Bellevue School District Testing for Advanced Learning

If you’re exploring the Bellevue School District’s Advanced Learning Program, we know it can feel overwhelming. TestingMom.com is here to help you understand the process and support your child every step of the way.

How the Advanced Learning Program Works

Bellevue offers two types of advanced learning services:

Self-Contained Services

• Grades 2–5: Students learn material one grade level above.

• Grades 6–12: Students move through advanced classes as a cohort in middle and high school.

Differentiated Services

Students stay in their regular school and receive gifted instruction within the general education classroom.

How Students Qualify

Bellevue uses both cognitive tests (ability) and achievement tests (academic performance) to identify students who may need advanced learning.

Domain-Specific Services (K–10)

Students may qualify in Literacy or Math if they show:

• Cognitive ability scores about 2+ standard deviations above average (e.g., 132 SAS or higher in verbal or quantitative reasoning)

• Achievement scores at 2 years above grade level or 95th percentile and above

Centered Services (Grades 2–12)

Students may qualify if they have:

• Cognitive scores of 132 SAS or higher (Verbal, Quantitative, Nonverbal, or Composite)

• Reading and math performance 2 years above grade level or 95th percentile and above

Click here to learn more about CogAT score conversion to Standard Age Score (SAS)

Key Assessments Bellevue Uses

• i-Ready (literacy & math)

• Iowa Assessments

• Observational rating scales (for younger students)

• CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) — given to students needing further evaluation and to all 2nd graders

Kindergarten & 5th Grade Reviews

Each fall, the district reviews multiple data points for all Kindergarten and all 5th-grade students (i-Ready, literacy skills, WAKids, and more).
Students who perform well above grade level may be invited to further assessment, including the CogAT.

What Advanced Learning Looks Like

Elementary (2–5)

A full-day advanced classroom using one-grade-ahead standards, creative problem-solving, and deeper learning.

Middle School (6–8)

Advanced cohort classes in language arts, social studies, math, and science. Students take biology in 8th grade.

High School (9–12)

Cohort classes in core subjects. In grades 10–11, students join the IB Program, then take internships and college-level courses in grade 12.

How TestingMom.com Helps

We support families with:

• Practice for CogAT, Iowa, and other assessments

• Skill-building in math, reading, and reasoning

• Enrichment that prepares students for the rigor of Bellevue’s Advanced Learning programs

You don’t have to navigate this alone — we’re here to help your child shine. JOIN TESTINGMOM.COM NOW!

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