Broward County Public Schools Gifted & Talented
What Parents of Broward County Public Schools Need to Know—Now
If you’re a parent in Broward County Public Schools and wondering how to enroll your child in the Gifted & Talented program, don’t wait. Broward identifies gifted students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and families who understand the process early have a significant advantage.
First, clear up a common myth.
Broward does not necessarily wait until the 2nd or 3rd grade to identify gifted students. While all 2nd graders are universally screened, parents can request a gifted evaluation at any grade—even kindergarten. Many students are already in advanced or high-achieving classes before formal eligibility; that doesn’t replace official identification.
How Gifted Identification Works in Broward County Public Schools (Simple Breakdown)
Florida’s definition of gifted: a student with superior intellectual development capable of high performance.
Step 1: Referral (Anyone Can Start It)
A referral can come from:
A parent/guardian
A teacher or school staff member
The student
Any adult who knows the student’s abilities
Parents can formally request an evaluation at any time by contacting the school.
Step 2: Screening
Universal Screening: All 2nd graders are screened (currently using Renaissance STAR results).
Preliminary Screening for students outside 2nd grade: Referred students may take a group reasoning test ( CogAT is commonly used).
Step 3: In-Depth Evaluation
Students who score high on the screener (STAR or CogAT) move on to a comprehensive evaluation by a district-certified school psychologist, which includes:
An individually administered IQ test (e.g., WISC-V or DAS-II)
A teacher’s checklist of gifted characteristics
Evidence that the student needs services beyond the standard curriculum
Step 4: Eligibility (Florida Rules)
Plan A (Standard): IQ 130+ (or 98th percentile), gifted characteristics, and need for services.
Plan B (Underrepresented Groups): Aimed at students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or those from low socio-economic status families (Free/Reduced Price Lunch). These students may qualify with a lower IQ score, typically 115 or higher, using a Gifted Eligibility Matrix (GEM) that factors in academic performance, leadership, and creativity.
Parents may also submit private I.Q. testing from a licensed psychologist for district review.
Universal Screening & STAR: Why Early Prep Matters
Broward universally screens all 2nd graders using Renaissance STAR results. Strong performance here often determines who moves forward. Waiting to “see how it goes” can mean missing the cutoff.
Gifted Academies: Don’t Miss School Choice Deadlines
Gifted Academy @ Parkway Middle: Current grades 2–7 (entering 3–8 next Fall)
Gifted Academy @ Plantation High: Current grades 8–11 (entering 9–12 next Fall)
Apply through browardschools.com/schoolchoice. Seats are limited—deadlines matter.
How TestingMom Helps Broward Families Prepare (Before Testing)
TestingMom helps students walk in ready, not guessing. Whether your child is preparing for STAR/CogAT screening or strengthening skills ahead of an individual evaluation, we have practice materials.
Online Test Practice
STAR skills practice to build accuracy and confidence
CogAT skills practice (verbal, quantitative, nonverbal reasoning)
Skills-focused practice that mirrors how questions are asked, not just what’s asked
One-on-One Gifted Tutoring
Our tutors help students:
Build reasoning skills, as assessed by CogAT and similar screeners.
Improve test stamina and confidence.
Avoid common mistakes that cost points.
Show what they truly know—calmly and clearly.
Families often combine self-paced practice + tutoring for the strongest results.
What Parents Should Do Right Now
If your child is advanced, request a referral early. You don’t have to wait for 2nd grade.
Prepare for STAR/CogAT formats before the screening window opens.
Track school choice deadlines for gifted academies.
Gather classroom evidence and teacher input ahead of evaluations.
Gifted identification in Broward is competitive—but preparation makes the difference.
TestingMom is here to help your child show their full potential.
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Lily latty of Fairway Elementary in Miramar
Fairway Elementary is part of Broward County Public Schools in Florida. The County offers a Gifted Program for students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and motivation. The program provides opportunities for these students to engage in challenging and rigorous learning experiences that meet their individual needs and interests.
The Gifted Program in Broward County has several components, including:
Gifted Cluster Grouping: This model involves placing gifted students in the same classroom with a teacher who has received specialized training in gifted education. The teacher provides differentiated instruction that challenges and supports the students’ intellectual and academic needs.
Gifted Resource Program: This program provides gifted students with opportunities to work with a gifted education specialist in small group settings. The specialist provides enrichment activities and projects that extend and deepen the students’ understanding of the curriculum.
Advanced Academic Programs: Broward County offers a range of advanced academic programs for gifted students, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Dual Enrollment, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. These programs provide opportunities for students to earn college credits while still in high school.
To qualify for the Gifted Program, students must go through a screening and selection process that includes academic performance, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. The program is available to students in grades K-12.
For more information about the Gifted Program in Broward County, you can visit the district’s website or contact the Gifted Education Department directly.