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 Delaware  

Delaware 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 is permitted.

Students must be 5 on or before August 31 to enroll in kindergarten, but “local school authorities may grant exceptions…if they determine that such exception is in the best interest of the child" according to D.C. 14-27-02.

Early entrance to 1st gradeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.
Whole-grade accelerationWhole grade acceleration is possible if the district permits it. Local districts are “responsible for providing appropriate programs and services for their gifted and talented students". Acceleration is a suggested option but is not mandated.
Early high school graduationState policy does not permit. However, local districts have the authority to award the credit necessary to meet graduation requirements. As long as they adhere to applicable state standards, “district and charter school boards are authorized to award credit toward high school graduation" for correspondence courses, independent study, etc. See Section 8.0 "Options for Awarding Credit Toward High School Graduation" under 505 High School Graduation Requirements and Diplomas for more information.
State Gifted SchoolThe Charter School of Wilmington
Early entrance to collegeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.

Content-based Acceleration

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

State policy specifically permits dual enrollment in high school and college for students in grades 9-12. Each LEA determines whether high school credit is given for college courses.

Several colleges and universities have programs for dual enrollment. For example, the Edge Pre-College Program at the University of Delaware gives high school students entering their junior or senior year the opportunity to live on campus over the summer and earn college credits while studying with like-minded students. Delaware County Community College also offers dual enrollment opportunities.

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 and if high school credit can be awarded for courses completed while in middle school.
Advanced Placement®If you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.
Talent Search

There is no in-state Talent Search for Delaware, but gifted students in DE can participate in regional and national talent searches, including those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

State policy specifically permits proficiency-based promotion. Each LEA determines the methods for demonstrating proficiency, the advancement options after proficiency, and whether graduation credit is awarded for 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

Delaware Department of Education Gifted Site
Delaware Department of 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.