Renaissance Academy
All about Renaissance at Canyon Springs
- Welcome!
- Renaissance Overview
- Bright Beginnings K/1
- 2nd & 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th & 6th Grade
- 7th & 8th Grade
- Other Gifted Services and Supports
- Program Tours
Welcome!
Renaissance Overview
Our Renaissance Highly Gifted Academy is designed to provide highly gifted, 2nd grade elementary through middle school age students unique educational opportunities. Canyon Springs Renaissance Academy provides rigorous learning experiences that address the individual needs of gifted students. All Renaissance students acquire a solid foundation in the content areas of mathematics, language and communication arts, social studies, science, and technology literacy. Students work 1-2 years above grade level within core content areas.
Students must score 90+ in all 3 areas tested and with 280 points or higher as an overall total score on the CogAT or other approved gifted assessment. All students in this program are in a full day, gifted classroom with a highly qualified, gifted endorsed teacher. Math and ELA are accelerated, Science and Social Studies are enriched, and STEM is the foundation that drives projects daily activities.
The Renaissance program is founded on enriched interdisciplinary studies, academic depth and complexity, and critical and creative thinking. It is the goal of Deer Valley's Renaissance Program to provide a comprehensive experience that is responsive to the unique academic, creative, and emotional needs of the precocious gifted child.
For more information on the Renaissance program including the philosophy, expectations, and application process please visit the DVUSD Renaissance Website or contact the Gifted Services Department. If you would like further information on all of the Gifted Programs offered at Canyon Springs please visit the Gifted Services Main Page.
Bright Beginnings K/1
Bright Beginnings Overview
Our Bright Beginnings program provides hands-on learning opportunities for our early childhood gifted learners in Kindergarten and 1st Grade.
Qualifying students may apply to participate in the Bright Beginnings Kindergarten and 1st grade program, where they are placed with children of similar abilities in a smaller-than-average class size. Taught by a gifted endorsed teacher, students receive individualized instruction that allows them to work and learn at a pace suited to their advanced abilities. The Bright Beginnings experience emphasizes enriched and advanced content through a thematic, project-based, and inquiry-driven approach, fostering depth and complexity across all core content areas. Students also benefit from additional enrichment opportunities, including time in the STEM Makerspace and an extra day of Spanish instruction, supporting both their academic growth and creative development.
What happens after 1st grade?
Students participating in Bright Beginnings automatically progress to the next grade throughout their K-1 academic journey. At the end of 1st grade, students will be re-assessed to determine future gifted programming options for 2nd grade and above. The programming options may include Gifted Cluster, SAGE, Walk-Up Math or Renaissance placements.
Meet the Teachers
Bright Beginnings Kindergarten with Ms. Powell
For more information about Kindergarten at Canyon Springs Visit the Kindergarten Department Page.
Bright Beginnings 1st Grade with Mrs. Hills
For more information about 1st grade at Canyon Springs visit the 1st Grade Department Page.
Apply to Bright Beginnings
How do we apply?
If your child has gifted test scores on a state-approved test at or above the 90% percentile:
- Email your gifted test scores to Giftedservices@dvusd.org
- Complete the online application
- Gifted Services will review the online application and gifted testing documents
- If Gifted Services approves placement, our office will:
- Contact the school to share placement (Canyon Springs, Highland Lakes, or Las Brisas)
- Provide families with a confirmation letter
- Once approved, parents should register at the school.
- Register at the School:
- Use the results letter to verify gifted placement.
- Bright Beginnings Kindergarten will place the first 20 qualified students.
- Students are placed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2nd & 3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th & 6th Grade
7th & 8th Grade
Other Gifted Services and Supports
- STEM with Mrs. Jaime Hansen
- K-2 Gifted Enrichment with Mrs. Melissa Young
- K-8 Gifted Services with Mrs. Rowlan
STEM with Mrs. Jaime Hansen
Canyon Springs is proud to be the only Cognia Certified STEM and Highly Gifted Renaissance Academy—an achievement that sets us apart. This distinction allows our entire school community to cultivate a learning environment focused on innovation, enrichment, and personalized opportunities designed specifically for our highly gifted learners. Here, advanced minds thrive.
For more information about our STEM program visit the STEM website HERE.
K-2 Gifted Enrichment with Mrs. Melissa Young
K-8 Gifted Services with Mrs. Rowlan
Did you know Canyon Springs offers a full continuum of gifted services?
The Renaissance Academy is just one part of our comprehensive offerings. To learn more about the Gifted Services available at Canyon Springs STEM Academy, visit our Gifted Services Department Page or reach out to Mrs. Rowlan with any questions!
