I was nominated by my counsellor and teachers in 5th and 6th grade. This was South Florida, other schools districts are different. I took an exam of puzzles, math, and wordplay. A few days later I received a later saying I qualified and to meet the ESL&#x2F;gifted counsellor.<p>At the time I had 8 classes. 6 of them were required: math, english, history, etc., and 2 were free electives: sports, music, technical (computers and woodshop). As a 11yo these were the few freedoms we were allowed in school and the work didn&#x27;t feel like work. I enjoyed making music. I enjoyed making stupid, wooden gifts for my family and friends. So the counsellor says we&#x27;re dropping your 2 electives so you can have take our gifted classes. And that is when I hoped right out of it.<p>Now that is the gifted (also called ESL) program in none exceptional schools. It&#x27;s usually just an extra class. There are schools of excellence, governor&#x27;s school, magnet school, etc. Which focus on different curriculum. These will have an emphasis around math, language, arts, sports. You apply by filing an application or submitting a portfolio. Some, you have to be nominated by your teachers.