Uncovering the Gift in Every Child – Corbett Preparatory School
It’s easy to spot giftedness in some children, such as the precocious reader who devours books above their grade level or the math whiz who solves complex problems quickly.
But what about the child who mediates a conflict with empathy or who notices details others miss? The creative thinker who builds something from nothing? The student who asks the kind of questions that change the direction of a lesson for the better?
These talents may fall outside a classic definition of “gifted,” even though they often are qualities of future leaders. When we broaden our perception of giftedness, we start to see it everywhere. Every student carries strengths, abilities and ways of thinking that, when nurtured, can grow into something extraordinary.
The challenge is creating an environment at home and at school where children can explore their interests and cultivate their talents.
Identifying these strengths requires parents and teachers to look beyond traditional measures and observe how children think, interact, create and respond to challenges. It means offering choices, noticing what energizes each child, and stretching them just enough to spark growth without overwhelming them.
It also means understanding that standardized test scores, IQ tests and grades only tell part of a child’s story. Thomas Edison was removed from school after only three months and labeled “addled” by his teacher.
His mother, however, believed in his potential, teaching him reading, writing and arithmetic while giving him space to explore his passions and curiosity. That same curious mind later built the laboratory that transformed modern life.
Edison’s story reminds us that potential is often hidden, and brilliance rarely fits neatly into a box.
Corbett Preparatory School
This understanding shaped the creation of Corbett Preparatory School of IDS more than 50 years ago. Founders Marilyn Gatlin and Betty Anderson – fresh from their graduate studies in gifted education at the University of South Florida – believed deeply that every child deserved to be seen for their strengths.
They built a school based on that principle, designing learning environments to bring out the gifts in all students. Their vision recognized that everyone is gifted in some way, and schools have a responsibility to uncover it. To ensure students are seen and supported, educators need access to resources and research through ongoing learning opportunities.
This year, Corbett Prep partnered with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development for a yearlong professional development course. The course equips teachers with research-based strategies to identify talents and nurture potential.
The faculty will also gain new tools for differentiating instruction, creating pathways for acceleration as well as remediation and designing lessons that spark curiosity in students across the spectrum of readiness.
This partnership strengthens Corbett Prep’s commitment to finding the giftedness in every learner,
Whether in the classroom or home, the heart of a gifted education lies in the simple truth that children flourish when adults see them. When parents and teachers honor their individuality, celebrate what makes them unique and create safe environments for talents to grow, they cultivate giftedness.
Presented by: Corbett Preparatory School of IDS | Photo Credit: Corbett Preparatory School