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ROGERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Where all belong, all learn, and all succeed

Advanced Programs

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ADVANCED PROGRAMS

Flowchart detailing Rogers Advanced Programs, showing K-12 opportunities and secondary options leading to college and career readiness.

Opportunities to Explore. Challenges to Embrace. Pathways to Success.

 

Rogers Public Schools provides advanced learning opportunities that challenge students, develop their strengths, and prepare them for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

From elementary enrichment and gifted education to Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, concurrent credit, and specialized high school experiences, students can pursue opportunities aligned with their interests, abilities, readiness, and goals.

 

 

 

Advanced Learning from Kindergarten Through Graduation

 

Advanced learning is not one program or one pathway. Rogers Public Schools offers a range of opportunities that meet students where they are, build upon their strengths, and help them take the next step.

K-12 OPPORTUNITIES

These opportunities help students discover their strengths, explore their interests, and experience appropriate academic challenge throughout their time in Rogers Public Schools.

A shield emblem with the text 'CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL' at the top and a white globe showing North and South America.

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL

Cambridge International Education is a K-12 pathway that provides a rigorous, globally recognized curriculum that develops deep subject knowledge, independent thinking, problem-solving and strong communication skills. Through Cambridge experiences and coursework, students learn to think critically, consider different perspectives and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Students can earn the A.I.C.E. Diploma, a high school diploma of distinction, which is the Cambridge international high school curriculum and group certificate granting college-level course credit across multiple academic disciplines. A.I.C.E. stands for "Advanced International Certificate of Education" (AICE) Diploma.

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A teal shield with a white chess knight silhouette and the word 'Enrichment' at the top.

ENRICHMENT

Enrichment opportunities allow students to explore interests, develop talents, solve complex problems and extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom. Schools may offer experiences in creativity, leadership, communication, research, collaboration and academic competition. Opportunities vary by grade level and school based on student interests and campus needs. Chess tournaments, quiz bowl events, Amazing Shake durable skills, and entrepreneurial pitches and business plan competitions are part of the RPS Advanced Programs provided opportunities annually.

Icon representing gifted education with hands holding a brain.

GIFTED EDUCATION

Arkansas defines "gifted education" as: "Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services. Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and /or motivation, and creative ability." Identified gifted students receive direct and indirect services from licensed Advanced Learning Coaches. Services may include advanced content, greater depth and complexity, creative problem-solving, independent study, enrichment, acceleration, and opportunities to work with other advanced learners.

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SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES

Beginning in middle school, students have access to an expanding range of advanced coursework and college- and career-focused experiences.

Many secondary advanced courses are available to students who demonstrate readiness and are willing to accept the challenge, regardless of previous gifted identification.

A green shield icon with a white outline of a graduation cap and the text 'CONCURRENT COURSES'.

CONCURRENT CREDIT

Concurrent credit courses allow eligible students to earn high school and college credit at the same time. These courses introduce students to college-level expectations while helping them gain experience and potentially complete college credits before high school graduation.

A golden shield emblem with 'AP' in white, and 'ADVANCED PLACEMENT' text above.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Advanced Placement courses provide college-level learning experiences in high school. Students can explore subjects in greater depth, strengthen academic skills, and potentially earn college credit through AP examinations. Course offerings allow students to pursue advanced study in a variety of academic areas based on their interests and future goals.

The crest of Rogers Honors Academy features a blue shield with a white 'H' and a gold horizontal bar.

ROGERS HONORS ACADEMY

Rogers Honors Academy provides motivated high school students with advanced academic experiences, college preparation, campus visits, and personalized support as they plan for life after graduation. Students have opportunities to explore a wide range of colleges and universities, strengthen their readiness for the application process, and identify the environment in which they can belong, grow, and thrive. Rogers Honors Academy is open to high school students throughout Rogers Public Schools.

A red shield emblem with a white paper airplane icon and the word 'LAUNCH' at the top.

LAUNCH

LAUNCH provides focused experiences that help students explore their interests, develop future-ready skills and prepare for college, career or military service. Through purposeful planning and hands-on opportunities, students can connect what they are learning today with the pathways available after graduation.

HOW ADVANCED LEARNING WORKS

Students can access advanced learning through gifted services, accelerated coursework, enrichment, and competitive opportunities. Explore the pathways below.

Helping Students Grow from Where They Are

 

Advanced Learning Coaches provide direct services to identified gifted students and collaborate with teachers to monitor growth, differentiate instruction, and extend learning. Families interested in making a referral complete the form or contact the Advanced Learning Coach at their child’s school.

Students’ interests, abilities and readiness can develop over time. Rogers Public Schools uses multiple measures to recognize student strengths, monitor growth and connect students with appropriate learning opportunities.

All students participate in universal assessments annually. Identification continues through 12th grade, and students may be referred at any time by a parent, educator, peer, community member or the student.

No single score or characteristic determines placement. The Advanced Learning team considers multiple objective and subjective measures, and the District Placement Committee makes decisions based on each student’s demonstrated needs.

 

A Pathway to Greater Challenge

 

Students may begin accelerated or high school-credit coursework as early as middle school. Opportunities can include advanced mathematics, English and science courses, along with specialized college and career preparation.

