2E Gifted Students
Twice-Exceptional = Exceptional Squared!
Twice-exceptional students (2E) – gifted students with learning differences – often find school frustrating and may feel trapped between two worlds of above-average intelligence and learning differences. 2E students are challenging for teachers to address in a typical classroom setting, and students feel underserved. Xavier’s average of eight students to one-teacher classrooms is perfectly designed to maximize a 2E student’s intelligence while accommodating their learning differences. At Xavier Academy, 2E students flourish.
Customized to interests and needs
It is often assumed incorrectly that bright students can learn anywhere, need less support than other students, and produce large amounts of work. However, many gifted students risk developing problems in school and failing academically despite their cognitive advantages, especially when disengaged or when thinking and discussing out-pace the student’s ability to produce written assignments.
Personalizing the academic environment
2E students need a different approach. Their advanced cognitive capabilities and fast processing speed can cause them to be hypersensitive and respond more emotionally than situations warrant, which can impact their social relationships. Xavier Academy customizes instruction in a low student-to-teacher ratio to mitigate issues and challenges when students think and process information differently from peers. There are no concerns about asking too many questions or dominating discussions because each student has the teacher’s undivided attention.
Xavier Academy prepares 2E gifted learners for college and life by offering a progressive education that challenges and supports them academically, socially, emotionally, and kinesthetically in the context of classrooms of ability and affinity peers. 2E gifted students have a unique set of social-emotional and intellectual needs. We embrace them all, meeting students where they are and empowering them to achieve their next level of excellence.
Xavier Academy offers these highly promising learners a rigorous, student-centered, empirically validated education with integrated supports that foster independence and self-advocacy. We model and teach students to own their impact and empower them to speak up and stand up for equity and social justice. For most people, the school years are about fitting in, while adulthood is about standing out; for 2E students, standing out comes early. At Xavier Academy, through the nurturing of purpose, passion, and talent, exceptionality is recognized and celebrated.
