Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) is delighted to share the exciting news that one of its young students, Nicholas Jones, a fifth-grader, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being selected for the prestigious Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). Furthermore, Nicholas qualified for a special tier within the CTY program, the Grand Honors/Study of Exceptional Talent (SET) designation, for his exceptional abilities in math. The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth awards students based on outstanding performance on the SAT, ACT, SCAT, or similar assessment. In addition, Nicholas has also been admitted to the Davidson Young Scholars program. 

The John Hopkins Talent Identification Program (Center for Talented Youth) is a nonprofit organization that nurtures academically gifted and talented youth. It aims to challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential. 

The Davidson Young Scholar Team supports gifted students like Nicholas and their families.

"We are very proud of Nicholas' accomplishments in and out of the classroom. He is a hard worker, intrinsically motivated, and well-respected by his teachers and peers. Our teachers work to cultivate a love for learning while challenging students beyond the curriculum," said Rhonda Helms, GAC Lower School Principal.

Nicholas' parents note that since age five, he has displayed an aptitude for math and a passion for solving complex problems. They note that his homeroom teacher, Mr. Jongko, and math teacher, Dr. Linda Byrd, have played a pivotal role in nurturing his mathematical talents.

Nicholas's mother, Marilyn Jones, describes her son as deeply loving mathematics. "Nicholas loves Math," she says. "He takes time to read math books, solve math puzzles, and even enjoys challenges like sudoku." He independently explores advanced mathematical concepts, recently expanding his horizons beyond algebra and geometry to ciphering. 

Beyond the classroom, Nicholas engages in activities like playing the viola, tennis, and chess and participating in GAC's Elementary Promises Choir and Boy Scouts. His family, teachers, and the Greater Atlanta Christian School community are thrilled to witness his journey as he seeks out new challenges and continues to shine in mathematics.