Orange County Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future. We empower students with a superior academic experience, essential life skills, and boundless opportunities.

On this page, you’ll find information about what our school offers to help lead all of our students to success. 

Gifted Scholastic Academy

 

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We are excited to announce that SunRidge Middle School will open a Gifted Scholastic Academy beginning August 2026! 

In its inaugural year, the academy will serve incoming 6th-grade students, with plans to expand to 7th and 8th grade in subsequent years as the program grows with its original cohort. 

The Gifted Scholastic Academy offers a distinctive academic pathway designed to foster curiosity, leadership, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Through enriched instruction and engaging opportunities, students will be challenged to think critically and grow as scholars and leaders. 

Students who are currently identified as gifted and have an Education Plan (EP) are eligible to apply. 

Enrollment will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To learn more or to apply, please visit: 
👉 https://scholasticacademy.ocps.net/ 

Students in the SunRidge Middle School Gifted Scholastic Academy will experience a rich, wellrounded middle school journey—one that challenges their intellect while nurturing their talents, interests, and potential. 

Academy students enjoy full access to SunRidge’s exceptional programs, including: 

• 🎭 Stellar Fine Arts offerings that inspire creativity and selfexpression 

• 🌱 An awardwinning Agriculture program that promotes innovation and realworld learning 

• 🏅 Competitive athletics that support teamwork, leadership, and school pride 

• 🔬 Rigorous STEM opportunities that encourage problemsolving, inquiry, and advanced thinking 

A Learning Experience Designed for Gifted Minds 

In addition to advanced core instruction, academy students will participate in a dedicated elective course designed specifically to meet the needs of gifted learners. 

This specialized course provides: 

• Enrichment and indepth exploration of academic content 

• Accelerated learning opportunities when appropriate 

• Projects and experiences that promote critical thinking, creativity, and independence 

Gifted students often have learning needs that extend beyond what is traditionally offered in a general classroom. Their demonstrated—or emerging—abilities require differentiated instruction, flexible pacing, and meaningful academic challenges. At SunRidge, teachers intentionally design experiences that deepen understanding, enrich learning, and allow students to learn at a pace that matches their abilities. 

Empowering Students to Reach Their Full Potential 

The SunRidge Gifted Scholastic Academy is committed to developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. By fostering curiosity, leadership, and a passion for lifelong learning, the academy empowers students to maximize their potential and thrive in a dynamic, supportive environment. 

If your child is eager to be challenged, inspired, and engaged every day, the SunRidge Gifted Scholastic Academy is the place to grow. 

 

 

FAQ:

What is the SunRidge Gifted Scholastic Academy? 

The Gifted Scholastic Academy is a specialized academic program designed to meet the unique learning needs of gifted students. The academy offers enriched instruction, accelerated opportunities, and indepthlearning experiences that challenge students intellectually while supporting their social and emotional growth. 

 

When will the academy open? 

The academy will open in August 2026. 

• Year 1: Incoming 6th-grade students 

• Future Years: The academy will expand to include 7th and 8th grade as the original cohort progresses 

 

Who is eligible to apply? 

Students who: 

• Are identified as gifted 

• Have a current Education Plan (EP) indicating gifted services 

Both zoned and nonzoned students are eligible to apply. 

 

Does my child have to live in the SunRidge MS attendance zone? 

No. The Gifted Scholastic Academy is open to students who are not zoned for SunRidge Middle School, based on availability. 

 

How are students selected for the academy? 

Students are accepted on a firstcome, firstserved basis, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. 

 

What kind of classes will academy students take? 

Academy students participate in: 

• Rigorous, enriched core academic coursework 

• A specialized gifted elective course designed specifically to meet the needs of gifted learners 

• Full access to all SunRidge Middle School offerings 

 

What is the gifted elective course? 

The gifted elective is a course exclusive to academy students and is designed to: 

• Provide enrichment, indepth learning, and accelerated study 

• Strengthen critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and leadership 

• Allow students to explore content at greater depth and complexity 

• Adjust pacing to meet individual learning needs 

This course supports gifted students whose abilities extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. 

 

Will academy students be able to participate in electives, arts, and sports? 

Absolutely! Gifted Scholastic Academy students have full access to SunRidge’s outstanding programs, including: 

• 🎭 Fine Arts 

• 🌱 Awardwinning Agriculture program 

• 🔬 Advanced STEM opportunities 

• 🏅 Competitive athletics 

Students receive a wellrounded middle school experience while benefiting from gifted instruction. 

 

How does the academy support gifted learners differently? 

Gifted students often need: 

• Differentiated instruction 

• Flexible pacing 

• Opportunities for deeper exploration and challenge 

SunRidge teachers intentionally design learning experiences that: 

• Increase depth and rigor 

• Encourage curiosity and intellectual risktaking 

• Support both demonstrated and emerging gifted abilities 

 

Will my child still feel part of the school community? 

Yes. Academy students are fully integrated into the SunRidge Middle School community while also benefiting from learning in a gifted cohort with peers who share similar abilities and interests. 

 

How do we apply? 

Families can apply online at: 
👉 https://scholasticacademy.ocps.net/ 

 

Who can I contact for more information? 

Please visit the application website or contact SunRidge Middle School at sunridge_ms@ocps.net for additional details about the Gifted Scholastic Academy.