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The QUEST program, a pioneering force in Connecticut's West Hartford Public Schools' Gifted and Talented initiative since 1976, stands out for its unique features. It began with the Challenge Program and evolved in 1994 to offer a comprehensive schoolwide gifted program for students in grades four through eight. This initiative, in collaboration with UCONN's National Research Center on Gifted and Talented, emphasizes the cultivation of students' unique gifts and talents.

The programs is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, providing three distinct pathways for gifted identification: QUEST, Math QUEST (accelerated), and Art QUEST. The QUEST pathway focuses on a broad range of subjects; the Math QUEST pathway is specifically designed for students with a strong aptitude for mathematics and an ability to work two grades beyond their current placement. Art QUEST pathway is intended to provoke students who show signs of advanced artistic thinking to self-select and submit their artistic portfolio. All programs are specially designed to support and extend students' social, emotional, and advanced academic development. Through gifted education, students can enhance their critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills—essential competencies for success in the 21st century.

The QUEST program is a nurturing haven, fostering an environment conducive to researching and developing college-ready skills. It allows students to engage in meaningful, real-world investigations. The curriculum, influenced by Renzulli's Schoolwide Enrichment Model and Susan Baum's Talent Development principles, ensures personalized learning experiences. QUEST fosters a safe space for creative and analytical thinking, encouraging collaboration among like-minded peers. This nurturing environment is designed to support and enhance your child's growth and development.

The QUEST programs are not just programs; they are a commitment to making a significant difference in the educational journey of gifted and talented students. Their unique gifts and talents are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated here. 

We recognize that gifted and talented students exist in every demographic without exception to race, economic status, disability, linguistic, or cultural background. We are committed to ensuring equitable identification, access to quality programs, and equitable resources and support.

Our collective efforts and support can truly make a difference in the lives of students.

Dr. M. Thompson
Director, Gifted and Talented

The United Nations of QUEST
May 2024

Upcoming events:

Program Overview

The Mission and Goals of the QUEST Program

Program Themes

Linking and Learning

Nomination & Identification Process

Unwrapping gifts and talents

Math QUEST

A balanced approach

Art QUEST

A program to extend artistic knowledge and skills

Gifted and Talented Links

There's so much more to explore!

Quest Department

Dr. Mary Thompson

Director of Gifted and Talented

Ed Center: 860-561-6608

Anne Marie Andrews

Secretary - QUEST

Ed Center: 860-561-6608

David Barry

QUEST Teacher at Braeburn and King Philip

Braeburn: 860-561-2200

King Philip: 860-233-8230 

Teresa Coursey

QUEST Teacher at Norfeldt and Wolcott

Norfeldt: 860-233-4421 Ext. 3257

Wolcott: 860-561-2300

Lindsay Goltzman

QUEST Teacher at Whiting Lane

Whiting Lane: 860-233-8541 ext. 3548

Michele Hadlock

QUEST Teacher at Charter Oak International Academy & Morley

Charter Oak: 860-233-8506

Morley: 860-233-8535 Ext. 3131

Kathy Hardesty

QUEST Teacher at Smith STEM & Aiken

Smith STEM: 860-236-3315 Ext. 3331

Aiken: 860-233-6994 Ext. 2607

Carrie LaSpada

QUEST Teacher at Duffy and Webster Hill

Duffy: 860-521-0110

Webster Hill: 860-521-0320

David Lee

QUEST Teacher at Braeburn and Sedgwick

Braeburn: 860-561-2200

Sedgwick: 860-570-6500 Ext. 2443

Julie O'Reilly

QUEST Teacher at King Philip

King Philip: 860-233-8230

 

Elyse Post-Perez

QUEST Teacher at Bugbee

Bugbee: 860-929-5500 Ext. 2836

Christy Rybczyk

QUEST Teacher at Bristow & Aiken

Bristow: 860-231-2100

Aiken: 860-233-6994

The QUEST Office
50 South Main Street, Room 327
West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: 860-561-6608
Fax: 860-561-6913