This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in Montana  

Montana state policy leaves LEA to determine whether and to what extent acceleration is permitted.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

State policy leaves LEA to determine whether early entrance to kindergarten is permitted. In general, students must be 5 on or before September 10 to enroll in kindergarten. However, Montana code permits the local board of trustees to allow children who do not meet the age requirements to enroll in kindergarten on a case-by-case basis.

Early entrance to 1st gradeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.
Whole-grade accelerationThe Montanas Planning Guide endorses grade skipping and other forms of acceleration.
Early high school graduationAccording to Rule 10.55.905, local school boards can make the decision to allow students to graduate early.
Early entrance to collegeThe Montanas Planning Guide endorses early entrance to college.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityState policy specifically permits dual enrollment in high school and college, and allows students to receive high school credit for college courses. More information is available in the dual enrollment guidelines on the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.
Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

State policy leaves LEA to determine whether dual enrollment in middle and high school is permitted.
Advanced Placement®State policy permits, and more information on Advanced Placement options is available on the Montana Office of Public Instruction gifted and talented page.
Talent SearchThere is no in-state Talent Search for Montana, but gifted students in MT can participate in regional and national talent searches, including those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center and the Center for Bright Kids Western Academic Talent Search 
Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

State policy leaves LEA to determine whether proficiency-based promotion is permitted.
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information

Montanas Planning Guide

Montana Gifted, Talented and Advanced
Montana Office of Public Instruction
Montana Association for Gifted & Talented Education

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2018-2019 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.