Advanced Programs K-12 Curriculum

Whole class enrichment activities/lessons are delivered weekly for Kindergarten, first and second graders. These activities are literature based, STEM focused, and aligned to the K-2 grade level grade-level standards as well as Next Generation Science Standards. Each enrichment lesson consists of thirty minutes of direct contact with all K-2 students. Our Kindergartners receive their enrichment curriculum based on gifted education process skills, Arkansas content standards and creativity development. Our first grade enrichment curriculum was developed to address gifted education process skills aligning to grade-level standards and Next Generation Science Standards.  The second grade enrichment curriculum addresses critical, creative and logical thinking through a module approach.  Scientific inquiry, STEM, and hands-on learning experiences are also included through whole class enrichment. At all three grade levels, Advanced Learning Coaches and classroom teachers work cooperatively and delivery enrichment lessons weekly. This design is not only utilized to accommodate the state guidelines, but assists us in our ongoing identification process. Behavioral checklists and work samples are collected K-2 and reviewed as part of the Talent Pool during our spring review of every second grader (2nd grader).

3rd: Invent & Investigate 
Our third graders (3rd grade) focus on - "Invent & Investigate."  Students will investigate the history of their respective communities. Some of our students will design new communities and replicate the same process that founding fathers went through when Rogers, Lowell, Garfield, War Eagle were organized.  This will also include an field experience to the War Eagle area and historic Blackburn settlement. 

Students will also learn the concept of simple and complex machines.  They will invent something original, engineer the prototypes and create infomercials to present at the annual Advanced Programs Showcase in the spring. Through this curriculum, our third graders begin the process of research.

A highlight of the year, will be the implementation of a community service learning project designed by each class.

4th: Scientific Inquiry & Exploration
During fourth grade (4th grade) our student focus becomes "Scientific inquiry & Exploration."  Students prepare to take a research expedition aboard an ocean schooner.  This curriculum has a strong emphasis on inquiry based learning and energy as the central concept in science.  Through oceanography, marine biology, cycles and systems, weather, and the use of navigational tools our students explore and track the migration patterns of humpback whales. 

5th: Career Awareness
The fifth grade (5th grade) study emphasizes "Career Awareness," diving into various career paths, skills, and coursework needed to be successful in middle and high school. This curriculum focuses on the structure of the brain, how we learn, and what career options are available now and projected to be available in the future.  This unit of study culminates with an annual "Career Day" featuring flagship CTE programming in the Rogers Public Schools as well as mentorship opportunities from older students to our advanced learning 5th graders.  Parents are invited to to the annual Career Day (usually around Pi Day) as well as the annual Advanced Programs showcase event held each spring.

AGATE Curriculum Award Presentation 2019

High school students (grades 9-12) have multiple opportunities for advanced and accelerated learning, including Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International AICE diploma, and concurrent college courses, early college entrance and the Rogers Virtual Learning. The RPS Advanced Programs Department aims to assist students and their families in meeting and/or exceeding the minimum 22 graduation credit requirements for high school graduation in Arkansas. 

In addition, students that successfully complete their AP courses take the end of course College Board AP exams can earn HS Diplomas of Merit and/or Distinction. These students receive weighted GPA credit and can earn college credit for scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on these exams.

In addition, all students are invited to apply for the Rogers Honors Academy (RHA) as an additional program option for secondary students.

Other enrichment opportunities are made available to all students interested in Arkansas Governor's School, Quiz Bowl, chess tournaments, and more.