The state of Arizona mandates that school districts identify students as Gifted when they score at the 97th percentile or above in any one of the three approved areas on a state-approved assessment (Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal).  Deer Valley achieves compliance by utilizing age-level norms to identify gifted students. Gifted students are automatically placed in our Cluster classrooms and may be eligible for content replacement in ELA and/ or math and enrichment services.

In addition, the state allows local school districts to provide services for students who score below the 97^th percentile.  In Deer Valley, these highly talented and high achieving students are commonly referred to as Talent Pool students.  While not recognized as gifted by the state definition, these Talent Pool learners are eligible to receive gifted services in the form of enrichment when they score between the 94th - 96th percentile.  A portfolio of student data is required to place Talent Pool students into accelerated, content replacement courses.  Talent Pool learners may receive content replacement services pending program availability.  

Local Norming is utilized at our Title 1 schools to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are represented.  While not recognized as gifted by the state definition, these students require differentiated instruction based on their significant abilities.  Title 1 students receive gifted services in the form of enrichment when they score between the 80th - 96th percentile.  Students may qualify for content replacement in ELA and/ or math and enrichment with scores at or above the 88^th percentile.  A portfolio of student data is required to place Title 1 students into accelerated, content replacement courses.  Title 1 students may receive content replacement services pending program availability at their Title 1 school.    

ALL Deer Valley schools provide gifted services. Below is a description of our specialized programs that may be available to students. For more detailed information on what is offered at a particular school, please see the school's website.

Renaissance Highly Gifted Academies

Renaissance Highly Gifted Academies provide rigorous learning experiences that address the individual needs of gifted students. Renaissance students in grades 1-8 acquire a solid foundation in the content areas of mathematics, language and communication arts, social studies, science, and technology literacy. Students work 1-2 years above grade level within core content areas.

DVUSD accepts applications for placement in one of the Renaissance Highly Gifted Academies for students meeting specific criteria for intellectual and academic capabilities (Canyon Springs STEM Academy, Highland Lakes Music and Arts Academy, Las Brisas Global Studies Academy and Hillcrest M.S. Global Studies Academy).  

Standard Application.  All 3 scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Non-Verbal) are at the 90th percentile or higher with a total of 280 percentile points or greater combined. ~OR~ a qualifying I.Q. Score of 132 or higher.  Additional criteria include documented achievement above grade level and gifted characteristic profiles completed by parents and teachers.

Provisional Application.  Gifted Services may open up "Provisional Applications" for classrooms where space is available. These are to allow us to place students who come very close to meeting the standard application gifted score requirements but just missed the cut-off. All 3 scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Non-Verbal) equal a total of 280 percentile points or greater combined. ~OR~ a qualifying I.Q. Score of 130 or higher.  Additional criteria include documented achievement above grade level and gifted characteristic profiles completed by parents and teachers.

Bright Beginnings 

The primary age experience within the Bright Beginnings classroom is enriched to ensure growth and development.  Primary age students in grades K-2 explore academic content above grade level.  Students benefit from a thematic approach to learning, fostering depth and complexity across each of the core content areas.  

DVUSD accepts applications for placement in one of the Renaissance Highly Gifted Academies for students meeting specific criteria for intellectual and academic capabilities (Canyon Springs STEM Academy, Highland Lakes Music and Arts Academy, Las Brisas Global Studies Academy).    Students are eligible for placement in a Bright Beginnings program when they score at the 90^th percentile in one of the three state-approved areas (Verbal, Quantitative, Non-Verbal).

Gifted Pre-K Academy

DVUSD’s Gifted Pre-K Academy includes talent development for 4-year-old students identified at the 88th percentile that will be ready for kindergarten the following year.  The unique tuition-based program is open to gifted and talented students throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The program is offered at Las Brisas Elementary.  For the 2023-24 school year, children must be potty-trained and age 4 by August 31, 2023 to enroll in the Gifted Pre-K Academy at Las Brisas. 

Additional information regarding Deer Valley’s process for gifted identification, assessment, and program placement may be located directly on our website at: www.dvusd.org/gifted