Frequently Asked Questions

For those considering enrolling:

What classes are taught at Super Saturdays?
The overall course selection changes every session, although some classes are taught more than once. We provide a range of disciplines — from science to fine arts to math to history and more — at each grade level.

What is the class size?
Classes are capped at 16 students, allowing for a low teacher-student ratio.

How do students pick their classes?
The application includes a description of every class, and students rank their top three classes. They will be placed in their highest-ranked class that still has space when we receive the application (placements are made on a first-come, first-served basis). If you want to know which classes are available when you are ready to send in your application, you may inquire at gifted@wku.edu or (270) 745-6323.

Who teaches Super Saturdays classes?
Our instructors are recruited from exceptional K-12 teachers and from the WKU community. We look for teachers who can develop courses different from students’ regular classes during the schoolweek, who love to learn and think, and who want to work with enthusiastic and highly capable students.

Who else will be in the classroom?
We often have enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers from various WKU organizations such as the HonorsToppers, The Gatton Academy, SkyTeach, and the Elementary Education Teacher Education program.

My student is in a gifted program at school, so he/she is used to a challenge. May I enroll him/her in a class designed for a higher grade than the one he/she is in?
Please select a course designed for the grade in which your student is currently enrolled at school. Teachers are aware of the needs of gifted children and create appropriately challenging classes, so your student will be able to be with his/her peers and learn at a high level.

Can Super Saturdays accommodate a student with special needs?
In most cases, yes. We have experience working with students who need specific learning accommodations, have ongoing medical conditions, and/or have other special needs. Please contact us directly with any concerns or questions at gifted@wku.edu or (270) 745-6323.

How long has Super Saturdays been around?
The Center for Gifted Studies has held Super Saturdays classes since 1992. The essential design of the program has remained the same: a sequence of enrichment classes for young students held on consecutive Saturdays. In 2002, we expanded from offering one sequence in early winter to a second sequence in late fall. We added seventh grade classes in 2004 and eighth grade classes in 2010. We consider the longevity, expansion, and continued popularity of the program an indication of its success in offering high-interest and high-ability students a place to challenge themselves, make friends, and celebrate learning.

 

For those already enrolled:

How will I know what class my child has been placed in and where that class meets?
We will send out a packet of material before classes begin that indicates the class your child will take and where that class meets. 

Where will I drop off and pick up my student?
You will drop off and sign in your student at his/her assigned classroom. Staff will be on hand the first week to help you get where you need to go. When class has ended, you will come to the same classroom to sign out and pick up your student. Another adult may pick up your student if you have written a note ahead of time. Please do not instruct your student to meet you elsewhere or send someone who is not an adult to pick up your student.

How do I get to WKU’s campus?
For directions to WKU's campus, click here.

Where can I park?
On the weekends, you may park in any parking space, even those marked Faculty/Staff and Reserved. Please do not park in fire lanes, handicapped spaces, emergency areas, etc. For a map of parking on campus, please click here. 

May my student bring a snack to class?
Students are not allowed to bring food to class. If you student needs to bring food because of a medical condition, please contact us at gifted@wku.edu or (270) 745-6323 so that we can make arrangements with you.

 

A Taste of Super Saturdays

Video transcript

While many Super Saturdays classes change each year, the focus on minds-on, hands-on learning is always present. Watch this short video to get a peek at the kind of learning avialable to participants.