Gifted Learning Center K-6 @ Sahuaro El.

The Gifted Learning Center is a self-contained gifted program for students in grades K-6 located at Sahuaro Elementary School.

Why Should my gifted learner attend the GLC?

Self-contained means that the students receive instruction with other high-ability gifted learners from gifted trained teachers ALL day! Students receive instruction at their ability level instead of at their grade level. Gifted students thrive in learning environments with faster-paced instruction, choice, project-based learning, and support for their unique social-emotional needs.

Does my child qualify for the GLC?

If your child has at least one gifted score in the 95th percentile (gifted) and has a second score above the 90th percentile and a third score above the 80th percentile, he/she is eligible to apply for the K-6th grade Gifted Learning Center (GLC) at Sahuaro Elementary.

Ready to Apply?

We will begin accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year on February 9, 2026.

Please apply using the Google form. Complete one application per child. Each application will also need a teacher recommendation from a regular classroom teacher and a gifted teacher. Please send the link to both teachers. The applications will also require a letter about the student written by a parent (K-3) or by the student (4th-6th). A video with the student demonstrating something they are proud of is also needed for the application. If you do not know your child's gifted test scores, you may leave this section blank and we can look up scores.

Please contact Dr. Rowe Van Meter if you have questions at 602-347-2651.

1. Complete Application

Gifted Learning Center Application (English)

Gifted Learning Center Application (Spanish)

The Application asks for:

Grades K-3: A letter from the parent OR student describing why the child would like to be part of the GLC. Please highlight your child's strengths and mention any areas they currently struggle with (academic, social-emotional)

Grades 4-6: A letter from the student for 4th-6th grade students describing why they would like to join the GLC. Please tell us what you like to learn about and why? What is easy for you and what is hard?

Video Submission showing samples of the student's work. This should be only a few minutes or less showing one, two, or three examples of the student's work, talent, or creativity. This can be anything the child is proud of. The application has some suggestions.

2. Send the referral link to your child's classroom teacher and gifted teacher.

Regular Classroom Teacher Recommendation Form

Gifted Teacher Recommendation Form

GLC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

"What's special about the GLC?"

From a GLC Parent:

"The wonderful GLC teachers create an environment in which students are excited to learn. The teachers have high expectations, accent the positive, are incredible motivators, and truly bring out the best in each student. My son never want to miss a day of school! The curriculum is designed to challenge each individual student at his/her level of learning and interests. Teamwork among students in encouraged, which helps to ready them for the real world. Every Sunday parents receive a newsletter informing us of school happenings for the coming week and near future, so we're always connected! We feel blessed to be apart of the GLC family!"

-Judith Chacon

Application Timeline:

We are currently close to capacity in this program for the 2026-27 school year but we encourage you to apply in the event a spot opens. Please contact Rowe Van Meter with any questions.

Meet Our GLC Teachers
Presentations

Meet Our GLC Teachers

Meet our GLC Teachers

Beth Perry has been teaching for 30 years and in the GLC and 8 years. She taught 1st-4th grade and was a reading specialist before coming to join the GLC family. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree In Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Beth is a National Board Certified teacher, was nominated for the district's Lamp of Learning award in 2013 and was the AAGT Gifted Teacher of the Year in 2022! She enjoys spending time with her granddaughter Perry.

Kristin Holbrook has taught in WESD for 21 years, teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade. She has worked at Ironwood, John Jacobs, and Mountain View and also served as an Instructional Coach. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorders. She received the District's Lamp of Learning Award in 2016. She enjoys raising her two gifted children who are involved in soccer and softball.

Mary Kate Testa has taught in WESD for 17 years and at the GLC for three years. She has taught all grades from kindergarten to sixth grades including STEAM and Gifted Summer School. Kate likes to keep busy and has worked as a student council facilitator, mentor teacher, technology leader and curriculum developer. She has a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and loves to spend time with her Maltese-Bichon Poodle, Emma, and her Yorkie-Pom, Daisy.

Variatee Snide is in her second year at the GLC and has been in WESD for 11 years. Her Bachelor's Degree is in Nutritional Sciences. She has a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. She teachers advanced math in the GLC and is also the Project Potential teacher for gifted students at Sahuaro. Her two daughters both attend WESD.