In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students, students in the Gifted and Talented (GT) program are screened using multiple criteria, which include both quantitative and qualitative data. Placement decisions are made by a Campus Selection Committee, and policies for appeals, furloughs, and exit procedures are available upon request. In middle school, GT students are served in the four core academic areas according to their identified strengths. 

GT courses are often paired with Pre-AP courses and include all of the elements of Pre-AP courses. Within this combination of courses, GT students receive instruction and learning opportunities appropriately differentiated to meet the needs of more advanced learners, enabling students to engage in more elaborate, complex, and in-depth studies of abstract ideas, problems, and themes.  As with the Pre-AP courses, students can expect a more academically challenging environment to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as more independent learning and more homework than a regular class. These courses provide students with opportunities to develop a strong foundation by exploring a subject in greater depth and developing skills, habits of mind, and concepts needed to succeed in college preparatory coursework. Students and parents are required to sign and abide for the Grand Prairie ISD Pre-AP/AP contract.
 
Nominations for the Gifted and Talented Program may be submitted to the Advanced Academics Specialist. Students may be nominated by parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, or any other interested party who is familiar with the student's abilities.