School Board approves Beast Academy math program for gifted students

The Coatesville Area School District Board made a significant move towards enhancing its Gifted Education program during the meeting on February 18, 2025, approving a $4,800 subscription to the Art of Problem Solving's Beast Academy. This innovative math resource, designed specifically for gifted students, aims to challenge learners with complex problem-solving tasks and is rooted in engaging, comic book-style instruction.

Miss Kaptur, who advocated for the program, highlighted its unique features, including mastery-based learning and access to 20 different levels of content. This flexibility allows students to progress at their own pace, making it suitable for both elementary and some middle school students. The program is intended to provide gifted learners with additional resources during regular classroom hours, ensuring they remain engaged and challenged even after mastering standard curriculum concepts.

The board's decision reflects a broader commitment to enriching educational opportunities for gifted students, as evidenced by recent achievements in competitions like the stock market game and upcoming STEM challenges. The approval of Beast Academy is seen as a vital step in expanding resources available to these students, who often require more advanced materials to sustain their academic growth.

In addition to the Gifted Education program, the board also discussed other educational initiatives, including a $36,834.75 investment in Learning A to Z subscriptions, which will be funded through a structured literacy grant. This demonstrates the district's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy support alongside its focus on gifted education.

Overall, the board's actions signal a proactive approach to addressing the diverse needs of its student population, ensuring that all learners have access to the resources necessary for their academic success.