Murray City School District is experiencing growth in its Gifted and Talented Program, according to a report presented to the district school board. The report indicates that more elementary students are receiving advanced learning support than in previous years.
The district's approach to advanced learning has shifted from a single magnet program at McMillan Elementary to a model where teachers bring advanced instruction into classroom settings at every school. To support this transition, the district introduced a dedicated GT Instructional Coach to assist classroom teachers with lesson planning for high-achieving students.
This shift in instruction is intended to address social and emotional needs. School social workers reported fewer behavioral issues among students under the new model, which experts suggest is because students are working alongside peers who learn at a similar pace while receiving tailored lessons.
The program has seen a significant increase in student participation. During the 2024–2025 school year, the district served 40 students in grades 3–6. For the 2026–2027 school year, the number of students receiving Gifted and Talented supports is projected to reach 205, representing a 107% increase from the previous year.
By updating how students are screened and supported, the district now adds between 40 and 70 newly identified students each year, whereas the previous model only allowed for 12 to 15 new students annually.
The district has also implemented universal screening for all second graders to identify students who may have been missed previously. Data from the district shows that in Spring 2025, 400 second graders were screened and 36 qualified. In Spring 2026, 334 second graders were screened and 70 qualified, while 101 students in grades 3–5 were screened and 54 qualified.
