National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET; Sāzmān-e Melli-ye Parvareŝ-e Este'dādhā-ye Deraxŝān, or SAMPAD) is an Iranian organization that recruits students for middle and high schools through a two-step set of exams at each level. The organization is aimed to provide a unique educational environment for the exceptionally talented students. History The organization was founded in 1976 as the National Iranian Organization for Gifted and Talented Education (NIOGATE). The original faculty were trained by a visiting group of educators from the United States. After the revolution, the schools were shut down for a few years but were later re-opened. In 1988, the organization was renamed to National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents. From 1988 to 2009, Javad Ezhe'i was the manager of NODET, who was succeeded by Dr. Etemadi and Dr. Ghaffari and Mohajerani. Re-construction of NODET initiated with Elham Yavari. Structure The schools, like other Iranian schools, are gendered. Girls' schools are generally called Farzanegan School, whereas boys' schools have different names in different cities. Most of these schools are named after Iranian benefactors, scientists or martyrs. Honours and alumni NODET students are reputed to be successful in various exams and competitions such as Konkour (Iranian National Universities Entrance Exam), scientific and literature olympiads, Khawrazmi International Award, and RoboCup Competitions. NODET students have won more than 250 medals in the International Science Olympiads. Among the alumni of NODET are many successful academics and individuals. One well-known example was Prof. Maryam Mirzakhani, a professor of mathematics at Stanford University, who was the first woman and the first Iranian honored with the Fields Medal (the most prestigious award in mathematics). A large fraction of the NODET graduates is admitted to foreign universities in the US, Canada, Australia, and the EU. Admission to schools Admission to NODET schools was selective and based on an annual comprehensive nationwide entrance examination procedure for students in grade 6 (elementary school) and grade 9 (middle school). A minimum GPA of 19 (out of 20) was required for attending the entrance exam. The students who are admitted to NODET middle school or junior high school (Year 7-9) are not automatically offered a seat in NODET high schools or senior high schools (Year 10-12) and were to be expelled if underperform. There is however a nationwide exam to fill in the seats in high schools at the end of Year 9. The entrance exam at each