In sixth and seventh grades, Advanced Learning classes provide seminar-style experiences focused on critical thinking, problem-solving and college and career readiness. The seventh-grade course also fulfills the required career development course before eighth grade.

Beginning in seventh grade, students may have opportunities to earn high school credit and prepare for more rigorous coursework, including:

  • Advanced Honors courses
  • Advanced Placement
  • Cambridge International
  • Concurrent college credit

Specific opportunities vary by school, by grade level, course availability, student interest, and readiness.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

 

Enrichment and competitive experiences allow students to investigate new interests, apply their learning, and develop creativity, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Many elementary and middle schools use a Schoolwide Enrichment Model to nurture talent development among all students, not only those formally identified for gifted services.

Opportunities vary by school and may include:

  • Amazing Shake
  • Chess
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Creative writing
  • ESOL enrichment
  • National History Day
  • Odyssey of the Mind
  • Quiz Bowl
  • Speech and presentation opportunities
  • Spelling Bee
  • Stock Market Game
  • Summer learning experiences
  • WordMasters
  • Y.E.S. Business Plan Competition

These experiences help students build confidence, discover potential strengths, and apply classroom learning in authentic situations.

  • Helping Students Grow from Where They Are

     

    Advanced Learning Coaches provide direct services to identified gifted students and collaborate with teachers to monitor growth, differentiate instruction, and extend learning. Families interested in making a referral complete the form or contact the Advanced Learning Coach at their child’s school.

    Students’ interests, abilities and readiness can develop over time. Rogers Public Schools uses multiple measures to recognize student strengths, monitor growth and connect students with appropriate learning opportunities.

    All students participate in universal assessments annually. Identification continues through 12th grade, and students may be referred at any time by a parent, educator, peer, community member or the student.

    No single score or characteristic determines placement. The Advanced Learning team considers multiple objective and subjective measures, and the District Placement Committee makes decisions based on each student’s demonstrated needs.

     

  • A Pathway to Greater Challenge

     

    Students may begin accelerated or high school-credit coursework as early as middle school. Opportunities can include advanced mathematics, English and science courses, along with specialized college and career preparation.

    In sixth and seventh grades, Advanced Learning classes provide seminar-style experiences focused on critical thinking, problem-solving and college and career readiness. The seventh-grade course also fulfills the required career development course before eighth grade.

    Beginning in seventh grade, students may have opportunities to earn high school credit and prepare for more rigorous coursework, including:

    • Advanced Honors courses
    • Advanced Placement
    • Cambridge International
    • Concurrent college credit

    Specific opportunities vary by school, by grade level, course availability, student interest, and readiness.

  • Learning Beyond the Classroom

     

    Enrichment and competitive experiences allow students to investigate new interests, apply their learning, and develop creativity, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

    Many elementary and middle schools use a Schoolwide Enrichment Model to nurture talent development among all students, not only those formally identified for gifted services.

    Opportunities vary by school and may include:

    • Amazing Shake
    • Chess
    • Creative problem-solving
    • Creative writing
    • ESOL enrichment
    • National History Day
    • Odyssey of the Mind
    • Quiz Bowl
    • Speech and presentation opportunities
    • Spelling Bee
    • Stock Market Game
    • Summer learning experiences
    • WordMasters
    • Y.E.S. Business Plan Competition

    These experiences help students build confidence, discover potential strengths, and apply classroom learning in authentic situations.

  • A teacher guides young students playing chess in a classroom with a large screen displaying a chessboard.
  • Two young students in safety goggles and gloves examine specimens on a tray in a science lab.
  • Two smiling boys in football jerseys sit at desks with art supplies, ready to create.
  • Two smiling boys hold a colorful, homemade robot in a classroom.
  • Two women stand next to a digital display promoting the University of Central Arkansas.
  • A smiling young girl stands next to a handmade "Luck Test" game made from cardboard.

OUR COMMITMENT

Philosophy

 

Rogers Public Schools has a longstanding commitment to helping every student reach their potential. We recognize that students learn in different ways and at different levels. Advanced Programs supports differentiated learning experiences that provide appropriate challenge, depth, and complexity.

Mission

 

The Rogers Public Schools Department of Advanced Programs develops and maintains a comprehensive range of differentiated learning experiences that respond to the academic, social, and emotional needs of advanced and gifted learners.

Our Definition of Giftedness

 

Rogers Public Schools recognizes giftedness as exceptional ability, potential or performance in areas such as academics, leadership, the arts and athletics. This approach reflects the American Psychological Association’s work on giftedness and talent development.

Read the APA report on giftedness and gifted education

Rogers Public Schools’ Department of Advanced Programs is a recipient of Arkansas’s Act 56 Award, which recognizes outstanding gifted and talented programs in large school districts. The award is presented by the Arkansas Governor’s Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE & FEEDBACK

The Advanced Programs Advisory Committee brings together parents, educators, and community members who support gifted education and advanced learning across Rogers Public Schools.

Committee members review program needs, participate in dialogue, and provide recommendations to the Advanced Programs Department.

ADVANCED PROGRAMS PARENT SURVEY

ADVANCED PROGRAMS STUDENT SURVEY

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Dustin Seaton, Director of Advanced Programs

Email Mr. Seaton

Julie Adams, Advanced Programs Administrative Assistant

Email Julie Adams