Ricks Center for Gifted Children

Located on the University of Denver campus

Early Childhood $22,900, Kindergarten $26,830, 1st-4th grade $27,675, 5th-8th grade $27,075

Available

Available on website https://morgridge.du.edu/ricks/curriculum

Available on website Student Support | Ricks Center for Gifted Children | College of Education

iPads are provided in 1st-4th grade, Mac Books in 5th-8th. All classes have smart boards. Innovation space with multiple 3D printers, robotics and Lego Spike kits as well as access to the DU Maker Space.

Available on website https://morgridge.du.edu/ricks/admissions/application-process. IQ testing is required for students applying to 1st grade and older.

Ricks' mission is to empower intellectually gifted children to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We purposefully uncover and tap into students' interests in order to spark and fuel the passion in their minds.

We nurture both the intellect and heart, opening new worlds for our students, and preparing them to do more and go farther than they ever thought possible, both now and in the future.

Gifted children can be curious and easily bored, considerate and demanding, quick to understand and quick to judge, persistent and perfectionistic, independent and isolated. These are just some of the factors we consider while designing a rigorous and engaging curriculum for our students from preschool through middle school. Our goals are to challenge students, to allow them to explore content, ideas, and passions, and to prepare them to be successful when they leave Ricks.

We purposely keep our student-to-teacher ratio low, which allows teachers to focus on strategies specifically designed to meet the learning needs of their students. The curriculum is designed around the whole child, taking into account effective and academic needs. Classwork is based upon national standards and is differentiated to reflect student abilities and interests. And, of course, time for exploration is regularly scheduled; passion pursuits are integral at all levels.

Ricks Center at the University of Denver was founded in 1984 and was then known as the University Center for Gifted Young Children. The school grew from a doctoral summer project organized by the school's founder, Dr. Norma Lu Hafenstein. In 1984, Dr. Hafenstein developed a summer session for young gifted children at the University of Denver. The children were brought together for enriched, thematic activities designed to promote a supportive learning environment for gifted children.

In the summer of 1984, 24 four and five-year-old children gathered for a month-long session of enriched, thematic activities designed to bring gifted children together in a supportive learning environment. Following an exciting summer project, parents expressed enthusiasm for continuing the program into the school year. With support and guidance of many people, the University Center for Gifted Young Children was founded in the fall of 1984 by Dr. Hafenstein.
Over the years, the program has grown into a school serving approximately 200 children from three years of age through the eighth grade. Faculty at the school has changed from graduate students to full-time, experienced, certified classroom teachers, specialists in content area, and administrators. The University of Denver continues to provide faculty consultants, fundraising support, mentorships, and classroom opportunities for Ricks Center students.