A growing body of research offers evidence that high-ability students from lower-income families are far less likely than wealthier students to be identified for advanced level course work and opportunities. They are also less likely to achieve at high levels, despite their aptitude. Lacking access to the enriched academic opportunities,…

This study involved 99 students who took honors-level courses and 87 students who took Advanced Placement courses through a gifted distance-learning program. Data showed that students' interests in the subject areas, the desire for enriching and accelerating themselves, and the unavailability of the courses in their home schools were the major…