The Gifted Program at LaSalle Elementary School is part of the Gifted and Talented Program offered by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.  The program is designed to provide an accelerated and enriched learning environment for students who have been identified as gifted according to state guidelines.  At LaSalle Elementary School these students have the option of participating in PreK-5 self-contained gifted classes or the K-5 resource program.  Students who have met screening requirements but have not yet taken the full gifted evaluation may  qualify for placement in the two-year Scholastic Academy Program while preparing for the gifted evaluation.
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How do students qualify for the gifted program?
Th​e first step in qualifying for the gifted program is the screening.  Students who meet screening requirements are then referred to Pupil Appraisal Services for the full gifted evaluation.  If your child is at a school with a gifted program, the screening process begins with a written request to your Gifted Site Coordinator. For students at other schools in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System the written request will be submitted to your guidance counselor.  If your child attends a school outside of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, contact Pupil Appraisal Services at  225-929-8600 to request a screening.

What are your class sizes for the Gifted Program at LaSalle? 
Currently our average class size is 13 students. There are 110 students in the program overall

How is instruction different in the gifted classroom?
Instruction in the gifted classroom begins with the grade-level state standards and builds to meet the unique social and academic needs of our students.   Guided by Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) for students identified as gifted, teachers use small-group instruction and differentiation  to develop each student’s strengths as well as provide support where needed. 

Are your teachers gifted certified?
All of our teachers are gifted certified or working toward that certification. Gifted certification requires a Master's degree and specific classes about the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted students. 

What is the Scholastic Academy Program?
The Scholastic Academy Program is a two-year program for students who have met the requirements on the gifted screening but who have not yet taken the full gifted evaluation to determine if they meet the state criteria as gifted.  Depending on screening results students may spend two years in either the resource or self-contained Scholastic Academy Program developing creative, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. The full gifted evaluation is administered by East Baton Rouge Parish Pupil Appraisal Services during the student's second year in Scholastic Academy to determine if the student will continue on in the Gifted Program.

What about the Gifted/Scholastic Academy resource program?​
The Gifted Resource Program is a pull-out program designed for qualifying Gifted and Scholastic Academy students.  Classroom instruction takes place in the traditional LaSalle classes with students being pulled out for enrichment.  Students in the resource program enjoy activities that develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities.

How can my child be screened for the gifted program? 
If your child is already at LaSalle click the link at the bottom of the page to request a screening.  A parent permission letter will be sent home with your child.  Once your written approval has been received, the screening will be completed at the school and you will receive written notification of the results.  For children in other EBR schools submit a written request to the guidance counselor at your school.  For children in private or charter school or to request a 3-year old screening contact the Gifted Office at 225-929-8642.

I still have questions.  Who do I contact?
For questions about the Gifted Program in general you can contact the Gifted Office at 225-929-8642.  For LaSalle-specific questions contact Stephanie Heinzen, the Gifted Site Coordinator at 225-927-6130 or sheinzen@ebrschools.org