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Programs » School for Advanced Studies

School for Advanced Studies

HISTORY

The School for Advanced Studies (SAS) was established in July, 2001, to provide a high-quality local school for gifted and talented students to attend in Local District 6.  Currently, 385 students at our school are state-identified gifted and an additional 397 high achieving students participate in the SAS, bringing the total enrollment to 782 students.

CURRICULUM

The SAS offers an enriched curriculum in all academic areas.  Students are challenged to become independent, self-directed learners through projects that encourage the use of technology.  Students who demonstrate a special talent in mathematics are accelerated and are able to complete Accelerated Algebra by the end of eighth grade.

GOALS

The SAS and Gifted (GATE) Program share their goals.  Students are expected to:

  • Investigate problems, issues, facts, and concepts
  • Formulate hypotheses
  • Demonstrate the ability to interrelate subject matter, e.g., English with history, science with social studies, etc.
  • Share creative products willingly with others
  • Achieve and exceed academic performance levels commensurate with expectancy (working toward achievement of advanced performance level of 450 or above on the California Standards Test).


TEACHERS

SAS teachers are highly motivated and enthusiastic.  The teachers willingly participate in professional development to help them meet the academic needs as well as the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students.  Teachers work together in grade level interdisciplinary teams (math, English, science, and history).  Subject matter teachers also work as a vertical team (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) to ensure that continuous progress is being made and repetition is kept to a minimum.

PARENTS

In addition to our regularly scheduled council meetings and parent conference nights, SAS parents have the opportunity to attend monthly parent meetings facilitated by the school’s counselors or GATE/SAS Coordinator.  Topics include time management, the social and emotional needs of gifted students, how to prepare for college, how to deal with perfectionism, as well as topics requested by parents.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES

Near the end of the school year, students participate in Student Led Conferences.  The students prepare a show portfolio that demonstrates their mastery of the GATE goals.  Students also assess their social and academic growth and set goals for the following year.

HOW TO APPLY

Eligible students in grades 5 through 7 may apply to Nimitz Middle School’s School for Advanced Studies during the month of May.  Applications are available in the Main, Attendance, and Counseling Offices.  Applications must be signed by the school of residence and then submitted directly to Nimitz Middle School.  The school of attendance must verify that the student meets ONE of the following three criteria:

  1. Demonstrates ability in all four critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in their primary language.
    • Explain meanings or relationships among facts, information, or concepts that demonstrates depth and complexity.
    • Formulate new ideas or solutions and elaborate on the information.
    • Use alternative methods in approaching new or unfamiliar mathematical problems.
    • Use extensive vocabulary easily and accurately to express creative ideas.
  2. Scaled scores on the California Standards Test as follows:
    • A scaled score of 425 or above in English-Language Arts, AND
    • A scaled score of 450 or above in mathematics.
  3. Identification as gifted in any of the categories by an LAUSD psychologist.

 

Students are notified of their status (accepted, wait list, denied) in early June.

kids photo
Gifted