What does it mean to be gifted? The Roeper School, the country’s oldest independent school for gifted children, pre-K to grade 12, has a unique approach to this question that seeks to break misconceptions of the term. The school is not focused solely on producing mathematicians and engineers, nor does it rely only on traditional IQ tests to identify gifted students.
“At Roeper, giftedness is more than just high test scores or advanced academic performance,” says Christopher Federico, the head of school. “We view giftedness beyond the traditional metrics. Our school has identified six criteria or the ‘6 Cs’ of what we feel it means to be gifted, which we use to shape the unique educational environment at Roeper.”
1. Capability
“Capability is often what most people think of when they hear the term ‘gifted’,” says Federico.
For example, the ability to perform at a high academic standard, typically reflected in test scores or report card grades, is often a factor.
“Capability isn’t only about knowing facts or excelling at every subject. It’s also possessing the skills and inquisitiveness to explore new ideas and learn. We encourage students to embrace self-agency and pursue knowledge in their own unique ways,” Federico says.
2. Communication
According to Federico, the ability to communicate in various forms is typical of gifted students.
“While many gifted students are known for their verbal abilities, the school also values communication through other means, such as graphic design, music and the performing arts. We have highly developed programs in all those areas at Roeper.”
This broader definition of communication acknowledges that giftedness can extend beyond academic subjects and into the creative realm.
3. Collaboration
“Roeper sees learning as a team sport,” says Federico. This spirit of collaboration originated with the school’s founders, who fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s. As a result, Roeper has a strong focus on social justice and community engagement.
“Students are encouraged to work together academically and participate in collaborative activities everywhere from the soccer fields to the school corridors. The school operates on a first-name basis, fostering a sense of community, equality and mutual respect among students, teachers and staff,” says Federico.
4. Creativity
Creativity is the ability to create new works, ideas, and solutions. “We encourage students to bring real-life problems into the classroom and approach them creatively. We don’t distinguish between life at school and life in the ‘real world’,” says Federico.
This philosophy challenges the conventional separation between school and the real world, emphasizing that the skills developed in the classroom can have a tangible impact on broader societal issues.
5. Commitment
Commitment is a trait often associated with gifted students, who tend to be passionate about their interests.
“Commitment can vary depending on age and stage, but it is a key factor in fostering giftedness,” says Federico. “Whether solving a complex math problem or creating a film, we believe that gifted students demonstrate a deep dedication to their pursuits.”
6. Connection
The most recent addition to Roeper’s criteria is transformational giftedness, or connection. This involves the ability to feel and show empathy, understanding and a desire to do good for the community.
“We are a community of learners working together for the betterment of the broader society,” says Federico. “We encourage students and our teachers to do transformative things for the community and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.”
To find out more about the Roeper School, visit www.roeper.org/
