What is the Young Scholars Model?

Young Scholars is:

• Designed to identify and nurture students with high academic potential from historically underrepresented groups* in Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) and courses
• A strategy to increase access to rigor found in:
  • The FCPS strategic plan.
  • The Closing the Achievement Gap framework.
• In addition to, not a replacement of, advanced learning opportunities from the FCPS AAP continuum of services.

*Twice exceptional, English Learners, Black, Hispanic, or economically vulnerable

Why Young Scholars?

Young Scholars is a K-12 model:

• Designed to remove access and opportunity gaps
• For students historically underserved in advanced academic programming.
• That supports students through challenging coursework with a variety of strategies in elementary, middle, and high school.

How does Young Scholars work?

Because Young Scholars (YS) is a model rather than a prescribed program, schools meet the goals in different ways. Some examples of YS in action may include:

• Increased frequency and intensity of advanced academic curriculum and strategies.
• School-based extracurricular enrichment opportunities .
• Young Scholars Advisory Time (middle and high school students) activities like goal setting, study skills, career explorations
• Extracurricular enrichment experiences in Young Scholars Summer Learning (for elementary and middle school students).
• Young Scholars Summer Institutes (high school students at select high school sites).
• Ongoing family partnerships.
• Engagement with a mentor.
• Academic advising at transitions from elementary to middle to high school.
• Progress reflection and goal setting conferences.
• Continued college and career readiness/counseling opportunities.

School staff at all levels work with students and families to make sure students have:

• Continued support for access.
• Success in advanced coursework.

How are Young Scholars identified?

A local school committee will meet and identify students for Young Scholars. Elementary school students are also identified for AAP services at that time. Secondary students may also be identified for a Young Scholar designation. These students are enrolled in advanced courses.

School Contacts

For questions about Young Scholars, please contact:

• Advanced Academic Resource Teacher - Coming Soon!
• Your Child's Classroom Teacher
• Director of Student Services, Jen Miley
• Counselor Liaison, Christy Ryder