Gifted students are unique and are as different from one another as they are from the population as a whole. 

• Gifted children may evidence uneven development in intellectual, emotional and physical domains.
• Gifted children have potential that is extraordinary and idiosyncratic.
• Gifted students are generally not gifted in all areas and may not be “straight-A” students. 

Gifted students exist in all cultural groups, within all economic levels, among populations with other special needs, and in all areas of human endeavor.

• Gifted students may be twice exceptional, having gifts as well as disabilities.
• Gifted students evidence different characteristics depending on their cultural, educational and economic backgrounds. 

Gifted students learn differently and require special educational experiences in order to grow academically and achieve their highest potential.

• Gifted students need instruction tailored to their unique abilities, interests and learning styles.
• Gifted students need an academically challenging curriculum that is both accelerated and enriched.
• Gifted students need to explore many fields of study, to “fall in love” with ideas, and to study subjects in depth.
• Gifted students need to engage in learning that requires persistence and task commitment.
• Gifted students need the opportunity to use and develop their creativity.

Gifted students, because of heightened intellectual and social-emotional intensities, need support and encouragement from individuals who recognize, validate and nurture their giftedness.

• Gifted students are a special needs population and can be “at risk.”
• Gifted students benefit from the expertise of both classroom teachers and specially trained gifted education teachers.
• Gifted students benefit from contact with intellectual peers and mentors.
• Gifted students benefit from parents who help them achieve meaningful social, emotional and academic goals.
• Gifted students are children first and need to be valued for who they are.