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 Kentucky  

Kentucky does not have a state acceleration policy. LEA's make acceleration decisions.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

State policy specifically permits early entrance to kindergarten. The state has posted guidelines regarding early entrance decisions. Currently, students may enroll in Kindergarten if they are 5 by August 1.  Early Kindergarten policy details can be found here.

Early entrance to 1st gradeKentucky mandates school attendance beginning at age 6. August 1 . Each district is expected to have a policy through which parents/guardians can petition for early entrance to the primary school program, which includes kindergarten and first grade. 
Whole-grade accelerationState policy permits. Schools districts may choose to accelerate students if they determine that it is in the best interest of the student.

Details of the  State Policy can be found 704 KAR PDF.

Early high school graduation

Districts may submit a waiver for students who wish to graduate early. These students have to meet certain end-of-course assessment criteria. The Kentucky Department of Education website includes information on Early Graduation and the Minimum Graduation Requirements

Early entrance to collegeWestern Kentucky University offers an early entrance to college program at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. Students spend their junior and senior years of high school living and studying on the Western Kentucky University campus, earning up to 60 college credit hours.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or university

State policy specifically permits dual enrollment in high school and college. Each LEA determines the earliest grade/age allowed to dual enroll, and the state specifically allows students to receive high school credit for college courses. The Kentucky Department of Education website offers information on dual credit and dual enrollment.

Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

State policy specifically permits dual enrollment in middle and high school, and allows students to receive high school credit for courses taken while in middle school.
Advanced Placement®Kentucky does offer Advanced Placement, and IB Programs
Talent Search

Gifted students in KY can participate in a statewide talent search program offered by Western Kentucky University and national talent search programs such as those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center.

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

State policy specifically permits proficiency-based promotion. Proficiency is demonstrated through end-of-course assessments, and advancement options after proficiency include grade or course advancement. State policy specifically permits students to receive graduation credit for demonstrating proficiency.
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

Kentucky Department of Education Gifted Website
Kentucky Department of Education
Kentucky Association for Gifted Education

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2020-2021 (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.