SOAR Gifted Program

Gifted children often exhibit advanced thinking and comprehension, emotional intensity at a young age, a heightened sense of self-awareness, strong curiosity, excellent memory, broad general knowledge, and an expansive vocabulary.

Overbrook Catholic School identifies students based on the guidelines established for identifying gifted learners in the state of Tennessee. This evaluation must include assessments in three categories: Educational Performance, Creativity/Characteristics of Gifted, and Cognitive Abilities (OLSAT-8). Students at OCS are assessed with STAR reading and STAR math benchmark tests three times a year and once a year in the spring with the CTP-5 test. The results from these individual tests are compiled on a screening data form by homeroom. These forms will be used by the enrichment team to identify students who will take the group Otis Lennon School Abilities test. 

Students may be referred for additional screening and comprehensive evaluation via several pathways. These include both formal and informal methods, drawing on both group assessments and the professional judgment of teachers or outside agency professionals.  The referral pathways fall into three types: Grade Level Screening Referrals, Direct Referrals by Teachers, and Direct Referrals by Parents or Outside Agencies.

Once a student is admitted to SOAR, the child's teacher works with academic specialists and the school counselor to create an action plan.

SOAR students participate weekly during math and reading classes.

Third- and fourth- grade SOAR students also compete locally and nationally with the OCS Math Team. 

Signature SOAR projects include: Strawberry DNA extraction, dream house design and construction, Truss model bridge testing, and solar oven s'mores. 

Gifted students demonstrate advanced potential or ability in one or more specific areas when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment. They excel in their ability to reason, judge, and think, making it necessary for them to receive tailored educational services and support so they can fully develop their academic potential.