Academics

Overview

At the Spencer Center, CPS’ most academically promising students blossom in a flexible, rigorous environment. 

Gifted and exceptional students benefit from:

• Latin classes to support students in understanding the linguistic roots of our modern culture
• Project-based, hands-on learning incorporating problem-solving to bring academic concepts to life
• Advanced Placement (AP) and College Credit Plus (CCP) offerings to prepare students for rigorous college courses
  • Spencer Course Guide 2025-2026

At Spencer, a school community is built via

• Project-based focus
• Rotating electives
• Student-led initiatives
• Mindful attention to social-emotional development

Who Can Attend the Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students?

Students currently attending Cincinnati Public Schools, as well as in-district students in private, charter or home schools, are eligible to apply to Spencer Center if they meet these eligibility requirements:

Gifted Entrance Criteria For Spencer Center:
For Gifted eligibility, students must:

1. Gifted in superior cognitive ability

               OR

2. Earn a minimum CogAT composite score of 112 AND have a gifted identification in either Math or Reading

               OR

3. Identified as gifted through other state-approved tests

• • For entrance to grades 3-6, scores must be earned no earlier than grade 2

• • For entrance to grades 7-11, scores must be earned no earlier than grade 6

Exceptional Entrance Criteria For Spencer Center:
For Exceptional eligibility, students must:

1.  Have at least a 123 CogAT score

               OR

2.  Score at least 80th percentile on an accepted Reading assessment

               OR

3. Score at least 80th percentile on an accepted Math assessment with no less than a 60th percentile on an accepted Reading assessment

• • For entrance to grades 3-6, scores must be earned no earlier than grade 2

• • For entrance to grades 7-11, scores must be earned no earlier than grade 6

Advanced Placement Courses

• AP Calculus AB
• AP PreCalculus
• AP Seminar
• AP English Literature & Composition
• AP African American Studies
• AP Human Geography
• AP US History
• AP US Government & Politics
• AP Psychology
• AP Biology
• AP Physics
• AP Computer Principles

Foreign Languages

• Spanish (Grades 5-6 and 7-12)
• Latin (Grades 7-12)