Gifted & Talented Trailblazer Program

Laramie County School District 1 believes high achieving academically gifted students have distinct academic and affective needs. The Trailblazer Program is a district-wide, K-6, self-contained program designed to meet the academic needs of students identified as high-achieving and gifted.  

The Trailblazer Gifted and Talented Program follows the district’s Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) at every grade level using district-approved and adopted educational resources. Trailblazer classrooms are designed to meet the unique academic and intellectual needs of advanced learners through differentiated instruction, flexible pacing, and increased cognitive rigor.

Instruction in Trailblazer classrooms emphasizes critical and creative thinking skills, higher-level questioning, and depth and cognitive complexity within content teaching. Teachers utilize curriculum compacting when students demonstrate mastery of grade-level standards, allowing for extensions, enrichment, and acceleration opportunities that provide more advanced and challenging learning experiences. Students may participate in peer collaboration, simulation projects, and project-based learning experiences that encourage inquiry, problem solving, innovation, and real-world application of knowledge and skills. In addition to district resources, enrichment materials and instructional extensions are incorporated to support deeper exploration of grade level content areas.

Trailblazer students are engaged in meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that foster curiosity, independence, communication, and academic growth while supporting the development of advanced learners at each grade level.

MISSION

The mission of the Trailblazer program is to provide a challenging, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that fosters intellectual and personal growth for all students.  This K-6 self-contained program aims to maximize student learning and foster their highest academic potential. Through differentiated instruction, enriched opportunities, higher-order thinking skills, cooperative learning, creative problem-solving, and inquiry-based discovery, we strive to meet and exceed district curriculum expectations.

VISION

All LCSD1 students have opportunities and support to realize their full potential. 

VALUES

Academic Excellence: We believe in providing rigorous, engaging, and differentiated learning experiences that challenge each student according to their individual strengths and abilities.

Continuous Growth: We prioritize both the cognitive and affective needs of our students, nurturing their emotional intelligence, social skills, and personal growth alongside academic achievement.

Inquiry and Motivation: We cultivate a curious and inquisitive attitude toward learning, actively seeking to expand student knowledge and understanding of the world. We embrace questioning, explore new ideas, and engage meaningfully in discussions and projects, fostering a culture of inquiry.

Respect for Others: We uphold respect for others as a core principle, believing that every individual deserves kindness and dignity. By nurturing inclusivity, we encourage students to appreciate diverse perspectives and collaborate effectively, creating a supportive environment for open expression and dialogue.

Responsibility and Accountability: We emphasize responsibility and accountability in learning and behavior. Our program encourages students to take ownership of their actions and decisions, promoting a sense of reliability and ethical behavior. We help them understand the impact of their choices, fostering perseverance and resilience.

Collaboration: We value the collaboration between educators, students, families, and the community in supporting the unique needs of gifted students and fostering an environment of shared responsibility for their success.

The kindergarten through 4th grade classrooms are located at Pioneer Park Elementary. 

Coyote Ridge and Meadowlark will each have one 5th grade and one 6th grade classroom for qualified gifted and talented students.

5th and 6th grade Trailblazer students will attend their assigned 5/6 school based on their home school and residential address. These assignments ensure equitable access to programming, efficient transportation, and balanced class sizes. The students that attend within the South Triad boundary areas will be assigned to Coyote Ridge and Meadowlark based on South Greeley Highway. Please see the school assignments below.

• Coyote Ridge: Central Triad students and South Triad students from Afflerbach, Cole, Goins, and Rossman
• Meadowlark: East Triad students and South Triad students from Arp, Bain, Fairview, Hebard, and Sunrise

Students will be assigned to their home/ designated school to access the Trailblazer Gifted and Talented program. In alignment with district practices for specialized programs, including PreK, boundary waivers will not be accepted for placement in a different Trailblazer program location.

Families who wish to request a waiver may do so through the general education waiver process; however, approval will be based solely on general education guidelines and does not guarantee access to the Trailblazer Gifted and Talented program at a non-designated site.

Students must reside within the district to participate in the Trailblazer Gifted and Talented program. Students who live outside of the district are not eligible to enroll in or access the Trailblazer program. Families residing outside of LCSD1 may apply for admission through the general education waiver process, but access to specialized programming, including Trailblazers, will not be granted.

If a student moves out of the district while enrolled in the Trailblazer Gifted and Talented Program, they will be permitted to complete the current school year; however, they will no longer be eligible to continue participation in the program beginning the following school year.  Continued enrollment in Trailblazer Gifted and Talented programming is contingent upon residency within the district. Families may apply for a general education waiver to remain in the district; however, if approved, the student will not continue in the Trailblazer Gifted and Talented program.

This approach ensures consistent implementation across the district while maintaining equitable access, balanced enrollment, and manageable class sizes at each school.