Skip To Main Content

Gifted & Talented Education (GATE)

Lynwood Unified proud to offer a robust Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program designed to nurture the strengths and passions of our high-achieving students. With a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning, our GATE program provides engaging academic experiences and enrichment activities that help every gifted learner thrive.

These experiences challenge students academically while fostering leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. 

“Being a gifted and talented student affords our students extra opportunities in and out of the classroom to explore science. They’re getting a chance to make slime, dissect brains and do other exciting activities that will add to their classroom experience."
– Stephanie Aguon, GATE Coordinator

Program Highlights

Our comprehensive GATE program includes:

  • Advanced curriculum and personalized instruction in core subjects

  • Clustered classrooms for elementary students to promote peer collaboration

  • Differentiated instruction tailored to students’ unique learning needs

  • Enrichment opportunities such as:

    • Mathathon

    • Science Fair

    • Spelling Bee

    • Academic Pentathlon

    • Mock Trial

    • After-School Enrichment Classes

    • GATE Field Day

Universal Screening & Identification

 

To ensure that all students have equitable access to gifted services, all 3rd grade students in Lynwood Unified are automatically screened for GATE identification.

We use the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) as part of our screening process. This assessment looks beyond grades and tests for how students think and process information in three key areas:

  • Verbal Reasoning: For students who are linguistically gifted, have strong vocabularies, and are naturally curious and inquisitive. These students often ask thoughtful questions and love reading, storytelling, or word play.

  • Quantitative (Numeric) Reasoning: For students who excel in working with numbers, identifying patterns, and solving mathematical problems with ease.

  • Nonverbal (Spatial) Reasoning: For students who are visual learners, can picture things in their minds, and enjoy drawing, building, or working with puzzles and shapes.

Students in grades 4–8 may also be recommended for testing based on input from teachers, staff, or parents.

School-Based Support

Every elementary and middle school in LUSD has a designated GATE Coordinator who works in partnership with our Educational Services team. Together, they support gifted learners through curriculum enhancements, academic competitions, and enrichment programs tailored to students’ strengths.

We believe in cultivating brilliance and empowering students to explore their full potential. Lynwood Unified’s GATE program is more than just academic rigor — it’s a journey of discovery, connection, and growth.