Nebula school at Eisenhower

Nebula, a school-within-a-school program

An elementary Talent Development program called Nebula, a school-within-a-school program for gifted students, began at Eisenhower Elementary School in the fall of 2019. The program is for third through fifth grade students performing in the top 1-2 percentiles across multiple measures (CogAT, FastBridge, and MCA) in comparison to their peers.

Nebula is a term referring to a giant cloud of dust and gas in space where new stars begin to form. Similarly, students travel from across the district to participate in the accelerated learning program and see themselves as progressing like stars.

The goal of this specially-designed program is to provide advanced students with differentiated learning experiences that fosters curiosity, exploration, and academic growth.

The image features the word %22NEBULA%22 in bold blue letters, with a colorful abstract design of overlapping circles and stars in the background.

Why Nebula?

Nebula not only provides gifted and talented students with a supportive educational environment, but also differentiates the curriculum by altering pace, depth, and complexity.

Pace is related to the accelerated instructional practices and increased self-management within the classroom environment.
Depth is connected to the degree which students delve into content and develop greater understanding of the discipline.
Complexity is defined by the extent of thinking and doing within a discipline of study and is characterized by higher level thought processes.

Selection Process

Each winter, parents/guardians of Anoka-Hennepin students meeting this criteria are directly contacted in mid-February to inform them of this programming option for the following school year. Parents/guardians are asked to follow the directions in the letter to accept the invitation.

Students who do not meet the criteria or live outside the district may apply through an appeals process, provided there is space available within the program. Additional information and data are required for the student to be considered. Applications are due in mid-April for the following school year. If a student resides outside the Eisenhower attendance boundary, transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

2026-27 Application Information

Testimonial from the parent of a Nebula student

"The Nebula program has been life-changing for our son! Before Nebula, he was at a wonderful school with amazing teachers, but they weren’t able to accommodate the level of enrichment he needed in a traditional classroom. Switching him to Nebula has brought him so much growth and fed his love of learning even more. Each year’s teacher has brought new and different strengths to the classroom and we have been thrilled with all the ways they have helped him be challenged and continue to grow. We are so grateful for this program and all it has to offer!"

Forms and additional information

Nebula in the news

Jan. 20, 2023 - Special project in the Nebula program provides enriched learning experience; appeals window for the program now open
Dec. 16, 2022 - Students connect curriculum with real-life application in NASA scientist virtual visit
Jan. 20, 2022 - Nebula program provides unique opportunities for gifted and talented students
Feb. 19, 2021 - And the winner is… Nebula! Accelerated learning program gets a new name

Questions? Please reach out to the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department at 763-506-1162.

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