Alta Loma Elementary addresses a variety of areas in its formal identification procedure for the Gifted and Talented Education program.  Included are 4th through 6th grade students who demonstrate excellence in academic and intellectual ability as well as those whose aggregate of talent (be it creativity, leadership, the arts) qualifies them in the multi-dimensional area.

Students are identified using pupil records, assessment data, and questionnaires.  Formal testing is done in the spring for placement in the program the following year.

The cluster model is employed where G.A.T.E. students are provided with differentiated instruction within the classroom setting.  Alta Loma Elementary also hosts an after school program for G.A.T.E. students with input from students and parents.