Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) is an awards program to recognize PK12 Maryland Public Schools, which have gifted and talented education programs that are aligned with Maryland’s Criteria for Excellence: Gifted and Talented Program Guidelines and COMAR 13A.04.07 Gifted and Talented Education. 

Schools who have earned the EGATE Award focused on improving all levels of student achievement, including the achievement of students who are advanced/gifted and talented. Each EGATE school submitted a comprehensive application, which provided documentation of twenty-one different criteria under four program objectives. The four program objectives are Student Identification, Curriculum and Instruction, Professionally Qualified Teachers and Professional Development, and Program Management and Evaluation.

The EGATE schools were recognized with Governor’s proclamations at a February reception, proudly display the EGATE banner, hosted celebratory visits, and serve as models for other schools seeking to achieve EGATE status.