Accelerated & Honors Learning
Academic options that provide increased challenge, pace, and depth for students.
Honors and accelerated courses are academic options available to many students and are not the same as gifted identification.
- Gifted identification determines eligibility for gifted services.
- Gifted services are designed to meet advanced learning needs.
- Honors and accelerated courses are available to many students, regardless of gifted identification.
How Accelerated & Honors Learning Works
Gifted identification determines eligibility for gifted services, while honors and accelerated courses are academic options. Some students participate in both; others participate in only one.
| Accelerated Learning | Honors Courses |
|---|---|
|
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Gifted, Honors, and Accelerated Learning: What’s the Difference?
|
Category |
Gifted Identification & Services |
Honors Courses |
Accelerated Learning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
What it is |
Identification + services based on learning needs |
Rigorous course option |
Faster-paced learning option |
|
Purpose |
Support the unique learning and affective needs of the gifted learner |
Provide more rigorous coursework |
Move students through content more quickly |
|
Who it’s for |
Students identified as gifted based on assessment |
Students ready for increased rigor |
Students ready for faster pace or above-grade content |
|
How students access it |
Through state-approved gifted identification process |
Course enrollment options |
Course placement or instructional decision |
|
What learning looks like |
Greater depth, complexity, and differentiation |
Higher expectations and deeper coursework |
Faster pace and possible above-grade-level content |
|
Required for access? |
Yes — identification required |
No |
No |
|
Available at all schools? |
Yes (services vary by model) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Can students participate in this AND other options? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Students may participate in one or more of these options depending on their learning needs, course availability, and school placement. | |||
High School & Middle School Offerings
Next Steps
- Learn About Gifted Identification
- Explore Programs & Services
- Contact Gifted & Accelerated Learning