Gifted and Talented Education Home

Welcome to Gifted/Talented Programs

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is proud to offer a robust Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program to support the unique needs of gifted, talented, and advanced learners in kindergarten through 12th grade. Over 70,000 LAUSD students receive GATE services – including rigorous, differentiated instruction, social-emotional support, and talent development – in schools and programs throughout the District. This website is a resource for students, families, educators, leaders, and community members to learn more about LAUSD GATE identification and program options. Together, we can ensure that our diverse gifted learners have equitable access to world-class educational settings that recognize their specialized needs, nurture their strengths and passions, and ignite their limitless potential.

About Us

Los Angeles Unified established its Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program in 1951. Since that time, District GATE leaders, educators, families, and community members have passionately advocated for this diverse group of learners to ensure that LAUSD continues to embrace and exemplify an equitable, inclusive, and multi-dimensional construct of giftedness that extends far beyond traditional measures of achievement. In 2022, LAUSD Gifted/Talented Programs, Advanced Learning Options, was the recipient of the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) Distinguished Service Award for “commitment to advocacy for underserved gifted students, as well as identification of underrepresented populations.”

Our goal in Gifted/Talented Programs is to identify gifted and talented students, including those from diverse racial, socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, and provide high-quality differentiated opportunities for learning that meet students' unique abilities and talents.

LAUSD has developed a comprehensive GATE plan which includes District policies and procedures for identifying gifted and talented learners and providing specialized services, support, and program options to meet their academic and social-emotional needs. LAUSD identifies gifted and talented learners in seven categories, as well as offers a verification pathway for students who have not been assessed or identified. All K-12 LAUSD schools – including resident schools and Choices programs – provide GATE services and support to ensure that all students have access to high-quality, rigorous, and engaging educational pathways that meet their individual needs and interests.

Events

Apr 9

Cut-off for Spring Visual And Performing Arts Referral Packets

Apr 9

GATE Parent/Family Webinar

Join Gifted/Talented Programs for an informative workshop with Shelly Alavez, Counseling Coordinator, Division of Instruction. This session will provide an overview of the LAUSD-Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Dual Enrollment Program. Spanish interpretation will be provided. This presentation will be recorded and posted on our website after the event.

6 PM – 7 PM

Apr 14