Elementary Highly Capable Programs

K-2: Young Scholars is for highly capable students in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Identified students at each elementary school participate in a multi-age group for two 30-minute sessions each normal school week. The program is available in each elementary school.

The learning activities in the Young Scholars Program are designed for highly capable students. The activities extend basic skills and supplement regular classwork. In the Young Scholars Program, students study patterns in language and learn about the world around them through science topics. The activities help students develop a rich vocabulary and encourage them to think deeply. The multi-age grouping gives students a chance to work with other students who have similar learning needs.

Q: Can my kindergartner test twice for Young Scholars?
A: Yes, this is the only grade that a student can test twice in one year.

Q: Does my Kindergartner or 1st grader need to retest to stay in the program?
A: No, they will remain in program until 2nd grade; and then all HP students will be re-evaluated by the multi-disciplinary committee for proper placement

Q: How often does my child in Young Scholars receive services?
A:  Young Scholars is offered at all elementary schools twice a week, 30 minutes each session.

Highly capable students in grades 3-6 find their unique learning needs addressed in regional classrooms located at one of 7 host schools throughout the district. 

Specialized instruction and curriculum are designed to promote higher-level thinking and provide a variety of learning experiences to challenge students.  Students gain a deep understanding of content and strengthen basic skills in a full-time, highly capable environment.  Intellectual peers provide social interaction and motivation to excel.

Brouillet
Carson, Dessie F. Evans, Firgrove

Pope
Edgerton, Hunt

Woodland
Zeiger

Sunrise
Ridgecrest, Wildwood

Shaw Road
Karshner, Stewart

Spinning
Fruitland, Maplewood, Meeker, Waller Rd

Northwood
Mt. View

Students in the QUEST Program have access to activities and specialists, such as music, P.E., and library, at their QUEST host school.  Participation in band is strongly encouraged for 5th and 6th graders. 

Transportation to the QUEST host school from the feeder school is provided, and transportation back to the feeder school in the afternoon is provided. Parents must arrange for their child to get to the feeder school in the morning and from the feeder school to home in the afternoon.

For students currently in grades 3-5, an application must be completed by the parent/guardian.  Once the application is received, the student’s achievement scores are screened to determine eligibility for further testing; achievement scores should fall in the range of 80 percentile and above. Students identified for further testing through the screening process are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test at the Kessler Center. Parents provide transportation for testing. No application is required for students currently in grade 2.  All second-grade students will be screened using district achievement assessments.  Students with scores at 80 percentile or above will be invited to take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

The assessment data is evaluated by the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee to determine placement in the QUEST Program.

Third and Fourth Grade QuEST Report Card Extensions

Fifth and Sixth Grade QuEST Report Card Extensions

Q: What if I want my child to take a break from QUEST?

A:  Identified highly capable students may take a furlough year with the proper completion of a form and rejoin the program after one year.  If more than one year, furlough students will need additional testing.

Q: What is the difference between HP (High Performance) and QUAL (Qualified) placement?

A: Qualified Placements are for students who qualify under the criteria of most highly capable and will be placed in the program

High Performance Placement are for students who have demonstrated high performance and consistently achieve above grade level, have strong task completion and embrace challenges but for whom the cognitive assessment data does not support qualification for the HCP. These students may benefit from and contribute to the unique learning environment of a QUEST, PAGE or accelerated classroom as space is available. Such placements will be reviewed yearly by the 
Multidisciplinary Selection Committee, and high performing students are not considered selected or identified for continuing placement within the program.

Q: What if I have other children who are not in the QUEST program and I would like them to all go to the same school?

A: We strive to keep families together and you can apply for an intra-district transfer for the other children to attend the school where QUEST is offered.