Forest Hills Public Schools

All Learners Achieving Individual Potential

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Gifted Education Model

Welcome to G.A.T.E.Ways!

G.A.T.E.Ways is the name of the Gifted Education Model in Forest Hills Public Schools. We strive to meet the needs of all learners with different levels of service. In each elementary school, every grade level has a gifted cluster teacher who is trained to work with gifted students to help them achieve their individual potential. Our middle school grades 7-8 offer Challenge classes (more information is posted below). The videos and documents below are your “gateway” to learning more about our elementary and middle school services.

G.A.T.E.Ways K-5 Information

Screening for gifted education for the 2020-2021 school year has ended. The gifted education testing schedule is as follows:

  • Orchard View Elementary: Monday, Feb. 17
  • Central Woodlands 5/6: Monday, Feb. 17
  • Ada Elementary: Wednesday, Feb. 19
  • Knapp Forest Elementary: Friday, Feb. 21
  • Pine Ridge Elementary: Tuesday, Feb. 25
  • Thornapple Elementary: Wednesday, Feb. 26
  • Meadow Brook Elementary: Friday, Feb. 28
  • Ada Vista Elementary: Monday, March 2
  • Collins Elementary: Thursday, March 5
  • Northern Trails Elementary: Friday, March 6

Please contact Kristin Kemppainen, at gateways@fhps.net, if you have further questions.

Sixth-Grade Information for Incoming Seventh-Graders Interested in Challenge and Accelerated Classes

Informational letters were sent home with sixth-grade students on Feb. 7, 2020.

  • Middle School Challenge and Accelerated Classes for Grades 7-8 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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    Central Middle School FAQs Eastern Middle School FAQs Northern Hills Middle School FAQs
  • Middle School Challenge and Accelerated Classes for Grades 7-8 – Application Forms
    (Applications for 2020-2021 incoming seventh-graders will be available beginning Monday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m. through Monday, Feb. 24, at 9 a.m.)
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    CMS Challenge Class Application EMS Challenge Class Application NHMS Math 7/8 Class Application

If you have any questions regarding G.A.T.E.Ways or Challenge Classes or have technical difficulties accessing the forms, please e-mail gateways@fhps.net or contact Kristin Kemppainen in the G.A.T.E.Ways office, at 616-493-8575.