Everett Public Schools – Highly Capable Program (Challenging Options)
This page is a parent-friendly guide for families with elementary students (Kindergarten–Grade 5) living within Everett Public Schools boundaries, including public, private, and homeschool students.
It provides a simple overview of Challenging Options, including identification timelines, program choices, testing, and ways families can prepare.
This page is for informational purposes only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official Everett Public Schools Challenging Options website .
Everett Public Schools’ Challenging Options Programs provide enriched and advanced academic opportunities for students who demonstrate advanced learning needs.
These programs are designed to challenge, support, and empower students while fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth.
- Expand academic achievement and intellectual skills
- Encourage curiosity, independence, and responsibility
- Provide acceleration where appropriate
- Support positive self-concept and relationships
- Develop originality and creativity
| Program | Grades | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Enrichment | K–5 | Enrichment in math, reading, or both within the general education classroom using differentiation and projects. |
| Highly Capable Classrooms | 2–5 | Self-contained classrooms designed for students with advanced academic and cognitive abilities. |
Once identified for Learning Enrichment, students typically remain eligible through elementary school.
| Step | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Screening | Initial review to identify students who may need services | Universal screening (Grades 1 & 5) – Fall |
| Referral | Parent/guardian referral submission | K, Grades 2–4 – Deadline early November |
| Testing | Cognitive and achievement assessments | December 1 – January 22 |
| Identification | Committee review of all data | Completed by early February |
| Placement | Final program decisions | Families notified by late February |
There is no single test or score that guarantees placement. Decisions are based on multiple data points.
| Assessment | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| CogAT | Verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning (how students think, not memorization). |
| Iowa Assessments | Reading and math achievement compared to national norms. |
Testing occurs during the school day at the student’s current school.
A multidisciplinary selection committee reviews all available data, including assessment results, classroom performance, and teacher input.
No single test score guarantees placement.
Everett School District uses multiple measures to identify students for Advanced Learning services. Students are often expected to demonstrate thinking and learning behaviors at least one grade level above their current grade.
CogAT: Measures students’ reasoning abilities in verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal areas rather than learned academic content.
English / Reading: Emphasizes reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and the ability to clearly explain ideas and reasoning.
Math: Focuses on mathematical reasoning, number sense, and explaining thinking using multiple strategies.
Select your child’s current grade to view complete preparation materials for CogAT, English, and Math, including one grade above.
This page is a parent-friendly summary created for Elementary Explorer. It is not an official Everett School District resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Everett School District.
Program requirements, identification criteria, and timelines may change. Families should always refer to Everett School District’s official Highly Capable webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Everett School District – Highly Capable Program (Official)