Models of Service
Washoe County School District offers a variety of gifted service models to support the unique needs of GATE-identified students. Some services are provided at a student’s zoned school and do not require an application. Others are specialized full-time programs that serve students from across the district and do require an application for placement.
Note: All students who qualify for GATE services must have an opt-in form on file. This form only needs to be completed once and confirms that the family accepts GATE services so support can begin.
GATE Services at Zoned Schools
These services are offered at the student’s current school and do not require an application.
Itinerant Pull-Out (Elementary)
GATE students work in small groups for approximately 150 minutes each week with a specially trained teacher, known as a GATE Itinerant, who holds a gifted education endorsement. These sessions focus on critical and creative thinking through project-based learning.
Learn more about Itinerant Pull-Out
Itinerant Collaborative (Middle School)
Also referred to as the "push-in" model, the Itinerant Collaborative service involves a GATE Itinerant specialist partnering with classroom teachers to enrich instruction and provide challenge within the regular classroom environment.
Learn more about Itinerant Collaborative
Learn more about Itinerant Collaborative
GEMS Clustering Model (Elementary & Middle)
GATE students are placed together on the same team or in the same classroom with teachers trained in gifted education. These classes include both GATE and general education students to support integration and differentiation.
Learn more about the GEMS Model
GATE Application-Based Programs
These specialized, full-time programs serve students district-wide and require an application for placement.
SWAS (School Within a School – Elementary)
Full-day, self-contained GATE classrooms for students in grades 3–4, located at three district sites. Students identified in 4th grade will be considered for SWAS on an individual basis. Transportation is provided from the student’s zoned school. Commit form for the SWAS program will be emailed to qualified students.
Learn more about SWAS
Magnet Program (Middle School)
A rigorous, project-based GATE learning environment in all four core subjects: ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Learn more about Magnet Programs
Models Comparison
| Feature | Itinerant Models | GEMS | SWAS/Magnet/Institute Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Zoned school | Zoned school | Designated district sites |
|
Daily GATE Instruction |
Pull-out or in-class 150 minutes per week. | Yes (1+ class in their schedule) |
Yes (full day) |
|
GATE-Endorsed Teachers |
Yes (GATE Itinerant) | Yes | Yes (all core teachers) |
|
Requires Application |
No | No | Yes |
|
Student Integration |
Mixed or small pull-out group | Mixed with general education students | Self-contained |