unique ideas or imaginative solutions
☐ Approach problems from unexpected perspectives
☐ Enjoy creating stories, designs, or projects

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Show Emotional Awareness

☐ Demonstrate empathy or strong concern for fairness
☐ Think deeply about people, events, or global issues
☐ Reflect on personal growth and learning

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What Learning Looks Like at Ridgecrest

Students at the Center for Gifted Studies engage in learning experiences that include:

• inquiry-based learning
• advanced literacy and mathematics instruction
• collaborative problem solving
• interdisciplinary exploration
• opportunities to think deeply and creatively

Our goal is to create an environment where students feel both challenged and understood.

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Questions to Ask Yourself as a Parent

• Does my child enjoy exploring ideas in depth?
• Does my child seek challenge in learning?
• Would my child benefit from learning with peers who share similar curiosity?
• Does my child respond positively when learning is intellectually engaging?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, the Center for Gifted Studies may be a strong fit for your child.

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Next Steps:

To learn more about the Center for Gifted Studies at Ridgecrest Elementary, we encourage families to:

✔ Attend an Information Night
✔ Schedule a campus tour
✔ Speak with our program coordinator
✔ Learn about the application process

We are always happy to help families determine whether Ridgecrest is the right learning environment for their child.

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Contact

Center for Gifted Studies
Ridgecrest Elementary

Schedule a Tour - Ridgecrest CGS Tour Sign Up – Fill out form

Attend an Info Night
In order to apply to the Center for Gifted Studies, students must apply through the Pinellas County Schools Student Reservation System.  Apply here. 

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At Ridgecrest, gifted learners discover a community where curiosity is celebrated, ideas are explored deeply, and every child is encouraged to grow.