Our Academically Talented Programs provide identified academically talented students with a high quality, appropriate education that meets their special needs. Academically talented children are those who have superior intellectual abilities with the potential to perform at levels that exceed Yonkers general academic standards. In addition, they have the potential to use abstract, creative, and productive thinking skills. These self-motivated children are also able to sustain high academic performance. Their unique abilities and characteristics require special social and emotional support from family, community, and school to maximize their multiple talents.

The Yonkers Public Schools provides advanced academic programs which ensure a learning continuum and address the strengths, needs, and interests of academically talented students. The programs also support the unique needs of academically talented English Language Learners. The Yonkers Public Schools has adopted the following guidelines to ensure the programs and services offered are consistent with New York State Standards and guidelines.

Elementary/Middle Years Program Grades Prekindergarten – 8

The Program for Early and Rapid Learning Students (PEARLS) at PEARLS Hawthorne School is designed to meet the educational needs of academically talented students through an enriched academic core curriculum with an emphasis on creativity, high-level thinking skills and experiential learning.

Selection Process for PEARLS, Academically Talented Program

Students entering prekindergarten and kindergarten are individually evaluated using a nationally normed standardized aptitude test (I.Q.).

Students entering grades 1 through 8 are assessed using multiple criteria: a nationally normed standardized test of school ability, the New York State Testing Program, teacher evaluations and report card grades. Due to school closure, there will be a modified testing program. 

For students entering prekindergarten through grade 8 for the following year, parents MUST apply and complete an application. 

To Apply: Parents MUST submit an application. Your child MUST be registered in the Yonkers Public Schools. The application period for the 2023-2024 school year concludes at 5:00PM January 6, 2023.

High School Programs - Grades 9-12 Century Honors Program

The Century Honors Program is offered at Gorton, Lincoln, Palisade Preparatory, Riverside, Roosevelt, and Saunders high schools. Students attend Century Honor classes in each academic discipline and are expected to take available Advanced Placement, College Link, Smart Scholar, P-tech or Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in 10th-12th grades. Additionally, students are enrolled in magnet specific courses at each respective high school. CTE Programs at Saunders and Roosevelt - Early College Studies may lead to industry certifications.

The College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) is offered at select high schools and is subject to budgetary constraints. Students are expected to sit for an AP Examination annually in May to determine college credit (3-5 score on the exam) that may be awarded by their college/university of choice.

Smart Scholar, P-tech and College Link courses are designed in conjunction with a local college or university and is often aligned with the high school magnet program. Teachers are vetted by each college, syllabi are approved, and student credit is awarded by the local college/university aligned with their respective grading policy. These credits may or may not be awarded by the college/university of choice.

To Apply: For students entering grades 9 through 12, applications are available and are due January 6, 2023. Applications may be submitted to 8th grade school administrators or high school counselors, or the District Guidance Department. For 8th grade students, scores on NWEA tests and report cards are reviewed. Additional information is available by contacting District Guidance.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Yonkers Middle/High School - Grades 9-12

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) for high school students at Yonkers Middle High School (grades 9-12) provides students with an opportunity to pursue a liberal arts curriculum while meeting the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma requirements. Students who have performed satisfactorily on IB exams may be granted credit, advanced placement, or both by colleges and universities throughout the world.

Students are expected to maintain high academic standards, a strong grade point average in core subject areas (English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies), adhere to the District’s Code of Conduct, adhere to the school’s uniform requirement, and comply with the District’s dress code.

Selection Process

Students entering grades 9 through 12 are placed in Yonkers Middle High School based on multiple criteria:

• Parents must select Yonkers Middle High School as their first choice during the School Choice Process

• Students must demonstrate strong academic performance on middle school examinations including NYSED ELA/Math, Science, Regents, standardized assessments and report card grades.