Advanced Studies in Action!

The CMS AIG Advisory Group met for the first time during the 2026-2027 school year on September 10th.

The goals of our meeting were to:

• Provide a progress update on year 1 of CMS 2028 AIG Plan implementation.
• Share upcoming events & actions to further support the AIG Plan.
• Provide collaboration & feedback opportunities for the team.

Relevant achievement data was shared, as well as significant programming updates.

We are grateful for our Advisory Group and the support and input they provide on comprehensive programming within our district. Thank you!

At Northwest School of the Arts, Ms. Sutton’s AP World History Class engaged in a World Cafe to strengthen student understanding of how to write strong text-based responses.

Did you join us for our Family Academy session on preparing for Back to School in honors courses? This quick, one-hour session breaks down the specific roles and responsibilities for both students and parents to ensure success under the NC DPI honors framework.

Leveling Up The Parent & Student Guide to Honors Courses (Grades 8-12)

View the Leveling Up Coffee Chat here!

The Governor’s School application window is now open!

Students can download the application and view a slide deck and resources from the Student Interest Folder.

Applications are due to Advanced Studies by October 16th.

We are excited to offer a conference for parents of gifted learners in CMS on Saturday, October 24th at Ballantyne Ridge High School!

Registration is now open. This is an event you won't want to miss!

As we launched the school year, we facilitated our first Assistant Principal breakout session focused on the key systems and administrative structures that support student success in advanced coursework, including Honors, AP, IB, and Cambridge programs. Participants examined actionable administrative look-fors that promote rigorous instruction and high-functioning PLCs, with an emphasis on fostering depth and complexity in learning. The session reinforced practices aligned with CMS Goal 4 and our commitment to ensuring students are prepared for college, careers, and beyond.

Our IB Coordinators came together on September 16th for their first collaboration session of the school year. The focus of the session were cultivating leadership and advancing instruction through concept development. Our Coordinators engaged in great conversations about deepening IB programming in their schools and districtwide.

We look forward to continued partnership with all of our IB schools throughout the year!

As part of our ongoing support for participants in the D.R.E.A.M. Academy (Developing Rigor for Educating Advanced Minds), we recently visited Alexander Graham Middle School to observe one of our cohort members in action. It was a pleasure to talk with students about their learning and see them engaged in challenging, rigorous coursework that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper understanding.

This month, Assistant Principals (APs) engaged in the first session of our Advanced Learner Lens series. Participants explored characteristics of advanced learners, examined common misconceptions about gifted education, and applied advanced learning look-fors during interactive classroom walkthrough scenarios. The session emphasized the critical role APs play in creating access, challenge, and opportunity for advanced learners through instructional leadership and purposeful classroom observations.

Join NCAGT on October 5th from 5:30–6:30 p.m. for an engaging opportunity for high school students and their parents to learn more about NCAGT’s new Student Council and how students can help shape the future of gifted education across North Carolina. Come learn what the experience will involve, meet others who share an interest in gifted education, and discover how student voices can influence NCAGT’s advocacy and initiatives. Bring your questions, ideas, and perspective to the Gifted eXchange!

The NCDPI Office of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education (OALGE) Team has published a database featuring best practices in gifted education from districts throughout the state of North Carolina. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is featured several times for practices related to identification and programming.

You can access the repository of best practices here.

Our fall gifted screening process is off to a smooth and successful start across the district! Digital Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) administration has launched with minimal disruptions, with over 7,500 second-grade students already assessed during this universal screening window.

The initial second-grade CogAT assessment window concludes on October 1st. Following the testing window, district teams will analyze aptitude (CogAT), achievement (i-Ready), and observational (Gifted Rating Scales) data to determine eligibility on the CMS Gifted Identification Rubric. Second-grade screening results will be communicated to families beginning October 23, 2026.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is proudly advancing into Phase Two of the Universal Nurturing Plan outlined in the CMS 2028 AIG Plan. Through YET University (YET U), our district’s universal nurturing initiative, all first-grade students have access to engaging critical and creative thinking experiences designed to develop advanced cognitive skills, foster a growth mindset, and uncover untapped potential. YET U creates meaningful opportunities for every learner while supporting educators in identifying and nurturing talent early.

We are excited to share that 100% of CMS elementary schools have opted to implement YET University for the 2026-2027 school year, demonstrating a districtwide commitment to equity, access, and talent development. By providing all first graders with challenging learning experiences and opportunities to shine, CMS continues to build strong foundations for future success and expand pathways for advanced learning for every student.

We know this type of access provides our students with endless possibilities!