Academically talented kindergartners and 1st through 6th graders will have a chance to expand their horizons, intellectually and socially, in a Vanderbilt program this spring specifically designed for gifted students and their parents. Applications are currently being accepted for the program, Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young or SAVY, which will take place every Saturday Feb. 7 through March 14, 2009.

“SAVY students will receive the social, emotional and intellectual benefits of being in a classroom of true academic peers,” Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth Director Tamra Stambaugh said. “Our classes will engage and stimulate students, while also providing critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning skills.”

The classes include “Water Water Everywhere,” “Playing with Words,” “Budding Botanists,” “Abracadabra Algebra: Math Tricks and You,” “Life and Times of the Civil War,” and many more.

Gifted students in kindergarten through 6th grade, specifically students who test at the 95th percentile and above on a standardized achievement or ability test, are encouraged to apply. Classes comprise 12 to 15 students and are held at the University School of Nashville from 9 to 11:30 a.m.  

SAVY also offers programs for parents.

“Many parents of gifted children report feeling isolated and find solace when connecting with other like parents,” Stambaugh said. “All parents of participating SAVY children are invited to attend two free SAVY Chats on issues related to parenting gifted children while SAVY is in session.”

The SAVY Chats will be held the first and last Saturdays of the program.  During the second through fifth Saturdays of SAVY, parents also have the option to enroll in a SENG (Social/Emotional Needs of the Gifted) discussion group led by licensed and trained counselors to talk about the joys and concerns of parenting a gifted child. A complimentary book will be provided to all who enroll.

All SAVY classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are due by Dec. 12; applicants will be notified of their admission decision by Dec. 19.

The cost of the program is $400, which includes six classes, classroom materials, T-shirt and SAVY Chats for parents.  Need-based financial assistance is available.

SAVY applications are available online at http://pty.vanderbilt.edu and may be requested by calling (615) 322-8261 or by e-mailing pty.peabody@vanderbilt.edu.

Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth has been serving the needs of highly gifted 8th–12th grade students from across the nation and abroad since 2000. Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) was launched in the spring of 2008.  For more information about Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth’s year-round offerings, visit http://pty.vanderbilt.edu.

Contact: Melanie Moran, (615) 322-NEWS
melanie.moran@vanderbilt.edu