Appomattox County Public Schools provides a differentiated curriculum for identified gifted students in grades K-12 though the Advanced Learners Program (ALPs). A wide range of opportunities for academic extension are provided in the regular classroom. Math and Language Arts are the primary areas of service for identified ALPs students. The ALPs Program has two primary purposes. The first aim is to offer challenging academic opportunities that foster creativity, academic growth, higher level thinking skills, and problem solving. Secondly, the program supports classroom teachers as they meet the challenges of teaching students at all levels by creating a differentiated curriculum.
Elementary students in grades K-5 are instructed by a full time gifted resource teacher who serves students in grades K-2 at Appomattox Primary School and grades 3-5 at Appomattox Elementary School. Primary and elementary level students are served by the resource teacher through a pull out program. At both schools, schedules are coordinated with the regular education teachers to make optimum use of the school day. Students work with the ALPs teacher and in the regular classroom on advanced activities and differentiated curriculum that foster higher level problem solving and thinking skills and self-directed learning. The program allows advanced students instructional and social time with both academic and age peers.
Middle school students in grade 6-8 at Appomattox Middle School are served through a combination of advanced classes and in the general classroom. Opportunities for acceleration in math and language arts are available for identified students. The middle school ALPs program is designed to enhance the unique learning styles of the middle school student and provide opportunities for self-directed learning, intensive study of selected topics, and participation in enrichment activities, competitions, and subject acceleration.
Appomattox County High School students in grades 9-12, are provided opportunities to enroll in advanced level courses in all academic disciplines and participate in extracurricular academic activities. Through faster-paced teaching and working with more detailed and complex subject matter, the advanced learners are provided opportunities to widen their horizon and explore new concepts. The ALPs program at the high school level is not designed as a “pull out” program. The honors, advanced, and advanced placement classes are designed for students who need and desire more challenging academic settings. These courses require the use of higher cognitive skills to complete class work, homework, and special projects. The classes move at a faster pace encompassing more of the subject matter as well as including more detailed and complex material. ALPs students are not only encouraged to take the higher level course offerings, but also to participate in various contests throughout the year. These competitions cover a wide variety of areas including writing; public speaking, scientific endeavors, and inventions while providing opportunities for self-directed learning, critical inquiry, and developing creative processing skills.
Through a competitive process, students may apply for admission to the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology (CVGS) and the Governor’s Summer Enrichment Programs, focusing on academics, fine arts, foreign languages, and agriculture. Students at CVGS engage in an innovative and dynamic curriculum which explores the connections between mathematics, science, and technology. The mission of CVGS is to develop leaders who possess the research and technical skills, the global perspective, and the vision needed to address the challenges of a rapidly changing society.