The Hot Springs School District, under the direction of the Arkansas Department of Education, provides a program for children in grades K-12 who demonstrate or show potential for academic excellence.  Student placement in this program is based on above average intellectual ability, above average creativity, and a high level of task commitment. Students are nominated for this program by parents, teachers, or by anyone who senses their exceptional ability or potential. In addition to standardized testing and classroom achievement, nominated students are given tests to determine school ability and creativity. These test scores are compiled with other pieces of student information and used as criteria for program admission. Placement decisions are made by an Identification Committee, and the appropriateness of each student's placement is reviewed each year.

In grades K-4 students are placed in an advanced school (Park International Baccalaureate Magnet School) where they meet weekly with a GT certified teacher. Their curriculum includes those basic skills required of all students. They also participate in a variety of educational activities designed to promote higher order thinking skills, research, special interests, creativity, communication skills, and technology. The format of the Gifted and Talented Program at the secondary level consists of enrollment in a wide variety of International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement and advanced content classes.