County program record

Columbus County, North Carolina

2 public school districts are geographically associated with this county in the 2024–25 NCES relationship file.

State research baseline

North Carolina academically or intellectually gifted requirements

North Carolina requires local units to identify academically or intellectually gifted students and provide differentiated services through an approved local AIG plan.

What this means for families: Read the local AIG plan for screening, identification, service settings, and family appeal procedures.

Coverage: K-12 in every local school administrative unit
Last reviewed: September 5, 2026

Official state source ↗

Official program research

Columbus County Schools

Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG)

Columbus County uses early talent development, universal screening, and differentiated K–12 services to recognize and grow advanced potential.

How services work: K–2 talent development includes STEM and advanced materials; later services may include compacted or accelerated curriculum, grouping, enrichment, independent study, advanced courses, and grade or subject acceleration.

How students are identified: All second-graders receive CogAT screening. Referrals are accepted from stakeholders, and school teams consider aptitude, achievement, performance, observations, motivation, interests, work samples, and other evidence.

Grades: K–12
Last reviewed: September 4, 2026

Official district source ↗

Whiteville City Schools

Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG)

Whiteville City Schools combines universal third-grade aptitude screening, K–12 informal review, talent spotting, and differentiated programming for advanced learners.

How services work: Services may include enrichment-period talent development, flexible grouping, compacted or accelerated curriculum, grade acceleration, advanced subject work, individualized differentiation, honors and college-level pathways, and interest-based enrichment.

How students are identified: Every third-grader receives an annual broad-sweep aptitude screen. K–2 learners performing above grade level may receive individual review, while later screening can include ability, achievement, state and local assessments, gifted behavior ratings, U-STARS observations, work, and referrals.

Grades: K–12
Last reviewed: September 4, 2026

Official district source ↗

District geography

Serving districts

Some districts cross county boundaries. Area shown is the district land area associated with this county, not its total footprint.

Columbus County SchoolsNCES LEA 3700960
846.02 sq miLocal program reviewed
Whiteville City SchoolsNCES LEA 3704920
92.18 sq miLocal program reviewed

Use the district as the authority.

Eligibility, referrals, grade levels, deadlines, and program locations change. Always confirm decisions with the school district before acting. Bloomfield Academy is independent and is not affiliated with any district.

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