Typically, in my experience, an honors course is similar, if not the same as, a "gifted" course. Honors courses were usually geared at high achievers, though, and I realize that not all of these students may necessarily be gifted. I suppose this could be a drawback in some peoples' eyes. In my experience, an honors course should be more challenging, covering more advanced material, at a quicker pace. Honestly, most of the "honors" courses I took in high school and college were also more often taught by teachers passionate about the subject.
