Our 2e Students, Philosophy and Curriculum

Our 2e Students

Twice-exceptional or “2e” students are both intellectually gifted and have specific learning difference like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD or autism spectrum disorder. These combinations often mean that they have areas of very high performance and skill, coupled with challenges that may hold them back. Traditional educational environments can hinder these students’ gifts and make their school experience painful, demoralizing and isolating.

Neurodivergences often mask high intellecutal ability in 2e students. Trillium Academy’s definition of gifted does not rely on a specific IQ score, but rather a broad range of areas where a student has demonstrated exceptional talent and aptitude.

Our 2e students are complex, intense, unusual, full of rich potential and in need of support. At Trillium Academy we believe that the exceptional talents and creativity of these students can be enabled to achieve tremendous outcomes by providing an educational environment that accommodates and supports them in their differences. In our academy, 2e students can flourish in a community of world-class educators who understand them, and peers who share their array of abilities and difficulties.

Education Philosophy: How we serve our students

Trillium Academy operates on the belief that strength-based education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunity for twice-exceptional (2e) learners. Students’ unique developmental paths are embraced, and stakeholders acknowledge the intersection of their strengths and challenges. This creates an inclusive environment where every community member is valued and respected, celebrating the diverse experiences and perspectives they contribute. Trillium Academy is a place where students are free to unmask and discover how an environment that adjusts to them redefines their relationship with schooling.

Trillium Academy makes decisions that prioritize students’ needs, respecting and promoting their autonomy while minimizing unnecessary demands. Trillium Academy is committed to best practices in gifted and 2e education by offering hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences where students are not frustrated by artificial time constraints. Trillium Academy provides opportunities for students to address real-world issues through passion projects, talent exploration and career development.

Instruction

Most classes at Trillium Academy are on campus. However, there are many opportunities for students to travel off campus to enhance their learning through field trips, passion projects, internships (in development for future programming), and partnerships with nearby schools and businesses. Instruction is delivered through a myriad of methods proven to enable success in both gifted and neurodivergent educational communities. Instructional styles are flexible, fluid, and emergent, based on the needs of the learner. Technology is used thoughtfully to augment the students’ educational experience.

Curriculum

Trillium Academy offers comprehensive programs for both Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12), guided by a commitment to move beyond rote learning and high-stakes testing. Our curriculum blends rigorous academic inquiry with social-emotional development, real-world application, and creative expression. Rooted in a developmental model, we foster student agency and intrinsic motivation by encouraging choice, reflection, and authentic engagement in the learning process.

Students engage with core subjects—including math, science, social studies, language arts, physical education, and the arts—alongside experiential learning opportunities such as the Design Lab/Maker Space, the Explorations program (Middle School), and the Praxis program (High School). These hands-on, project-based experiences enable students to engage more deeply with their areas of interest and strength, while simultaneously cultivating transferable skills in planning and execution that are applicable across academic, professional, and personal contexts.