The Gifted and Talented Department in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) has the primary responsibility of overseeing, supporting, and monitoring the programs for K-12 identified gifted and talented (G/T) students district-wide. 

The Houston Independent School District provides two program options for Gifted and Talented (G/T) students: 

• Gifted and Talented Neighborhood Programs are designed to meet the needs of G/T students in grades K-12 at their neighborhood (zoned) schools.
• Vanguard Magnet Programs are designed to meet the needs of G/T students in grades K-12 at their Vanguard Magnet school.

 

It is important to note that in HISD, the term Vanguard is used synonymously with Gifted and Talented (G/T). The Gifted and Talented Programs are designed for G/T students who excel in general intellectual ability, in combination with creative/productive thinking and/or leadership ability. Both Vanguard Magnet Programs and Gifted and Talented Neighborhood Programs provide a differentiated curriculum by modifying the depth, complexity, and pacing of the general school program.