Parent Education
GEAC will typically sponsor "Guiding Your Gifted Child" classes 2-3 times throughout the school year. You do not need to be a member of GEAC to attend, nor do you need to have a child in the Quest program. These classes are open to parents of gifted children who are interested in meeting with other parents who have similar challenges in raising gifted children.
Should My Child Apply To Quest?
A great time for parents to talk with teachers about their child and the need for challenge is at elementary Nov conferences. If a child is bored, needs more in certain areas/subjects, or would benefit from more challenge or projects/studies in areas of interest... then meeting with the teacher about your students needs is critical.
Also, the elementary Quest applications are available and online. Students are not automically tested nor recommended. Parents must consider the aspects of the program and the fit for their child(ren). Online applications are very simple giving just basic information and the permission for LWSD to test the child. However, only a parent/guardian may submit an application to Quest for testing of a student/their child.
What are my options within Quest?
Elementary Level (grades 1-6)
There are two elementary Quest programs available for students who test and qualify into the program. Students will be notified as to which program they qualify for.
Full-time Quest consists of a five day a week program at designated schools. Children are placed in split classes (for example: third/fourth grade split) and are given curriculum that is at least one year ahead, and possibly exposed to curriculum beyond that. (for example, a third grader will be taught the fourth grade curriculum, but since fourth graders are also in the class and are taught fifth grade curriculum, the third grader will also be exposed to fifth grade curriculum.) Curriculum taught is the same curriculum taught in all schools within Lake Washington School District.
Enrichment Pull-Out (EPO) Quest consists of a one day a week program at designated schools. Children attend their regular neighborhood school four days a week, and attend a designated EPO classroom once a week. As it is an enrichment program, themes are taught over an 8-10 week period and academics are woven into the these themes.
Junior High Level (grades 7-9)
There are currently 2 junior high schools that house full-time Quest programs. Kamiakin Jr. High hosts a program for grades 7-9. Redmond Junior High hosts a program for grades 7-8, and these students move into 9th grade honors beyond that. Full time Elementary Quest students are typically accepted into this program pending teacher evaluations. EPO Quest students and students interested in applying to junior high Quest must test and qualify for the program.
High School Level (grades 10-12)
There are no Quest options at the high school level. It is assumed that students will take Advanced Placement (AP) courses as they continue through high school. AP courses are open to any student who chooses to take them (and assuming they have taken any required pre-requisites). For more information on AP classes, an AP Night was held in January 2009, and a summary from that evening can be found here.
"Guiding Your Gifted Child" and "Guiding Your Gifted Adolescent"
“Guiding Your Gifted Child” and “Gifted Adolescent” Parent Education classes have been offered by Gifted Education Advisory Council (GEAC), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Classes are facilitated by LWSD Quest Psychologist Sandy Malone-Long and is open to any interested Parent.
[not being offered at this time] e-mail info@lwsdgeac.org if you are interested.