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Schools specializing in gifted education are an appropriate option for which gifted students?

Schools specializing in the education of gifted students as well as gifted programs at regular schools offer the most comprehensive educational support: The instruction provided in these settings is typically both substantially accelerated and augmented by more in-depth and broader involvement with school-related topics. As a result, these schools can respond optimally to the learning needs of gifted students. They often also offer a range of elective and after-school programs that provide additional support opportunities. Whereas some specialized schools or classes have specific profiles (e.g., music, science), others target students with broad intellectual abilities.

Prior to admission, students typically undergo an extensive selection process, which may include achievement and intelligence testing, so that ultimately only truly gifted and (potentially) high-achieving children and adolescents are admitted. It is reasonable to assume that learning together with other gifted students also has a positive effect on learning success.

Research has shown that these schools are generally successful because their students achieve very good learning outcomes and are usually very satisfied with their schools. Likewise, the teachers typically enjoy teaching in specialized schools and classes. However, specialized schools may not always be an option. Many gifted children and adolescents are very happy and do well at their regular school, so there is no need for them to attend a specialized school. Furthermore, there are relatively few specialized schools in Germany that are only available in certain locations, and not everyone can travel long distances to attend school or wants to transfer to a boarding school in order to attend a specialized school.