What to Expect
Exceptional Teaching
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Active Learning
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Friendships
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Fun!
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Enrichment and Evaluation
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Parent Involvement
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Parent Education
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Exceptional Teaching | Active Learning | Friendships | Fun! | Enrichment and Evaluation | Parent Involvement | Parent Education
Exceptional Teaching
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Apogee educators are master teachers selected for their content expertise, familiarity with the needs of gifted children, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching and skill in providing interactive and engaging classroom experiences. Teachers make the most of their time with each class of students, accomplishing more in three weeks than often occurs in a school year. By getting to know students quickly, encouraging individual talents as well as collaboration and creating a friendly and stimulating learning environment, Apogee teachers earn the trust, respect and appreciation of students and parents alike. |
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Active Learning
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Apogee students learn advanced mathematical concepts by examining puzzles and building computer games. They build bridges and launch rockets as an introduction to physics and engineering, and they hone their reading, writing and speaking abilities by becoming journalists, performing Shakespearean plays and participating in writers’ workshops. Aspiring doctors research immunology, budding politicians present position papers and future playwrights take a story from concept to the stage. Apogee curricula are designed with gifted children in mind, inviting them to direct their considerable talent and energy toward interdisciplinary projects and practical problem solving through independent and collaborative learning. |
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Friendships
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Teachers and parents alike often comment on the remarkably strong bonds formed by Apogee students. Apogee provides an excellent opportunity for gifted students to learn and socialize with their intellectual peers. Rather than being singled out and labeled as the “smart kid” in a regular classroom, students are surrounded by other children who share their interests, curiosity and abilities. It is the friendships, just as much as the learning, that makes kids want to return to Apogee year after year. |
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Fun!
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Given the innovative curricula and camaraderie among classmates, Apogee classes are more than just exceptional learning experiences; they are fun! “My child was challenged! She loves to go to [Apogee] because she says that not only is she around fun kids…she is never bored!” says a parent from last year’s program. Survey responses often highlight the Apogee’s warm and friendly environment, enjoyable course content, enthusiastic teachers and their ability to challenge students to meet and exceed their perceived potential. Whether students are outside launching hot air balloons, studying invertebrates under a microscope in the lab or on a field trip to the Field Museum, Apogee students come to realize that learning can be simultaneous with having a good time. |
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Enrichment and Evaluation
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Apogee courses, with the exception of the Algebra I class, are for enrichment only; students in this program do not receive grades for the course(s) they complete. All students do, however, receive a narrative evaluation. The evaluation includes comments on the student’s performance in class as well as student strengths, areas in need of improvement and student work habits and attitudes. Evaluations are sent to families approximately four weeks following completion of the last Apogee summer session, and parents find the feedback valuable and instructive for guiding their children toward future enrichment opportunities. |
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Parent Involvement
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Center for Talent Development understands the importance of the parents’ role in children’s education. A brief parent orientation on the opening day of each session provides an overview of the Apogee program philosophy, procedures and policies. At the end of each Apogee course, parents, family members and friends are invited to attend the Expo!, featuring student work and achievements. Apogee teachers are also available for parent conferences on the last day of each of the three-week sessions. During these conferences, teachers, parents and students can discuss the student's educational plans and performance in the program. Telephone conferences can be arranged for parents unable to come to campus. These conferences are offered in addition to the written evaluation every student receives. |
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Parent Education
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Center for Talent Development is committed not only to its role as a gifted education provider but also to its responsibility to advocate for the gifted community. By providing an annual family conference, frequent parent seminars, publications and information on events, resources and research related to giftedness, CTD empowers parents to play an active and informed role in ensuring the best education for their children. |
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