The programs recognize the importance of allowing able youngsters to explore specialized areas of science, mathematics, and the arts and humanities. The program does not take the place of the regular school curriculum. Behaviors fostered by the enrichment program include students' abilities to apply process skills used in individual fields of inquiry, to recognize problems and approaches to problem-solving, to understand and appreciate individual differences, and to become self-directed learners.

2008 Summer Enrichment Program (SEP): Rising Kindergartners through Grade 9.
The cost for the summer sessions is $220 per course. Some courses may incur an additional materials charge. Students will be able to enroll in up to 4 different classes across the two sessions.

Registration is closed. Please note that confirmation packets were mailed on the 11th of June.

• One-week session - July 7-11, 9:00-12:00 and/or 12:45-3:45
• One-week session - July 14-18, 9:00-12:00 and/or 12:45-3:45

2008 Registration Form

The 2008 Summer SEP Brochure now available. Click on blue text to access brochure. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read these files: Download FREE from www.adobe.com.)

NOTE: to be added to the list for future SEP mailings, click here.

Program Admission information

Summer courses are open to students entering Kindergarten through grade 9. However, Kindergartners must be 5 years of age by September 30, 2008. For students previously enrolled in the Enrichment Program, documentation of eligibility is on file and no additional data are required.
Parents are responsible for gathering the information for the application. School personnel are not expected to prepare the application packet.

Criteria for program admission

• 1. Test scores: Students who have scored in the upper 5th percentile (95 or above) on a nationally-normed aptitude or achievement test are eligible. (For a list of accepted tests, click here). Application test scores at the 95th percentile or better must be in at least one of the following areas: reading comprehension, vocabulary, language total, math total, concepts, math problem-solving, science, social studies, or the composite. Additionally, students whose standardized test scores are close to 95% and who have a strong letter of recommendation will be considered for admission. A copy of the student's test scores should be included in the application. Please note that the scores on the Virginia Standards of Learning tests (SOLs) are not nationally-normed and cannot be used for program eligibility.
• 2. Recommendation form: A recommendation from a teacher, principal, or counselor is also required. A blank recommendation form is included in the brochure and can be found under the subheading Individual Forms.

Screening

Eligibility screening is available for children age 5 and students for whom no documented scores are available. Screening appointments may be made by calling the Center at 757-221-2458 from Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The assessment site is the Center for Gifted Education, 427 Scotland Street in Williamsburg. Appointments for Spring Screenings must be scheduled before February 1. Appointments for Summer Screenings must be scheduled before July 1.

The screening will consist of an individual assessment of each student’s potential on an appropriate test battery. Payment by check must be made at the time of testing. The check should be made payable to The College of William and Mary. The cost of the evaluation is $100. Parents will receive an assessment report that contains a list of specific educational recommendations for use by parents and schools three weeks after the testing date.

Include with the Application

• Application fee of $50 (non-refundable) or full tuition
• Please submit two copies of all forms
• Completed Health form and Pick-up form (One form completed for each child)
• Copy of Medical Insurance Card/Prescription card

  NEW Students also include:

  • Recent standardized test scores (MUST be at 95% or above)
  • Recommendation from school (may be sent separately by school)

  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the application, health form, pickup form and student recommendation forms. Visit Adobe.com to download the free software.

Scholarships

• Need-based ONLY
• Copy of most recent federal tax form to accompany application. Requests will not be considered without necessary documentation.

Acceptance Letters
Acceptance letters will be mailed in late January for Spring SEP and mid June for Summer SEP. The letters will contain the following information:

• Invoice indicating tuition balance due (if any), the name of course in which enrolled, and building/room location
• Campus map
• Car pool list (if you checked "yes")
• Parking permit and regulations
• Local attractions
• List of area restaurants

Class Size - Classes will be limited to 15 (with rare exceptions) to provide an optimal learning environment.

Class Placement - Students will be assigned to classes on a first come, first served basis. If the student's first class choice is filled, s/he will be placed in the class of second choice; when no alternatives have been noted, the parent will be notified. Classes with enrollment insufficient to support their operation will be cancelled and enrollees will be notified. If another class choice is not available, a refund of the deposit paid or a voucher for future use will be sent. Applications will not be processed until all information has been received.

Refunds - After classes begin, NO refunds will be given.

Changing Classes/Sessions - NO changes in classes or sessions can be made after the registration deadline.

Lunch/Snack - Usually, each class has a break time set aside for snack. Due to the increasing number of students with peanut allergies, please do not send any peanut products with your child(ren).

Car Pools - After the application deadline, address and phone lists of families who have given permission will be distributed with the notice of program acceptance. Car pool arrangements will be the responsibility of each family.

Permission for Emergency Medical Treatment - Each student must have an individual health form and pick-up form for each program (please do not group siblings on a single form). Incomplete health forms will be returned. Applications will not be processed until a complete, signed form is received. Any medical emergencies will go to the nearest emergency facility.

Medication - Program staff (teachers, assistants, and administrators) may not administer any kind of medication to the students EXCEPT for emergency epipen administration for students with extreme allergies. If a child needs any type of medication during program hours, a parent will have to administer it.

Faculty - Courses are taught by a variety of talented instructors including William and Mary faculty, area teachers of gifted and talented learners, and graduate students of the College.

Inclement Weather Notification - We will have teachers call assistants and students if we are forced to cancel classes due to weather. Parents may call the Center for closing announcements, as we will place a message on the Coordinator's phone, 757-221-2458, regarding cancellation.

Discipline Policy - The Saturday and Summer Enrichment Programs adhere to a disciplinary policy of students taking responsibility for their own behaviors. We expect that all students will act appropriately during class so that learning experiences can benefit all. If a student should be disruptive in a SEP class, a warning will be given to the student and to the parents on the day of the infraction. If the inappropriate behavior surfaces in a second class session, the child will be removed from the class and may be removed from the program.

Lost and Found - During each session of the program, items and articles of clothing are inadvertently left by students. Parents may claim their children's items from the Center. After 30 days, unclaimed items will be donated to a charity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does eligibility screening entail?
A one hour assessment of the student is conducted at the Center for Gifted Education by a school psychology intern. The screening instruments include a test of verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Additional information from a parent inventory is incorporated with test results to provide a student profile. Students who have a strong composite profile are recommended for the program.

Should I enroll my child in a course area of strength or an area of weakness?
The Enrichment Program is designed to match children with courses that are in areas of their strength and interest. The program is not designed for remedial work nor for areas of relative weakness.

Should my child bring a snack?
Each teacher handles snack time in a different way. Please ask your child's teacher what the policy will be. Students are not permitted to visit the vending machines. Due to the increasing number of students with peanut allergies, please do not send any peanut products with your child(ren).

What can I do while my child is in class?
You might tour Colonial Williamsburg (passes are sold at the Visitor Center), shop in Merchant's Square, tour the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery, stroll the William and Mary campus, view the current exhibit in William and Mary's Muscarelle Museum, or visit the Williamsburg Regional Library.

Where can I park during SEP?
During Spring SEP you may park in any parking lot. For Summer SEP, parking permits will be mailed to all families. These permits allow parking in day and resident student parking only and at William and Mary Hall.

Will my child receive a report card?
After the program ends, you will receive an assessment folder from the course teacher. Students will engage in self-evaluations as to how well they met course objectives. No information is sent to your child's school.

List of Tests Accepted for Saturday and Summer
Enrichment Program Eligibility