212 Academy brings gifted students together in Warren County
Science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
That’s what a group of gifted students are learning at Warren County Public Schools, 212 Academy.
Rob Clayton, the superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, has three main priorities for the district: safety, ensuring learning, and opportunities for children. The 212 Academy is just one example of opportunities for children.
Located inside the Aquatics Center, the 212 Academy is a program for 5th and 6th grade students who have been identified as gifted across the Warren County Public School District.
“You know, the kids that are over there are the kids that are going to do great things. All kids have the potential to do great things, but these kids are gifted. They are super gifted and the myth that gifted kids will be fine because they are gifted is just not true. They need growth, they need nurturing, and they need experiences just like any other child.” says Lorie Richey, the WCPS Elementary Supervisor.
Students from each of the 15 elementary schools apply for the program and around 160 are selected each year to attend.
Each day around 30 to 35 of those selected students come to the academy.
Each group comes one day a week, for the entire school year.
“We try to keep the total count from 30 to 35. If we get over 35 we don’t have a one to one ratio on our technology.” adds Richey.
Asher Pettus is one of those gifted students, he attended the academy his 5th grade year and now he is back for his 6th grade year.
“It makes me feel wanted as well. It also makes me feel like, okay this isn’t something easy. I have to get out of my comfort zone. I need to meet people. I also need to get out there and do more things I don’t know. Easy math questions I need to do, like algebra stuff, or science, there are more things to do here.” says Pettus.
This gives students like Asher learning opportunities they wouldn’t receive in a traditional 5th or 6th grade classroom. Some of the assignments are even at high school level.
