The LEAP (Learning Enrichment Academic Program) program is not an acceleration program. The curriculum emphasis is on higher-order thinking skills and their application. Elementary students (grades 2 - 5) who qualify are pulled out of their classroom for 2 to 5 hours per week depending on grade level. Nominated kindergarten students are tested for LEAP by March 1.

My name is Carley Cordell and I am the LEAP teacher at Independence Elementary. This is my 1 st year in Lewisville ISD, but I have been teaching for 10 years. I am excited about opening a brand new school and fostering the development of our gifted program. I am also currently working on my Master's in Educational Psychology with a focus on gifted students. I will be finishing up in May (hopefully) and couldn't be more excited about it. I have a son, Cadyn, who is a 3 rd grader here at Independence . I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to get to know my students and their learning style so that I can help my students meet their fullest potential.

Carley Cordell

There are three key elements that I believe are mandatory to establish such an environment:

(1) the teacher acting as a guide,

(2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and

(3) promoting respect for all things and all people.

After all, a great teacher loves teaching others to love learning.

If you have any questions or concerns about your student and the LEAP program, please don't hesitate to contact me.