What is a twice-exceptional (2E) gifted child?

A twice-exceptional (2E) gifted child is a student who demonstrates high cognitive ability while also experiencing a learning difference such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or executive functioning challenges.

A gifted child with a learning difference requires both advanced academic instruction and structured skill support delivered simultaneously. Compass Outreach & Education Center is a private 2E school in Fort Lauderdale designed specifically to serve gifted children with learning differences through an integrated academic model.

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How do I know if my gifted child may be twice-exceptional?

A gifted child may be twice-exceptional if they demonstrate advanced reasoning, strong vocabulary, or abstract thinking, yet struggle with written output, organization, reading accuracy, processing speed, or attention regulation.

Many twice-exceptional students show inconsistent performance because their intellectual strengths and learning differences exist together. If your gifted child appears bright but frustrated, advanced but uneven, a structured 2E evaluation may be appropriate.

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What makes Compass different from other schools for gifted children in Fort Lauderdale?

Compass is not simply a gifted program. We are a structured 2E school in Fort Lauderdale that integrates rigorous academics, science-of-reading-aligned intervention, executive function instruction, and small-group learning into one cohesive model.

Rather than separating enrichment and remediation, we support the whole gifted child by addressing strengths and learning differences concurrently.

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Is Compass a school for gifted children with dyslexia?

Yes. Compass serves gifted children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences when their academic profile aligns with our instructional structure.

Our 2E program integrates structured literacy informed by the science of reading research with advanced academic coursework, allowing a gifted child to develop both skills and intellectual depth.

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Does my gifted child need a formal diagnosis to apply?

No. Compass does not diagnose students. However, existing psychoeducational or diagnostic documentation is required as part of the admissions review process.

If updated evaluation data is needed, families may be referred to qualified independent professionals. Admission decisions are based on documented readiness and alignment with the 2E cohort model.

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How selective is your 2E program?

The Compass 2E cohort is intentionally limited to preserve instructional precision and specialist alignment. Enrollment is capped at ten students.

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Admission is selective and based on cognitive readiness, classroom evaluation, staffing capacity, and cohort composition — not simply seat availability.

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Qualified gifted children may be placed on a waitlist once capacity is reached.

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Is MAP testing required during admissions?

Yes. As part of the admissions evaluation process, students complete MAP Growth academic benchmarking.

MAP assessment is diagnostic in nature and establishes baseline data to support precision in placement, intervention intensity, and instructional planning for each gifted child in the program.

Completion of the full evaluation phase, including academic benchmarking, is required before an admissions determination is made.

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What happens during the classroom evaluation?

Students participate in a minimum of two classroom evaluation days.

During this time, we observe:

• Academic engagement
• Executive functioning readiness
• Responsiveness to structured instruction
• Small-group collaboration

This process allows leadership to determine whether the gifted child’s learning profile aligns with the structure of the 2E cohort.

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What does success look like for a gifted child in your 2E program?

Students in our twice-exceptional program typically demonstrate:

• Increased consistency in written output
• Strengthened executive functioning independence
• Measurable literacy and mathematics growth
• Reduced academic avoidance
• Preserved intellectual depth

Success reflects integrated growth across academic, executive, and social domains.

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Are families expected to be involved?

Yes. The Compass 2E program is partnership-based.

Families of each gifted child are expected to:

• Maintain professional communication
• Reinforce executive functioning systems
• Support consistent attendance
• Engage collaboratively within the school community

Strong family partnership contributes directly to sustained academic growth.

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When should families begin the admissions process?

Because enrollment in our 2E school in Fort Lauderdale is limited to a small cohort, early inquiry is encouraged.

Admissions review cycles may close once capacity is reached. Families who believe their gifted child may align with our program are encouraged to begin with a structured admissions consultation.