Children's Programs

Thank you for visiting the Children's Program page for the Center for Gifted Education.

Center for Gifted Education's Mission Statement:

The Center for Gifted Education has the mission to support the needs of gifted and talented students and those with gifted potential. The Center is an instructional, research, and service center. It offers professional learning opportunities for teachers and schools, summer enrichment programs for children, and consultation services for parents. We facilitate and support gifted education advocacy efforts, providing research-based information about the needs of gifted & talented students to all stakeholders. We aim to build relationships with those who impact gifted students as well as the public.The Center for Gifted Education includes programs for Children and Adolescents during the Fall, Spring, and Summer!

We offer programs for students rising into PreK-K, first through sixth graders, and the seventh through ninth grades.

Our Screening Window is currently closed.

Academic Enrichment Program History and Announcements:

The Center for Gifted Education has a long and rich history of educating parents, students, and educators in and around the Lafayette area, the state, and the nation. The center was established in 1982 and is one of only 20 such comprehensive instructional, research, and service centers in the country. It is the only one of its scope in Louisiana. UL Lafayette's Center for Gifted Education strives to focus on the needs of high-potential/gifted/talented learners, parents, and educators. Our academic enrichment programs are designed to support the development of talent in high-ability, gifted, and talented learners. For specific details regarding the Rising PreK through Rising 10th Grade Programs, visit our Children's Programs pages.

Admission to the Center for Gifted Education

We do not require GT Identification to participate in the Summer Programs presented by the Center for Gifted Education. A Mandatory Qualification is required to participate in the Summer Programs presented by the Center for Gifted Education.

The Screening Window for Admission to the Summer Programs presented by the Center for Gifted Education is currently Closed.

The application process has changed.

The application submission results in an email to the parent/guardian and teacher with the link to identical checklists. The review of the parent/guardian and teacher checklists is completed by Dr. Hoffpauir to determine student qualifications for participation in the Summer Programs presented by the Center for Gifted Education.

Older students (5th grade and above) who are NOT in a Parish GT Program will require a score review to determine qualification for admission.

If students are in the Parish GT Program, we ask that parents/guardians email either the first page of the most recent IEP, or the first page of the welcome letter to gifted@louisiana.edu.

Identified GT Program students do not need to submit scores for review.

Returning Students:

Students previously accepted into the Center for Gifted Education programs have the status of Returning Students.

Programs for Masters in Gifted Education and Doctor of Education Exceptional Learner Concentration! See below for More Information!

Master's Degree program in Gifted Education

Learn more about a faster way to finish your Masters in Gifted Education! This Masters in Gifted Education Education program provides a variety of experiences to support graduates in gaining and understanding the unique needs of gifted and talented students.

Doctor of Education Exceptional Learner Concentration

To learn more about the Doctor of Education Exceptional Learner Concentration please contact, Dr. Christine Briggs - cbriggs@louisiana.edu, or Dr. Donna Wadsworth - dwadsworth@louisiana.edu.

For more information on the Graduate School Application and EDD (Educational Leadership) please contact, Dr. Sebnem Cilesiz - sebnem.cilesiz@louisiana.edu

Contact Us

Please contact the Center for Gifted Education with any questions.

Kathleen McIntire, Administrative Coordinator III
Office Address
Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning
Room 266
Lafayette, LA 70506

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 43648
Lafayette, LA 70504-3648

337-482-6701
gifted@louisiana.edu