A Special Program for Gifted and Talented Students

The Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) was developed by the LAUSD to offer gifted students a high-level academic program, which meets the educational needs of gifted and high-achieving learners. In our SAS program, course content is modified to match the special talents of our students. Teachers "differentiate" the core curriculum in a variety of ways, including in-depth subject exploration, acceleration of content and independent projects. The SAS goal is to provide a program with high quality content and performance standards within the classroom setting. SAS program enrollment is offered to students who have been identified as gifted or meet specific testing requirements. (For LAUSD gifted eligibility standards and SAS programs, click here http://sfpc.lausd.k12.ca.us/GATE/prog-opt-2.html).

At Holmes, our SAS classes provide a complex academic program in which both innovative and traditional courses are taught. In these classes, students are asked not only to meet the state academic standards, but are challenged to go beyond those requirements. Teachers stimulate students by assigning projects that encourage them to "think outside the box."

Teachers in our SAS program attend 32 hours of training designed for those who teach gifted and highly gifted students. Each year, these teachers also take nine more hours of gifted education training to ensure that they stay current with the latest research and teaching techniques. Teachers work together as a team to coordinate activities, lessons, and projects to enhance and support learning across the curriculum.

• cored classes (one teacher for math/science, another for English/history in 6th grade)
• hands on activities
• in depth exploration of subjects
• role playing simulations
• cooperative group work
• interdisciplinary activities
• cultural exchange event
• evening of creative expressions event
• book publishing
• field trips (including LACMA, Shakesperience, JPL)
• student led portfolio
• publish science experiments in the “Journal of Student Research Abstracts”
• African Folk Tale Performances
• Use of video production to enhance learning in language arts lessons
• over 30 hands on physics and chemistry labs, including rocketry unit. in 8th grade science
• Algebra and Geometry offered

Parent Involvement Opportunities
After School Activities 

SAS Curriculum

6th Grade: 
Math 6, English 6, History, Science, Creative Expressions, Creative Paper Arts, PE
7th Grade: 
Math, English, History, Science, PE, Elective
8th Grade: 
Math, English, History, Science, PE, Elective

SAS Staff & Contacts:

Assistant Principal, Mrs. Felicia Drew

6th Grade: 
Mrs. Carr - Math, Science, Creative Expressions
Mrs. Hirsch - English, History, Creative Paper Arts

7th Grade: 
Ms. Farrens - English
Ms. Klein - History
Ms. T. Miller - Science
Math - Depends on math placement 

8th Grade:
Ms. Klein - History
Mr. Sherman - Science
Mrs. DeLeon - English
Math - Depends on math placement

Other related SAS contacts:

Mrs. Linda Zimring: District 1 GATE contact
818- 654-3650 
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Gifted/Talented Programs
213-241-6500 http://sfpc.lausd.k12.ca.us/GATE/intro.html