Grades K-1: Apply for Testing Consideration for 2025-26 HiCap Program

Families who would like their students currently in kindergarten and 1st grade considered for testing for the Highly Capable Young Scholars Program for the 2025-26 school year are encouraged to submit an online application by Friday, April 4, 2025.

Students currently receiving Highly Capable services do not need to re-apply.

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 in the general populace and within all protected classes.

Highly Capable Young Scholars

Young Scholars is for highly capable kindergarten,1st, and 2nd grade students.

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 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. Multi-age grouping allows students to work with other students with similar learning needs.

How Are Students Identified as Highly Capable Students?

For students currently in kindergarten and first grade, an application must be completed by the parent/guardian by Friday, April 4, 2025. Additional information about the student is provided by the teacher.

Students with applications on file are given ability and achievement tests at the Kessler Center on a school day.*

The selection committee will review the test data, which will identify students as highly capable based on the following:

• Substantial evidence from student test data indicates that they demonstrate exceptional capability to be a highly capable student.
• Clear evidence of the student’s need for highly capable service.
• Determining who would benefit most from inclusion in the district’s highly capable program.

*Parents must provide transportation for testing.

How Will Families Know if Their Child Was Identified as Highly Capable?

The assessment results and placement decision are mailed to parents. Identified students begin Young Scholars in late September.

Need More Information?

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

Learn more about the Grades K-2 Young Scholars 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