In Artesia Public Schools, gifted education falls under the Special Education Department. Students are identified through universal screening in 2nd grade and/or a referral process, followed by evaluation.

As described in the NMAC, a gifted student is defined as "a person between the ages of five and 21 whose abilities, talents, or potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs."

Students can qualify in the areas of general intellectual ability, creative or divergent thinking, problem solving or critical thinking, specific aptitude or achievement, artistic ability, and leadership.