Many students qualified, six students participated in Duke University Talent Program

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. The Duke Talent Search was launched in 1994 with the goal of identifying gifted students at a younger age. Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to discover, explore and celebrate students’ academic interests at a time when it is important to foster curiosity and build confidence.

A total of 15 students from Farragut qualified for the 2016 Duke University TIP’s 4th-6th Grade Talent Search. To participate, students had to meet the following criteria:

• be in fourth, fifth, or sixth grade
• scored at the 95th percentile or above on a standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability test.

There were two students who chose to enroll in the Duke TIP online program: Grace Vernine & Garrett Fisher. Enrolled students and their families receive numerous participant benefits through their enrollment in the program, including recognition for their abilities, special online courses and other benefits, the opportunity to take an above-level test and guidance from gifted education experts.  

Eleven students also qualified for the 2016 Duke University TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search. These students met the criteria of scoring at a 95th percentile or above on a standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability test. They were also given the opportunity to take either the ACT or SAT. Four students — Ben Bridges, Ansley Fine, Kenneth Fisher and Maurice Leon — did take advantage of this and sat for the ACT or SAT this year. Taking part in the 7th Grade Talent Search opens up opportunities to enroll in and attend other Duke TIP subprograms, including (but not limited to) eStudies courses, Summer Studies programs, Scholar Weekends, and Field Studies. Students who score in the top percentile are featured at the year-end Recognition Ceremonies at Duke.