BALTIMORE, MD—On February 6, 2025, fourteen schools in Maryland were recognized for their outstanding programs for gifted and talented education. This event marked the beginning of Gifted and Talented Education Month. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) awarded the Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) designation to these schools.
Dr. Carey M. Wright, the State Superintendent of Schools, praised the schools for their dedication to supporting gifted learners. “This recognition shows how committed they are to meeting the unique needs of these students,” she said.
Three schools received their first EGATE designation this year: Ballenger Creek Elementary in Frederick County, Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary in Baltimore City, and James McHenry Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City. Other schools, like Benjamin Tasker Middle School and Glenmount Elementary/Middle, earned the honor for a second time.
Seven schools celebrated their third EGATE award. This group includes Davidson Elementary and Roland Park Elementary/Middle, along with five schools from Prince George’s County: Accokeek Academy, Glenarden Woods Elementary, Heather Hills Elementary, Valley View Elementary, and Walker Mill Middle School.
Since the EGATE program began in 2010, it has honored 133 public schools. To earn this prestigious designation, schools go through a detailed 15-month evaluation process that assesses their programs across 21 criteria. These criteria focus on four main areas: identifying students, curriculum and instruction, professional development, and overall program management and evaluation.
Sarah Jackson, co-chair of the Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council EGATE Committee, emphasized the hard work involved in achieving EGATE status. “It requires great effort to support gifted students, and we celebrate that commitment,” she noted.
An awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 22, to honor all EGATE schools at Severn Run High School in Severn. For more details on gifted and talented programs, check out the MSDE website.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
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