An enrichment program in the Greater Los Angeles area offering advanced, small-group (up to 10) learning for ages 5–14. Rigorous, interdisciplinary courses are designed for how gifted students learn—through depth, discovery, and connection. Optimized in pace and content, classes cover a wide variety of STEM, arts, and humanities topics, often taught through an interdisciplinary lens.
Designed for the Gifted Learner
Curiosity comes first. Courses begin with student interests and evolve through inquiry and exploration. Students move as deep, wide, or fast as they’re ready. Learning is hands-on, discussion-based, and led by subject-matter experts.
Students do not need to be formally assessed as gifted to participate in the program.
We shape courses around each student’s needs, interests, and pace of learning. The curriculum is designed to support growth within each class and across sessions.
The Whole Child Approach in Action
Short-term workshops are also available.
Age Ranges
We adhere to courses’ specified age ranges with rare exception. If your child is close to the age range for a course, indicate their first preference on your application and make a note about their second choice. We will assess if we can accommodate this after the application deadline has passed.
Content Interests
It is important that students are interested in the course subject matter and are part of the decision-making process. We create learning environments where instructors teach at a high level to interested students.
High-Level Conceptual Courses
Students get the most when they have necessary foundational skills. There can be some gaps in knowledge, but our courses are designed to enrich. We differentiate for diverse learning profiles. It is important that parents pay special attention to the prerequisites for a course (as noted in the descriptions), so their child can maintain pace with the class.
Course Advisement & Contact Info
IEA’s program staff is available to help you select the right course(s) based on a student’s interests, age and learning style.
Email Academy@EducationalAdvancement.org or call (626) 403-8900 to request advice.
Fall Academy
Spring Academy
Summer Academy
Every IEA Academy course is taught by a content area specialist who is trained in teaching gifted youth.
Academy teachers are enthusiastic experts in their subject matter – they are academics, researchers, and gifted individuals themselves with a passion for learning, driven to support the gifted community. Each teacher’s expertise and commitment enables students to explore topics in greater depth with authorities on the subject.
“Thank you for providing an environment that encourages higher expectations for our kids.”
– IEA Parent