Gifted & Talented
Sidener Academy for High Ability Students
Location
Sidener Academy for High Ability Learners
2424 Kessler Boulevard East Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 226-4259
Program Description
The Sidener Academy for High Ability Students is a school designed to meet the unique needs of students who are academically advanced by offering a program that is qualitatively different from the basic curriculum provided in a traditional setting. High ability students need an appropriately differentiated curriculum designed to address their individual characteristics, needs, abilities, and interests. Teachers who will provide the curriculum for the high ability students at Sidener are credentialed in the area of gifted education and are prepared to deliver the types of learning experiences that will allow these students to develop to their fullest potential.
The Indianapolis Public Schools require that children who qualify for services for high ability students be assessed on the basis of at least four criteria. Students who meet three of the four criteria per district guidelines are considered for placement at Sidener Academy.
Curriculum
High ability students often possess characteristics that necessitate qualitatively different instruction. Our program provides an atmosphere for stimulating the high ability student by engaging them in a curriculum design that will emphasize higher level thinking skills in all subject areas. Each subject area will be studied in greater depth and breadth and often instruction will be above grade level. The curriculum will be responsive to the special needs of the gifted student by allowing hands-on experiences, flexible grouping, acceleration as needed, pre-assessment of student knowledge prior to teaching of instructional units, and numerous opportunities for students to explore their individual interests. Students will receive daily instruction in Spanish at all grade levels. A strong arts program will provide students with instruction in vocal, instrumental, and visual arts with appropriate partnerships to provide real world experiences for students. Thematic instruction will connect the individual subjects and bring meaning and relevance to concepts being taught and provide the real world application that gifted students need. Technology will be appropriately integrated in all subject areas and will support student products.
Applying for Sidener
Students who live within IPS School District may apply for Sidener Academy by completing the application on this site and mailing it to the Gifted and Talented Office’s address listed on the application.