Advanced Learning Opportunities

Advanced Learning Opportunities at Quincy Public Schools

At Quincy Public Schools, we offer a range of advanced learning opportunities for students at many grade levels, designed to meet the needs of advanced learners and promote academic excellence:

Elementary & Middle School Advanced Learning Opportunities

The Grade 4 Reach Program takes place for 90 minutes, once per month, at all schools. Students are selected for Grade 4 Reach if they are in the top 10% of students at their school, based on the most recent math and reading data. Eligibility is determined in the fall, following beginning of the year testing.

The Grade 5 Reach Program takes place once per week at all schools. Students are selected for Grade 5 Reach if they are in the top 20% of students at their school, based on the most recent math and reading data. Eligibility is determined in the spring, following end-of-year testing.

Advanced coursework and APC in grades 6-8 is not connected to the Reach Program.

Students can be enrolled in Advanced Coursework in Grades 6-8 in mathematics, science, and English language arts.  These courses are offered at all of our middle schools.  Eligibility is determined by classroom performance in Grade 5, along with the most recent reading and math data, and teacher recommendations. Parents are encouraged to discuss this possibility with their student's Grade 5 teachers.

The Advanced Placement Center for Grades 6-8 is a citywide program for identified advanced learners, located at Central Middle School. Eligibility is determined in spring of Grade 5.  In March, the top 20% of Grade 5 students in the district, based on the most recent math and reading data, are invited to screen with the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) subtests in verbal and quantitative reasoning. Screening result letters will be mailed out in May.

Private school students interested in the Advanced Placement Center may request an evaluation if they meet the following criteria: Documented evidence of scores at or above the 95th percentile on standardized assessments such as the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10), or the Terra Nova. Private school families may click here to request an evaluation.

For questions regarding advanced learning opportunities in Grades 4 & 5, please contact Curriculum Coordinator Bridget Vaughan at [email protected].

For questions regarding advanced learning opportunities in Grades 6-8, please contact Curriculum Director Michael Marani at [email protected].

High School Advanced Learning Opportunities

Our high schools offer a wide range of Advanced Placement courses across various subject areas, allowing students to engage in college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit. AP courses are designed to challenge students and prepare them for the rigors of college; QPS is committed to ensuring that all students have access to these opportunities.

Additional opportunities to earn college credits are available through our Early College High School (ECHS) Pathway, our dual enrollment program with Quincy College, and other dual enrollment agreements available through our Career, Vocational & Technical Education programs.