The Rising Scholars Program exists to identify, support, and nurture the academic potential and continuous growth of underrepresented students. The program encourages and mentors young students to succeed in challenging academic opportunities requiring higher-level thinking skills.  Students are empowered to develop academic identity by coordinating school, staff, resources, parent involvement, and community efforts.

Students will be identified for the Rising Scholars Program through tests, observations, and input from the classroom teacher, guidance, administration, and other special services teachers. Students placed in the Rising Scholars Program participate in activities that cultivate creative, critical, and strategic thinking skills in small groups with the Gifted Resource Teacher.

All elementary and middle schools participate in the Rising Scholars Program.