Highly capable students are students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Outstanding abilities are seen within students' general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivities within a specific domain.

Students who are highly capable may possess, but are not limited to, these learning characteristics:

1. Capacity to learn with unusual depth of understanding, to retain what has been learned, and to transfer learning to new situations;

2. Capacity and willingness to deal with increasing levels of abstraction and complexity earlier than their chronological peers;

3. Creative ability to make unusual connections among ideas and concepts;

4. Ability to learn quickly in their area(s) of intellectual strength; and

5. Capacity for intense concentration and/or focus.

Families interested in having their Kindergarten or 1st Grade student tested for highly capable services are encouraged to complete an Online Application by Apr. 7.  Students will be invited to test from April 24 through May 5. Students who are currently participating in the Young Scholars Program do not need to reapply or retest.

Kindergarteners and 1st Graders identified for highly capable learning will begin to receive services in 2023-2024.  Identified students in grades K-2 will participate in a multi-age group sessions at each elementary school.   

More information:  District Website  (253) 841-8646 or (253) 864-5811