Gifted and Talented

According to the state of Colorado, gifted children include those persons between the ages of 5 and 21 whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational needs. Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, and/or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any of a combination of general or specific intellectual ability; specific academic aptitude; creative or productive thinking; leadership and human relations abilities; visual arts, performing arts, spatial or musical abilities and psychomotor abilities.

Within our BOCES, each district has identified a school coordinator who is responsible for gifted education services in their district.  While there are many similarities among our districts, each district chooses to serve their gifted students in various ways according to the strengths of the students they serve.

More information regarding identification, programming, upcoming events, and an extensive resource list can be found here.

Early access to Kindergarten and 1st grade is permitted in our member districts. To review the criteria and timelines for this access, see our Early Access information page.

Our Parent Handbook can also be found here.

For additional information on identification, programming, dispute resolution, and resources, please click here.

For information regarding the STEAM Fair, please click here. To view STEAM Fair photos, please click here.

District contacts for gifted education:

Norwood Public Schools, Ashley Sutherlin, coordinator (Norwood's Gifted Page)

Ouray School District, Jaceson Cole, coordinator (Ouray's Gifted Page )

Ridgway School District, Christy Sabo (elementary) and Gin Randolph (secondary), coordinators (Ridgway's Gifted Page)

Telluride School District, Courtney Price coordinator (Telluride's Gifted Page)

West End Public Schools, Sara Bray (elementary) and Clint Wytulka (secondary), coordinators (West End Gifted Page)

Contacting your district's gifted coordinator should be your first step in determining your district's policies and procedures.  Should you need help beyond what your district coordinator can provide, please feel free to contact our BOCES Gifted Education Director, Gin Randolph at grandolph@ridgway.k12.co.us