Gifted and specialized programs
Draft: this guide is waiting for a final check before it is listed in search engines.
Gifted programs are for students identified as gifted through an IPRC. Arts schools and other specialized programs choose students by application, audition or interview, usually with deadlines in the fall or winter before they start.
Gifted
Boards screen or test students for giftedness, usually in elementary school, and an IPRC decides on identification and placement. School pages show the share of students identified as gifted.
Arts and specialized schools
Some schools choose students by audition, portfolio or interview. We leave these schools out of rankings so that they compare like with like.
High school programs
International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Specialist High Skills Major programs are offered in some high schools.
Written with help from AI and checked by a person. Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Rules and dates change: check with your school board before you act.