Gifted education in our schools recognizes that each child deserves an educational experience that will promote the development of their potential. In order to facilitate the maximum development of each child’s potential, all learners are provided with differentiated and challenging instruction. This occurs within the classroom as well as through enrichment opportunities that may happen beyond the walls of the classroom. Teachers and others who work with identified gifted students should be aware of the unique characteristics and learning styles of the gifted. A focus on providing advanced learning opportunities for all children is accomplished through a collaboration with teachers and the Advanced Learning Specialist at each of the elementary and middle schools.
Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted, 2022-2027
Gifted Eligibility process
Gifted Education Advisory Committee (GEAC)
Families of gifted students, educators, and other interested parties are welcome to attend our advisory committee meetings to review and advise on our progress towards meeting the needs of all gifted students. The running agenda and minutes of GEAC's meetings are available online.
In the 2025-26 school year, meetings are scheduled online from 7-8pm on the following dates:
Oct. 6, 2025
Dec. 8, 2025
Feb. 23, 2026
April 20, 2026
All meetings are held at this Zoom link.
Gifted Education Opportunities
Elementary Schools (K-5)
Harrisonburg City Public Schools has a formal process to identify and serve students with exceptional aptitude and achievement in the areas of English and math. All students are screened in grades 2 through 5, and students in any grade may be referred for gifted eligibility testing by any person including teachers, families, themselves, or community members. An Advanced Learning Specialist at each elementary and middle school monitors the academic progress of identified gifted students and works with classroom teachers to provide appropriately differentiated instruction. Additionally, the Advanced Learning Specialist works to identify and develop the skills of students from historically underrepresented populations through the Talent Development program. For more information regarding the gifted identification process or our gifted program, please contact the assistant principal or the Advanced Learning Specialist.
Bluestone Elementary - currently vacant
Keister Elementary - Jackie Funkhouser
Smithland Elementary - Sarah Lopacinski
Spotswood Elementary - Tonia Compillo
Stone Spring Elementary - Brianna Burton
Waterman Elementary - Diana Ferguson
Middle Schools (6-8)
Harrisonburg City Public Schools provides advance learning opportunities in our two middle schools through course offerings (Advanced English and accelerated math courses), STEM, high school credit courses (including Algebra, French, and Spanish) and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day.
Harrisonburg City Public Schools use a Collaboration Model in both of our middle schools to serve identified gifted students and students demonstrating potential for advanced learning. The purpose of this model is to help teachers meet the needs of advanced learners through collaborative planning with the Advanced Learning Specialist.
Skyline Middle School - Tina Showalter
Thomas Harrison Middle School - Leah Barker
High Schools (9-12)
Harrisonburg City Schools provides all students at our high school with opportunities to realize their full potential. Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses are open to any student.
Rising juniors may apply to the Massanutten Regional Governor’s School, a half-day full year academic Governor’s School. MRGS is located in Mt. Jackson and students attend during their junior and senior year.
Additionally, summer Governor's Schools are offered in a variety of areas throughout the state. For more information on the Governor’s Schools, please contact your school counselor
Gifted Director
Dr. Jeremy Aldrich, CTE, Gifted, and World Language Programs Director
Page last updated on August 4, 2025
