Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

Do I still need to submit the GATE Placement form if my child is staying at their home school? 

Yes, the form is a confirmation that you would like your child to participate in GATE  at their home school.

How is individualized acceleration implemented in the clustered programs?

Teachers use several methods to individualize acceleration (i.e. student grouping, pre-assessments, differentiation of curriculum, and student choice and interest)

If you choose the centered program, can you switch to the cluster program the next year or vice versa?

Yes, as long as there is space availability. Please contact the GATE Office with your request at (714) 378-2036. 

For cluster programs, are GATE-identified students in classes with non-GATE-identified students?

Yes. 

Are cluster classroom teachers trained in GATE methods?

Yes.

Is the class size for the centered program different from standard class sizes?

No, all classroom sizes are similar across the district

For the centered program, how is space availability decided upon- first come-first served or a lottery?

Space availability is decided in the following order: (1) Peterson’s school of resident students; (2) siblings of Peterson students; (3) lottery. 

Once a student is GATE-identified, does the student stay GATE-identified, or do students get evaluated each year?

Once a student is GATE-identified, the student remains GATE-identified for the duration of his/her/their time in HBCSD. 

Is there a possibility that my child would be the only GATE student in a cluster class?

This is an extremely rare possibility that we have not experienced before in HBCSD. 

How does GATE work at the middle school level? Are they automatically put into accelerated classes?

Middle school students are placed in honors/accelerated courses based on middle school honors and accelerated requirements.

How many cluster classes per grade are there per school?

There is usually one cluster classroom per grade level per school.

Are there any other schools in HBCSD with GATE-centered classes?

Peterson is our only GATE-centered program.

At cluster schools, are GATE students in the same grade level placed together in the same class?

Yes. 

When will families learn the GATE placement decision for their child for the next school year? 

HBCSD will inform you of your child’s GATE placement before the start of summer break. 

If my student is placed at a different school, do I need to complete additional paperwork for school transfer? 

No. 

If my child switches schools next year, what do I need to do to register him/her/them for YMCA?

It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the YMCA and complete/submit all necessary paperwork.

Will GATE students in a cluster participate in different field trips? Virtual or in-person?

All GATE students participate in grade-level school-sponsored field trips. 

How many students are in a GATE clustered class?

This number varies from year to year, school to school, and class to class. 

Will we know who is a GATE student within a clustered class?

Due to student confidentiality laws, this information is not shared.

Will there be a GATE combination class?

Combination classes are determined by enrollment numbers and are subject to change.