Gifted education in our schools recognizes that each child deserves an educational experience that will promote the development of his or her potential.  In order to facilitate the maximum development of each child’s potential, all learners are provided with differentiated and challenging instruction.  This occurs within the classroom as well as through a variety of extension and enrichment opportunities that may happen beyond the walls of the classroom.  Teachers and others who work with identified gifted students should be aware of the unique characteristics and learning styles of the gifted. A focus on providing advanced learning opportunities for all children is accomplished through a collaboration with teachers and the Advanced Learning Specialist at each of the elementary and middle schools.

Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted, 2022-2027

Gifted Eligibility process

Advanced Learning Specialists

Elementary Schools (K-5)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools has a formal process to identify and serve students with exceptional aptitude and achievement in the areas of English and math. All students are screened in grades 2 and 5, and students in any grade may be referred for gifted eligibility testing by any person including teachers, families, themselves, or community members. An Advanced Learning Specialist at each elementary and middle school monitors the academic progress of identified gifted students and works with classroom teachers to provide appropriately differentiated instruction. Additionally, the Advanced Learning Specialist works to identify and develop the skills of students from historically underrepresented populations through the Talent Development program. For more information regarding the gifted identification process or our gifted program, please contact the assistant principal or the Advanced Learning Specialist.

Bluestone Elementary - Courtney Sokolowski

Keister Elementary - Jackie Funkhouser

Smithland Elementary - Sarah Lopacinski

Spotswood Elementary - Tonia Compillo

Stone Spring Elementary - Brianna Burton

Waterman Elementary - Diana Ferguson

Middle Schools (6-8)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools provides advance learning opportunities in our two middle schools through course offerings (Advanced English, Advanced Mathematics), STEM, high school credit courses (including Algebra, French, and Spanish)  and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day. 

Harrisonburg City Public Schools use a Collaboration Model in both of our middle schools to serve identified gifted students and students demonstrating potential for advanced learning.  The purpose of this model is to help teachers meet the needs of advanced learners through collaborative planning with the Advanced Learning Specialist.  

Skyline Middle School - Tina Showalter

Thomas Harrison Middle School - Leah Barker

High School (9-12)

Harrisonburg City Schools provides all students at our high school with opportunities to realize their full potential.  Advanced Placement courses are open to any student.  Virtual Virginia online courses are available for AP courses not offered on site.

Rising juniors may apply to the Massanutten Regional Governor’s School, a half-day full year academic Governor’s School. MRGS is located in Mt. Jackson and students attend during their junior and senior year.

Additionally, summer Governor's Schools are offered in a variety of areas throughout the state.  For more information on the Governor’s Schools, please contact your high school counselor

Division Advanced Learning Coordinator

Dr. Jeremy Aldrich, Director of Enrichment Programs and Instructional Technology

Page last updated on August 28, 2023