Highly Capable Program

Kindergarten Early Entrance Testing
Kindergarten early entrance testing takes place annually in June.  Please visit the Kindergarten Early Entrance Testing website for more information and instructions for scheduling an appointment.  

Kindergarten to Second grade
Differentiated instruction will take place in the student's current classroom. The student will stay in his or her class yet still receive instruction to meet the needs.

Third Grade to Fifth Grade
Starting in third grade students may receive services in one of several ways. Generally students follow the same curriculum as their peers but at a faster pace with advanced level projects layered into their studies. Highly capable classroom structures can vary from school to school. Principals and teachers have the flexibility to adapt learning environments based on their students needs and enrollment.

SAIL (Self-contained Advanced Individual Learning)
SAIL is a self contained class for the top students district-wide in grades three, four, and five. The curriculum is compacted, allowing for in-depth extensions and creative expression. SAIL classrooms are differentiated from traditional classrooms by the intellectual rigor, accelerated pace, autonomous learning, greater depth and breadth of content, and structured inquiry.

Currently SAIL classes are located at Jefferson, Mann, Edison, and Browns Point Elementary Schools. Transportation is provided to participating students if needed.  

 

Tacoma Public Schools provides a continuum of services for highly capable students. However, students at the middle school level do not need to be officially selected as highly capable to take advantage of accelerated courses. Clustered in electives, we encourage students identified as highly capable to take accelerated courses. However, parents and students make the scheduling choice. Referrals for highly capable can be made at any time.

We believe every student can reach his or her potential and can be successful. That’s why the district is automatically enrolling qualified high school students into advanced programs or courses in high school. Tacoma Public Schools offers a variety of advanced courses for high schools students that not only challenge them but prepare them for college and career. 

Find out more about our advanced programs

Universal Screening 

All second-grade students are screened in February for Highly Capable eligibility with services and/or program placement to begin the following school year.  More information will be sent to all second-grade families in January.  

New and Current Students

New and current students in all other grades who would like to be screened for Highly Capable eligibility, can submit the Online Referral Form for review and/or possible screening.  Referrals are completed in April with services and/or program placement to begin the following school year.

HiCap Transfer​​​ Students

For students that qualify for Highly Capable services in another district or state, please complete the Online Referral Form and email official identification documentation to hcservices@tacoma.k12.wa.us.

The Highly Capable team works with families on a case-by-case basis to gather information and place transfer students into the appropriate Highly Capable services.