Gifted and Talented

Cultivating Excellence: Enriching Education for Gifted Learners

Inspiring Potential, Igniting Minds

Our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is dedicated to cultivating the potential of students identified to have exceptional intellect, motivation, creativity, and leadership. Through a dynamic and personalized approach, we enrich their learning journey with advanced curriculum, specialized projects, and opportunities for deep exploration. By offering differentiated learning opportunities, we provide a rigorous academic environment that meets the educational needs of advanced learners.

Supporting Growth and Excellence

At FSPS, our GATE Program stands out for its commitment to nurturing the unique talents of every student. We provide them the tools and challenges they need to thrive. GATE combines enrichment, academic excellence and advanced standards, creating a supportive environment that values innovation and critical thinking.

GATE Journey

Kindergarten - 2nd: Whole-Group Enrichment

GATE specialists provide monthly enrichment lessons in each classroom, with follow-up sessions conducted by the classroom teacher. The GATE specialist and classroom teacher document findings of students' who demonstrate exceptional critical and creative thinking skills during these lessons and other classroom activities. This information, along with student work on enrichment materials, is used to identify gifted learners.

3rd - 5th: Resource Room Pull-Out

Students spend 150 minutes each week in a resource pull-out setting for GATE instruction, where a GATE specialist provides lessons and facilitates learning. GATE specialists also support regular classroom teachers in meeting the needs of gifted learners.

Students are responsible for understanding concepts taught in their regular classroom while attending the GATE Program, but they are not required to make up classwork.

6th - 8th: Advanced Learning Opportunities

In addition to pre-Advanced Placement (pre-AP) courses, identified students can choose to take the GATE Seminar. Extracurricular academic competitions and activities are also available.

9th - 12th: Advanced Courses and Support

All students can take pre-AP, Advanced Placement (AP), and concurrent courses. Various extracurricular academic competitions and leadership opportunities are available. Additionally, students have access to a secondary GATE specialist through Schoology.

Our Team

Krystle Smith

Supervisor of Special Programs

Krystle Smith brings over three decades of dedicated service to Fort Smith Public Schools, celebrating her 30th year with the district. Her journey began in 1994 when she stepped into the role of an Elementary Teacher at Tilles Elementary. Over the years, she demonstrated her commitment to education and leadership, progressing to the position of Assistant Principal at Sunnymede Elementary. Most recently, she served as the Principal at Sunnymede Elementary. Ms. Smith currently serves as the Supervisor of Special Programs.

Education has been a cornerstone of Krystle's professional development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Southern Arkansas University, a Master of Education Degree from Arkansas Tech University, and an Educational Specialist Degree, also from Arkansas Tech University. In addition, she has earned a Gifted, Talented, and Creative Certification from Arkansas State University.

Meet the GATE Teachers