The PRISM program accelerates and enriches Bellevue’s basic curriculum using an interdisciplinary curricular format.  Students in the elementary program learn in grade-appropriate, self-contained classrooms.  Students in grades 6-8 work together and with a team of teachers in all core subject areas. They attend elective classes with the general Odle student population. Transportation is provided for all Bellevue School District resident students who qualify for the program. Qualifying non-resident students are accepted as space permits, but must provide their own transportation.

• Standard Age Score of 144 (99.7%) on the Cognitive Abilities Test and at least 90% on Reading and Quantitative with one of those scores at 97% or above.    Learn more about testing and eligibility >

• Grade 2-5 at Stevenson Elem. for 2009-10.  In fall of 2010, Grades 2-5 will join Spiritridge at Bellewood.
  View Elementary PRISM Program description as a word document >  
  School visits are offered to families of students who qualify in April.
  
• Grade 6-8 at Odle Middle School.  View Odle PRISM Program description as a word document >  
  Odle's General Open House for potential new students and parents will be held January 21, 2010 at 6:30. 
  School visits during the school day are offered to elementary PRISM students transitioning to the middle school program and newly qualifying PRISM students and their families in March.

The PRISM program provides a challenging and supportive educational environment for intellectually gifted students with high academic potential who demonstrate the need, ability (academic and behavioral), interest and dedication required for academic acceleration.
 
The PRISM program is consistent with the Bellevue Public School Mission Statement, which encourages meeting the individual learning needs of students in order for them to identify and realize their potential, to develop the skills and attitudes compatible with life-long learning, and to be knowledgeable and productive citizens.

PRISM meets the needs of the highly capable student by fostering academic excellence through the challenges of an accelerated, compacted, integrated and enriched curriculum, as well as through the stimulation of working with highly capable peers. Students are encouraged to work both independently and in cooperative groups.  The PRISM program is designed to recognize that, despite high intellectual ability, students differ in levels of organizational ability, personal maturity, academic competence, values and family background.
 
PRISM teachers work as a team sharing expertise and knowledge to coordinate and continually develop the curriculum.

 

• To provide enriched and accelerated academic opportunities for students with high intellectual and academic abilities.
• To offer a rigorous academic curriculum that will prepare students for advanced high school and college courses.
• To offer an environment where highly capable students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
• To address the social and emotional needs of highly capable students through teacher support, peer interaction and by fostering a sense of community.
• To prepare students for future contributions to society and to encourage life-long learning.