Young Scholars

Who are Young Scholars?

Young Scholars are students with academic potential who may lack advocates, access, and/or affirmation. Young Scholars are members of populations currently underrepresented in advanced academic programs: African American, Hispanic, multilingual learners, and students who receive free and reduced meals. Once identified, students are invited to remain part of the Young Scholars cohort throughout their years in FCPS. Young Scholars was founded in FCPS in 2011 and currently operates at Butterfly Ridge Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Monocacy Elementary, Monocacy Middle, West Frederick Middle, Frederick High, and Governor Thomas Johnson High Schools.  FCPS has the only Young Scholars program in Maryland and is a leader in assisting other districts across the country with establishing similar programs.

Program Goals

Short Term

To identify students who may not be considered for Advanced Academics programs using traditional methods of identification, and who, without that opportunity, are less likely to pursue advanced levels of learning on their own.

Long Term

To nurture high academic potential at an early age so that identified students will be prepared to engage in challenging subject matter and rigorous courses in middle school, high school, and college

How do we identify students as Young Scholars?

Young Scholars are identified via multiple means: ongoing observation of student work, response to lessons designed to elicit critical and creative thinking (GEAARS Early Talent Development Program), a review of achievement scores, student performance on a non-traditional creativity measure (Torrance style) and collaboration between classroom teachers and the Elementary Advanced Academics Teacher Specialists. A cohort of approximately 10 rising grade 2 students are identified at each elementary school, and they travel throughout the program until high school graduation.

What opportunities are given to Young Scholars?

Central to the program is the Young Scholars Summer School, which immerses students in rigorous, challenging, and engaging lessons in a multi-age environment (primary, intermediate, middle, and high). Curriculum is concept/inquiry-based with a focus on engineering, while incorporating science and social studies skills that are often limited by time during the school year. A social-emotional learning component fosters metacognition and a respect for diverse viewpoints and challenges. Teachers from Advanced Academics programs lead the program in collaboration with teachers from these students’ home schools. The summer experience includes a field trip designed to expose students to a unique perspective and a college/community connection. 

Young Scholars meet on a regular basis throughout the school year with the Advanced Academics Specialist/Young Scholars Advisor at their schools to extend their learning from the summer and engage in reflective experiences. In addition, students involved in Young Scholars are monitored and supported as they enroll in other Advanced Academics programs. Data regarding enrollment and performance in these programs is reviewed on a regular basis.