The International Gifted Program

International Gifted Program

Overview

The International Gifted Program is offered at Ogden for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. This initiative includes intensive study of English, world language (Chinese, Spanish or French), social studies, laboratory science, mathematics, technology, arts, physical education, library science, and advanced research. The International Gifted Program is designed to allow intellectually able students to be schooled in their least restrictive environment and to mature at an accelerated pace.

Program Activities

-Curriculum is accelerated one to two grade levels.
-Students in this program learn to understand significant issues and apply appropriate concepts to solve problems.
-Students learn to respect intercultural values and ideas, and understand the role of literature and the arts in society.
-Students in the International Gifted Program consistently score above city and state standards on standardized tests.
-Schools offer various clubs, sports and activities.
-Schools utilize state-of-the-art classroom technology.
-Schools offer instrumental band and international travel to students.

Teacher Training

To be considered to teach gifted/talented students in the International Gifted program, high-quality candidates are selected who have participated in a myriad of training. The Office of Academic Enhancement is proud to have offered training in curriculum and instruction from nationally renowned experts in the field of gifted and talented learners. Training has also been offered through Gifted Education Seminars, Advanced Gifted Institutes, and Summer Best Practice Workshops.

Transportation Boundaries

Currently, transportation is provided to students who reside more than 1.5 miles from the school. Students are assigned to a neighborhood school for their designated pick-up and drop-off location.

International Gifted Programs FAQs:

Where will my child be attending school?
For the 2010/11 school year, all 6th – 8th graders will be at our West campus (1250 W. Erie).

What are the hours of the school day?
Students are in their first period class at 8:20 a.m. The school day ends at 3:00 p.m.

How will my child get to school?
IG students have four options:
(1) All IG students are eligible for bussing. The addresses of all IG students who need bussing will be sent to the bussing company. They will determine the best route to pick up all the children. This information is then given to the school and families over the summer.
(2) Since 24 W. Walton is our home school (currently being rebuilt), CPS provides bus shuttles from Newberry Library to the West campus. They start running at about 7:30 a.m. Then they return the students to Newberry Library at 3:10 p.m.
(3) The West campus is about 2 blocks from the Chicago/Milwaukee stop on the Blue line. It is also about 1 block from the Chicago bus (#66) and about 2 blocks from the Grand bus (#65).
(4) Parents can drop off and pick up their students.

What is the curriculum for the International Gifted (IG) program?
IG students are in classes that are one grade level ahead. All of Ogden’s students will participate in an international curriculum to help them become better global citizens. Teachers create units that are engaging, interesting and relevant to the students. These challenging units encourage our students to think on their own and learn how to solve real-life problems.

What languages can my child take?
Students who select Ogden will have an option between Chinese, French and Spanish. Families will be sent a preference sheet that they will bring to the school when they register their child.

How do I register my child?
Specific times and dates will be sent to families who have chosen Ogden IG program. In that letter there will be information about what each family will need to bring with them to the school for registration.

Are students in Ogden’s elementary school guaranteed a seat in The Ogden International High School?
YES. All eighth graders are offered a seat to the high school. If they are interested, they simply complete an application and turn it into our counselor.

I have questions regarding my application. Who do I contact?
You should contact the Office of Academic Enhancement at 773-553-2060.

I am not sure where to send my application. Who do I send it to?
You send the application directly into the Office of Academic Enhancement. Their address is:
Office of Academic Enhancement
125 S. Clark, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL  60603

You only need to send it to your child’s school if your child has an IEP or 504 plan.

Can I fax my acceptance letter to the Office of Academic Enhancement?
Yes. Their fax number is 773-553-2061. Put ATTN: ANNETTE DAUM. I would also suggest you call to follow up to make sure they received it. Their phone number is 773-553-2060.

I heard something about a summer program for the IG students. Can I get more details?
We offer a two week summer session for all new incoming 6th grade IG students. We also encourage other new IG students to attend as well. The session is usually the first two weeks of August. As more details come in, information will be sent out to the families participating in the IG program. 

Who do I contact regarding questions I still have about the IG program?
Jeff Finelli at 773-534-7743. He is the IG coordinator at The Ogden International School of Chicago.
jfinelli@cps.edu