Grades 3-5: Apply for Testing Consideration for 2025-26 QUEST Program by Dec. 6

Families who would like their students currently in grades 3-5 considered for testing for the Highly Capable QUEST Program for the 2025-26 school year are encouraged to submit an online application by Wednesday, December 6, 2024.

Who are Highly Capable Students?

Highly capable students perform or show the potential of 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. These students are present not only in the general populace but also within all protected classes.

Highly Capable Grades 3-6 QUEST Program

Highly capable students in grades 3-6 find their unique learning needs.

Specialized instruction and curriculum are designed to promote higher-level thinking and provide many 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.

How Are Students Identified as a Highly Capable Student?

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 (e.g., STAR ELA & STAR Math benchmarks, Smarter Balance Assessments: SBA ELA and SBA Math) are screened to determine eligibility for further testing, with the score falling in the range of 80 percentile and above. 

Students identified for further testing through the screening process are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) at the Kessler Center.*  

The Multidisciplinary Placement Committee will evaluate the CogAT Assessment Data to determine placement in the QUEST Program.

*Parents must provide transportation for testing.

Are Current 2nd Grade Students Tested?

All 2nd grade students in the district will be screened using district achievement assessments. Students who score in the 80 percentile or above will be invited to take the CogAT Test in February 2025.

Timeline

• Wednesday, December 6, 2024: 2025-26 QUEST Program Application Deadline for students currently in grades 3-5.
• Mid-to-Late December 2024: Families whose student(s) meet the criteria based on their application will be invited to take the CogAT Test.
• January 8-24, 2025: CogAT Testing Window.
• Early March 2025: The Multidisciplinary Placement Committee will evaluate the students' CogAT Test Data.
• Mid-March 2025: Families whose student(s) took the CogAT Test will be mailed placement letters and test results.

Need More Information?

Learn more general details about the highly capable program, including student characteristics and the selection process.

Learn more about the Grades 3-6 QUEST Program, including host and feeder schools, transportation, and frequently asked questions.

You can also call the PSD Highly Capable Office at (253) 841-8646 or (253) 864-5811.

Ready to Apply?

Highly Capable Program Application