Parent Resources
Helpful Links & Resources
Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG)
National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC)
Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talented Development
Office of Precollegiate Programming for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG)
BRAINY GAMES and TOYS for KIDS ~ A Gift Guide
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Parent Tip Sheets
Extracurriculars & Summer Opportunities
Waukee Community Education
https://communityed.waukeeschools.org/classes/
A wide variety of classes offered throughout all of the elementary buildings, ranging from two-week sessions to the entire school year.
Little Creators Club
https://www.littlecreatorsclub.com/programs/afterschool-designers
Through encouragement and assurance, we believe that little creators are capable of great things. Because of this belief, we aim to provide an environment that gives our creators room to design without hindrance or fear of failure.
Belin-Blank Center, University of Iowa
https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/Students/
Weekend Enrichment Program: Formerly known as WINGS, our Weekend Enrichment program is designed to supplement what elementary and junior high students are learning in school and give them a chance to explore their interests - or discover new ones! Weekend Enrichment consists of half-day enrichment classes for students in grades 2-8 that take place at the Belin-Blank Center on the University of Iowa campus. Classes in STEM, arts, and the humanities will cultivate students’ interest and spark their curiosity!
Junior Scholars Academy: JSA is a summer commuter program designed specifically for bright elementary and middle school students who want to thoroughly explore a topic - all while having fun with other kids who share their enthusiasm for learning. Students from 2nd to 8th grade with a deep curiosity, a love of learning, or a lot of talent in a particular area will feel right at home in JSA. Classes run from 9am - 4pm every day for a full week - and these aren't just any regular classes! With past options like Harry Potter, STEAM, Mixed Media Art, Engineering, Virtual Reality, Programming (and more!), we're sure to have something for any curious kid.
Iowa State University Extension Program: 4-H Youth Development
Various ages, times, and offerings
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Various ages, times, and class offerings
School of Rock - West Des Moines
https://www.schoolofrock.com/music-camps
Various ages, times, and class offerings
Des Moines Art Center
https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/education/
Various ages, times, and class offerings
Science Center of Iowa
https://www.sciowa.org/education/camps/
Various ages, times, and class offerings