Applying to Project Excellence

Project Excellence programs are designed to enrich, engage, and empower first-generation college-bound students from local schools who have been identified as gifted and talented. They provide opportunities to connect students with additional resources to foster creativity and explore their passions while encouraging intellectual, cultural, and personal growth.

Qualified candidates must:

• Be in grades 4-8
• Be dedicated and high achieving students
• Consistently display good citizenship and behavior
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Participate in gifted and talented or honors programs, if applicable.
• Consistently perform at or above grade level in math and English, averaging a B+ or better (appropriate documentation may be required)

And meet one of the following:

• Qualify for the free or reduced lunch program
• Be the first generation in their family to be college-bound

Application Process

• STEP 1: Students complete the online Project Excellence Saturday Workshop Application.
• STEP 2: Students or teachers upload the most recent transcript, report card, or progress report to the Saturday Workshop Student Academic Documentation form.
• STEP 3: A current teacher or gifted and talented coordinator must complete the teacher recommendation form.

The application deadline is October 15, 2024, and families will be notified of application status by October 21, 2024.

All PCDS Project Excellence Programs are free to participants and are funded by the generous support of individuals, grants from local foundations, businesses and the Phoenix Country Day School community.

Phoenix Country Day School’s Project Excellence recognizes that students/participants come from different backgrounds and educational opportunities so each application is evaluated on an individual basis. Admission to the program is contingent on space availability, successful completion and strength of your application, overall fit in the program, and meeting the general requirements of the program.