Philosophy of PEAK: Providing an Enriching Accent on Knowledge

PEAK is Northwest Allen County School's gifted and talented program for qualified students in grades 3 through 5. NACS is committed to continuous academic growth for all students, including those students who perform at, or show the potential to perform at, an outstanding level of academic accomplishment. All students deserve to have content and instruction on their level, and PEAK aims to meet students' needs through curriculum especially designed with the elementary high ability learner in mind.

NACS is also committed to the overall growth of the high ability child, including their social and emotional growth. Gifted students must be helped to realize their uniqueness and to learn to be accepting of themselves and others. PEAK provides opportunities for gifted students to develop positive relationships with peers and to gain a sense of personal responsibility.

NACS' Mission Statement for High Ability Learners ...

The mission of Northwest Allen County Schools is to provide educational choices which will engage, challenge, and support high ability learners to reach their full intellectual, social-emotional, and creative potential

Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Definition of High Ability

NACS follows the Indiana definition of a high ability student as stated below.

The Indiana Code defines a student with high abilities as one who:

*performs at or shows the potential for performing at an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared with other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and

*is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests.