Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary

Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary A research and development center providing services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, and parents of the gifted.

The Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary, a research and development center, was established in 1988 under the direction of Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska. The Center provides services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, parents, and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Center has established a nati

onal reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center.

Dive into the world of storytelling with our "Creative Writing" course, designed for aspiring writers eager to explore t...
05/29/2026

Dive into the world of storytelling with our "Creative Writing" course, designed for aspiring writers eager to explore their creativity and refine their craft. This immersive program offers a comprehensive introduction to various genres of creative writing, from fiction and poetry to memoir and screenwriting. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or looking to enhance your writing skills, this course will provide the tools, techniques, and inspiration to bring your stories to life.

Who is ready to have hands-on experience with Science? The goal is to provide hands-on learning to help students engage ...
05/26/2026

Who is ready to have hands-on experience with Science? The goal is to provide hands-on learning to help students engage in science. Students who do hands-on activities tend to remember more of what they were taught. During this course, students will build rockets, build 3-D diagrams of solar systems, create weather tools, use household items, and use a variety of edible treats to show the physical changes of the Earth. Using what they learn, from each activity, students will be able to identify the steps of the scientific process.

High-ability learners thrive when their curiosity is met with challenge, creativity, and joy—and that’s exactly what Mat...
05/22/2026

High-ability learners thrive when their curiosity is met with challenge, creativity, and joy—and that’s exactly what Math in Motion delivers. This class introduces young children to early math concepts such as counting, sorting, patterns, shapes, and simple addition, while also laying the foundation for higher-level thinking.

Through movement, music, and playful hands-on activities, math becomes an adventure. Each session begins with a lively math story or song, then children dive into active learning stations like number hopscotch, clapping pattern games, and “make-a-shape” challenges.

By starting early, children strengthen both their math skills and problem-solving abilities—building the confidence and creativity they will need to tackle more advanced learning as they grow. And best of all? They will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize how much they are learning!

Did you know the Earth should technically be called an Ocean? Covering over 70% of our planet, the world's ocean is Eart...
05/19/2026

Did you know the Earth should technically be called an Ocean? Covering over 70% of our planet, the world's ocean is Earth’s biggest habitat. If you are curious and passionate about the ocean, spend a week diving into oceanography! On the first day, you will discover the many early ocean explorers and their contributions to mapping the world, discovering seafloor features, and early oceanographic research on animals. Case studies of modern scientific expeditions and the fascinating careers available to you as a future oceanographer will also be a focus of our activities and discussions. Each successive day in Dive Into Oceanography will be a deep dive into one of the four disciplines of oceanography: geological, chemical, physical, and biological oceanography. Using many hands-on experiments and demonstrations, students will learn all about the geology of the seafloor, the chemistry of seawater, the mathematics of ocean physics, and the amazing life in the ocean - from the daily vertical migrations of the smallest plankton, the eyebrow-raising flying squids, and the sometimes strange, yet fascinating behaviors of whales!

Course Spotlight!! Introducing Mind Matters: Intro to Psychology Interested in taking AP Psychology? Let's explore the b...
05/16/2026

Course Spotlight!! Introducing Mind Matters: Intro to Psychology

Interested in taking AP Psychology? Let's explore the basic principles and theories of Psychology, including personality, learning, memory, intelligence, and human behavior. Each class would provide hands-on activities and/or demonstrations, such as identifying brain parts, memory activities, personality tests, and identifying types of abnormal behavior. Come discover and learn how and why our brains develop by studying and understanding mental processes, brain functions, and behaviors.

The Center for Gifted Education is pleased to announce the return of Virtual SEP courses. The course catalog will be ava...
05/15/2026

The Center for Gifted Education is pleased to announce the return of Virtual SEP courses. The course catalog will be available on our website—be sure to explore the offerings and see what sparks your interest.

Summer Enrichment Program – Virtual Week (Synchronized Course)

This summer, the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) goes online, offering a week-long, synchronized learning experience that brings students together in real time, wherever they are. Across five days, students will log in at scheduled times to participate in live, interactive sessions designed to keep them engaged and involved. Each class is built around discussion, hands-on activities, and opportunities to think, create, and share alongside peers. Instructors guide the experience with an emphasis on connection and participation, making space for questions, collaboration, and idea-building throughout the week. The synchronized format creates a shared rhythm and sense of community, while still offering the convenience of learning from home.

Welcome to debate and public speaking. Students will be introduced to public speaking and will practice these skills whi...
05/12/2026

Welcome to debate and public speaking. Students will be introduced to public speaking and will practice these skills while debating important current and/or historical topics that influence American society today. This is an “On your feet” competitive and highly participatory course that is geared toward the development and enhancement of communication for both debating and public speaking. Students will learn how to prepare arguments for and against a position, listen and learn critical thinking, and how to speak persuasively on a topic.

Summer is just around the corner, and we would love for your family to join us for SEP this summer! Sessions will be hel...
05/11/2026

Summer is just around the corner, and we would love for your family to join us for SEP this summer! Sessions will be held July 1st–3rd and July 7th–9th.

Since 1988, William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) has supported high-ability students through engaging, inquiry-based learning that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Through its Saturday Enrichment Programs (SEP), students in grades K–12 explore advanced topics in science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts. Led by passionate instructors, these courses challenge students to think critically, collaborate, and pursue self-directed discovery beyond the traditional classroom. Designed specifically for gifted and talented learners, CFGE programs encourage students to ask big questions, build confidence, and approach learning creatively. The Center is excited to expand these offerings with new Enrichment Programs that provide even more opportunities for exploration, skill-building, and connection with peers.

05/06/2026

Where curiosity meets discovery 🔬✨ W&M CFGE Science invites students to ask big questions, think like scientists, and explore how the world works.

04/30/2026

Can you believe it's been a month since NCNC?

Here is what participants said was the highlight of their NCNC26 experience:

"The highlight of my conference experience was networking with other teachers! It was so helpful to exchange ideas and experiences that only gifted teachers understand. "

"The Keynote sessions were excellent. Enjoyed the perspective about creativity and the brain. All the speakers were excellent!!! "

"The relevancy of all of the sessions!"

"I am in my second year of teaching, so a lot of this information was new to me. I learned so much and about how I could apply and empower some of the gifted students but also mainstream it for the classroom."

"Having an opportunity to learn from others was the highlight of my experience. Sometimes I feel like I am in a silo but this week was filled with engagement and enlightenment."

Save the Date for NCNC 2027 - March 4th & 5th, 2027.

Address

School Of Education, The College Of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA
23187

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17572216198

Website

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