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

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 accelerationMontana code §20-7-901 states that students with high ability require differentiated educational programs". Information about Montana code can be found on the Office of Public Instruction Gifted, Talented and Advanced Placement page.
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 describes policy about early entrance to college.Information about Northern Montana State University Early Admission Program can be found here. 

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityDual enrollment is determined by the LEA. Some information about dual enrollment can be found at Montana University system, or the University of Montana.
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, Talented and Advanced Placement 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 does not have a policy.
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

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 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.