ALPHA is specifically designed for gifted, high achieving, and high ability students seeking further challenge and engagement in their daily coursework. Although not an accelerated learning path, it does allow advanced ability learners an opportunity to take a more personalized approach to engaging in grade level content.
 

The ALPHA Academy serves gifted 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.

Not at this time. Students are encouraged to enroll in Advanced classes beginning in 6th grade at their home intermediate campus. They are also encouraged to apply for Jerry Knight STEM Academy, if that is their area of interest. (This program's acceptance is on a lottery basis).

ALPHA will empower students to cultivate metacognition, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity, alongside persistence and a growth mindset through personalized learning paths. This comprehensive approach ensures students continue to be academically advanced, well-rounded, and resilient. At ALPHA Academy, we integrate daily Discovery Time to explore the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP). This initiative facilitates advanced learning through TPSP's comprehensive framework of performance standards, enriched curriculum, and differentiated assessments, ensuring personalized academic growth. ALPHA learners will be assessed in intellectual, creative, and leadership skills to foster skill development and inform personalized guidance within the program.

Yes. By law, Mansfield ISD must teach the state curriculum. In additiona, the ALPHA Academy will follow the MISD core curriculum that is aligned to state standards. The ALPHA teachers will use research-based strategies such as compacting, pre-assessments and reverse gradual release. The methodologies that have been developed for this gifted/advanced framework will be used to implement the curriculum goals of the state and the district, while also meeting the advanced readiness levels of the students.

The Academy distinguishes itself from MISD’s traditional GT program by providing teachers with the flexibility to promote deeper, more complex learning experiences that extend beyond the standard grade-level curriculum. Instruction is tailored to the individual advanced strengths and readiness levels of each student. Rather than focusing exclusively on the needs of gifted learners, the Academy cultivates an inclusive, high-challenge environment designed to support the success of all advanced learners.
 

Students entering 3rd grade in the upcoming school year, who are identified as gifted learners, are eligible to apply for the ALPHA Academy. All applicants must reside within the Mansfield ISD attendance zone. Gifted learning needs are determined through a districtwide screening process conducted in the fall of each student’s second-grade year. Parents of students who meet the criteria for gifted services will receive written notification and an invitation to apply for the ALPHA Academy.

Students interested in applying to the ALPHA Academy should be identified gifted and have the following :

• Scored minimum of 85th percentile or higher on ability and achievement assessments
• Reading on or above grade level
• Performing on or above grade level in math

Identified Gifted and Talented students who apply will be selected by random lottery, with remaining open seats offered to applicants at or above the 85th percentile in achievement and ability. Consideration will be made for equal representation from all areas of Mansfield ISD.

There are no tuition costs to attend the ALPHA Academy.

The online application will open December 15, 2025 through January 23, 2026. Application invitations will be listed on the GT Identification letters sent home after the districtwide screening in 2nd grade, and to any already identified gifted learners in 2nd grade. Alternatively, current parents of GT 2nd graders can access the application on the MISD Power of Choice webpage.

Each applicant will receive a decision letter via email starting March 13, 2026. Students and their parents who are electing to accept an invitation to participate in ALPHA Academy will be required to submit a commitment letter.

There are 44 seats in 3rd grade to be filled by an application lottery process.

Yes. Students residing within the Mansfield ISD attendance zone will be provided transportation to ALPHA Academy.

Yes. Parent information meetings will be held virtually and in person on the following dates:

• December 18, 2025: VIRTUAL meeting 5:30pm-6:30pm-Parent Information Meeting
• January 8, 2026: IN PERSON - ALPHA Tour and Parent Meeting (Registration Required)

Please feel free to contact alpha@misdmail.org if you have any additional questions.