Gifted vs. High-Achieving Children: What’s the Difference and How to Provide Support
We often hear from parents who have noticed that their child seems to be ahead of their peers. For example, their child may be excelling in math, reading beyond their grade level, or showing remarkable curiosity. One of the most common questions we get is, “is my child gifted or are they just doing well for their age?”
While giftedness and high achievement often overlap, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s education, enrichment opportunities, and whether a gifted assessment may be helpful.
Why It Matters
Recognizing whether a child is gifted or high-achieving is important because gifted children often need specialized educational supports, including advanced academic work that meets their cognitive abilities. Misidentification, or a lack of identification, can lead to frustration, underachievement, or behavioural challenges. And, when children are properly identified, parents can more effectively advocate for the resources and programs they need.
Defining the Giftedness and High Achievers
What Is a High Achiever?
A high achiever is a child who performs exceptionally well in school due to strong motivation, persistence, and effort.
They often enjoy learning new skills, working hard, and following rules.
Their success tends to align closely with school expectations.
High achievers typically thrive in traditional classrooms, especially when given enrichment or accelerated work.
What Does It Mean to Be Gifted?
Giftedness refers to exceptional intellectual ability, typically measured through cognitive assessments such as the WISC-V or WPPSI-IV.
Show advanced problem-solving skills beyond what would be expected for their age.
Have asynchronous development - this means that they may be far ahead intellectually but at age-level emotionally or socially.
Learn new concepts rapidly, sometimes without direct instruction.
Experience intense curiosity, creativity, or sensitivity.
The Key difference:
Giftedness is about how a child’s brain processes information, while high achievement is about how a child applies effort to succeed.
Examples in Real Life
A High Achiever: A Grade 2 student studies diligently and gets top marks on every math test. They enjoy extra math worksheets and compete for the highest grade in the class.
Gifted Child: A Grade 2 student intuitively understands advanced math concepts like fractions or algebra, even without being taught. They may become restless or disruptive when the material feels too easy.
Common Misunderstandings
Many parents assume that a high-performing student must be gifted, but this isn’t always true. Additionally, some gifted children may unknowingly mask their abilities:
They may underachieve because they’re bored or unmotivated.
They may be misidentified as having behaviour problems when they’re simply frustrated.
Gifted children with ADHD or learning differences can be twice exceptional (2e) — meaning their gifts are hidden by other challenges.
When to Consider a Gifted Assessment
A gifted assessment provides clarity about your child’s cognitive strengths and learning profile. Consider booking one if:
Your child is working far above grade level in one or more areas.
Teachers have mentioned that your child seems bored or disengaged in class.
You notice big differences between their intellectual and social/emotional development.
Your child demonstrates intense curiosity or creativity, far beyond what’s typical for their age.
In Alberta, gifted assessments can help determine eligibility for:
Gifted and talented programs such as GATE and Westmount Charter School
Enrichment opportunities and individualized learning plans
How a Gifted Assessment Works
At Bluebird Psychology, our gifted assessments:
Begin with a parent consultation to understand your child’s history and needs.
Include standardized cognitive testing such as the WISC-V or WPPSI-IV.
Provide a detailed report and feedback session, outlining results and recommendations for school and home.
You can read more about the assessment process here.
Supporting Your Child, Whether They are Gifted or Not
Whether your child is gifted or a high achiever, they deserve and benefit from encouragement to explore their interests without pressure, a balance between challenge and fun, and emotional support and understanding, especially if they feel different from their peers.
High achievers and gifted children both benefit from rich learning environments, strong relationships, and a focus on well-being.
Our Final Thoughts
The difference between giftedness and high achievement isn’t about labels — it’s about understanding your child’s unique strengths and needs.
If you’re wondering whether your child might be gifted, a comprehensive assessment can provide answers and guide you toward the right educational path. At Bluebird Psychology, we specialize in gifted assessments and psychoeducational evaluations for children in Calgary and across Alberta. You can also reach out to us here or schedule an appointment here!
