OJUSD Gifted Learner Academies 2026-2027

The Gifted Learner (GL) Program is designed to expand learning opportunities through a variety of activities that help students develop as they use creative, logical, divergent and executive function skills. Each academy will challenge and encourage students to stretch outside their comfort zone and motivate them to develop coping strategies and organizational skills.  Students will develop academic skills as they enhance their social and emotional well-being.

 #1 Who Am I? The science of Psychology- Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, encompassing mental processes, thoughts, feelings, and motivations.  This academy will focus on the process of personal exploration as we teach students how to discover answers through higher level thinking activities.

#2 Brain Child: Central Nervous System - Gifted learners will open the door to scientific discovery as they unravel the beauty and complexity of the human central nervous system.  Students will be able to view our CNS as one of the most intricate, well-designed machines ever produced.  There is an optional dissection lab for students who successfully complete and turn in all work on time.

#3 Designing Our Future: The Engineering Design Process - Physics does not exist in a world by itself.  It is what makes the world in which other processes exist and engineers apply these scientific principles to improve our surroundings. Through information, activities, and projects students will begin to experience engineering ingenuity and explore the engineering design process as they try, try, and try again.

#4 On to the Theater!  Shakespeare in the classroom -  Students will have the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone as they delve into the comedic and dramatic world of theater.  Each will select their part,create and memorize lines,as well as provide their own costume as they develop public speaking confidence.  Learning to work as a team is an essential skill so students will be required to attend EACH performance unless necessary arrangements have been made beforehand.  Each site will host a daytime and evening performance.  Check site schedule for details.

#5 The Middle Ages -History offers a wealth of information and valuable lessons to aid our civilization today if we will study and learn.  This academy encourages higher level and critical thinking opportunities including flexibility of thought, fluent production of ideas and an opportunity to be creative.

#6 Math is POWER!-”Math is food or the brain;. It requires abstract and concrete thinking skills which leads to additional neural pathways.  Studying math is actually a springboard to increasing overall intelligence and will help you improve various academic pursuits.  Students will use mathematical skills to help them develop personal economic wisdom and learn to develop long range goals.

Additional Learning opportunities:

*science labs     *Gifted Learner Back to School Night     *field trips

*projects     *executive function development