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Manasquan High School

Gifted and Talented

Grades 9 - 12

Manasquan High School provides a continuum of Gifted and Talented services designed to meet the needs of students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers and who require modification of their educational program in order to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.

In accordance with Board Policy 2464 and New Jersey law (P.L. 2019, c.338; N.J.A.C. 6A:8), Gifted and Talented services at the high school level are delivered through advanced coursework and specialized pathways that embed instructional adaptations. These adaptations enable students to participate in, benefit from, and demonstrate knowledge and application of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at the instructional level of the student, not just the student’s grade level.

Continuum of Gifted and Talented Services

Manasquan High School’s Gifted and Talented continuum ensures equal access to instructional adaptations and services through the following programs and opportunities:

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme provides a rigorous, internationally recognized course of study emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, research, critical thinking, and global perspectives. Students engage in advanced coursework, internal and external assessments, the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge, which require high levels of analysis, synthesis, and application.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

Advanced Placement courses offer college-level curriculum and assessments that allow students to study content in greater depth and complexity through accelerated pacing, advanced content, and performance-based assessments.

Honors Courses

Honors courses provide increased rigor, accelerated pacing, and advanced academic expectations within core content areas. Instruction emphasizes higher-order thinking, complex texts, problem-solving, and advanced application of skills.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Project Lead The Way courses provide advanced, hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Instruction emphasizes problem-based learning, design thinking, collaboration, and real-world application.

Career Academies

Career Academies offer specialized pathways aligned to student interests and postsecondary goals. These programs integrate rigorous academics with career exploration, applied learning, and authentic experiences to deepen student engagement and mastery within specific academic or career-focused domains.

Identification and Placement

Identification for Gifted and Talented services is an ongoing Kindergarten through grade twelve process that uses multiple measures to identify student strengths in intellectual ability, creativity, or specific academic or career-related areas, consistent with Board Policy 2464.

At the high school level, identification is typically embedded within course placement and program enrollment. Multiple measures may include, but are not limited to:

  • Academic performance and course history
  • Teacher recommendations
  • Demonstrated strengths or talents in specific academic or career domains
  • Student interest and motivation
  • Performance on local or standardized assessments

Students may be identified as gifted and talented in one or more domains, rather than across all subject areas. Placement decisions are made to ensure students are appropriately challenged and supported through advanced coursework and specialized pathways.

Equity and Access

Manasquan High School is committed to ensuring equal access to the continuum of Gifted and Talented services. Identification and placement practices consider the strengths of all students, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students from historically underrepresented groups.

The district uses multiple measures for identification, avoids reliance on a single assessment, and provides supports designed to promote student access and success within advanced programs.

Instructional Adaptations

Gifted and Talented services include instructional adaptations that enable students to participate in, benefit from, and demonstrate knowledge and application of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at their instructional level. These adaptations may include:
 

  • Accelerated pacing
  • Increased depth and complexity of content
  • Advanced performance tasks and assessments
  • Interdisciplinary and real-world applications
  • Opportunities for independent inquiry and extended learning


Instructional adaptations are embedded within advanced coursework and specialized pathways and are designed to align instruction with student strengths and learning needs.

Questions or Additional Information

Families seeking additional information about Gifted and Talented services, identification criteria, or placement opportunities at Manasquan High School are encouraged to contact the school counseling office or administration.