Who are Young Scholars?
Young Scholars are students with academic potential who may lack advocates, access, and/or affirmation. Young Scholars are members of populations currently underrepresented in advanced academic programs: African American, Hispanic, multilingual learners, and students who receive free and reduced meals. Once identified, students are invited to remain part of the Young Scholars cohort throughout their years in FCPS. Young Scholars was founded in FCPS in 2011 and currently operates at Butterfly Ridge Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Monocacy Elementary, Monocacy Middle, West Frederick Middle, Frederick High, and Governor Thomas Johnson High Schools. FCPS has the only Young Scholars program in Maryland and is a leader in assisting other districts across the country with establishing similar programs.
Program Goals
Short Term
To identify students who may not be considered for Advanced Academics programs using traditional methods of identification, and who, without that opportunity, are less likely to pursue advanced levels of learning on their own.
Long Term
To nurture high academic potential at an early age so that identified students will be prepared to engage in challenging subject matter and rigorous courses in middle school, high school, and college.
How do we identify students as Young Scholars?
Young Scholars are identified via multiple means: ongoing observation of student work, response to lessons designed to elicit critical and creative thinking (GEAARS Early Talent Development Program), a review of achievement scores, student performance on a non-traditional, creativity measure and collaboration between classroom teachers and the Elementary Advanced Academics Teacher Specialists. A cohort of approximately 10 rising grade 2 students are identified at each elementary school, and they travel throughout the program until high school graduation.
What opportunities are given to Young Scholars?
Young Scholars participate in various activities throughout the school year. The Advanced Academics Specialist/Young Scholars Advisor at their schools leads experiences which immerse students in rigorous, challenging, and engaging lessons, often in a multi-age environment (primary, intermediate, middle, and high) at their home schools. Activities are designed to extend students’ learning and engage in reflective experiences. Curriculum is often concept/inquiry-based with a focus on engineering, while incorporating science and social studies skills that are often limited by time during coursework. A social-emotional learning component fosters metacognition and a respect for diverse viewpoints and challenges.