Seattle School District Highly Capable Testing
What Parents Need to Know Now
If you’re a parent in Seattle Public Schools trying to figure out how to get your child into the Highly Capable (HC) program, now is the time to pay attention. Big changes have been implemented—and waiting until results are released is often too late.
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, SPS has updated its process for identifying students for Highly Capable services, with a stronger focus on early screening, multiple data points, and equity.
What’s Changed for Highly Capable Identification in Seattle
Seattle Public Schools is shifting to a more holistic, data-driven approach, aligned with Washington state law. Here’s what parents need to know:
Grade-Specific Universal Screening (New)
All 1st and 4th graders will be automatically screened in January each school year.
Students in grades 2–3 and 5–8 must be referred by a parent/guardian or educator to be considered.
Single-Domain Highly Capable Eligibility (New)
Students can now qualify for HC services by meeting baseline criteria in either math OR reading.
Single-domain HC services will begin in the 2026–27 school year.
Advanced Learner Designation Is Ending
SPS no longer issues new Advanced Learner designations.
Students who already have it keep it through 8th grade unless they qualify for HC.
How Eligibility Is Determined (MAP Matters a Lot!)
Seattle Public Schools reviews multiple data sources collected from the previous Fall through the current Spring, including:
Classroom performance and teacher input
Academic data from the current and previous school year
Information provided by families through referrals (for applicable grades)
To be automatically eligible for full HC services, students must meet baseline criteria in BOTH math and reading.
To qualify for single-domain HC, students must meet the baseline in either math or reading.
Example: 1st Grade – 3rd Baseline Criteria
Math
Three MAP scores at the 95th percentile or higher.
- From 4th to 8th grade, students can have baseline scores on MAP or Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA).
Reading
Two MAP scores at the 95th percentile or higher.
- From 4th to 8th grade, students can have baseline scores on MAP or Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA).
Additional data may also be considered, such as:
Two or more years of growth on MAP compared to peers;
Strong classroom performance documented by teachers.
–> Bottom line: MAP performance plays a central role in Seattle’s Highly Capable decisions.
MAP and Middle School Pathways (Why This Matters Long-Term)
MAP scores don’t just affect HC identification—they can also impact math placement later on.
For example, 5th-grade MAP scores may be used to determine eligibility for:
Accelerated middle school math
Direct placement into Math 7/8
Advanced pathways that lead to Algebra earlier and AP Calculus in high school
These decisions can shape your child’s academic path for years.
Referral Deadlines (Don’t Miss These)
For students in grades 2, 3, and 5–8:
Referral window: October through November (see SPS website for specific dates)
Referrals must be submitted online
After referral, students participate in Universal Screening
Families will receive eligibility results through The Source by mid-February
How TestingMom Helps Seattle Families Prepare
TestingMom helps families prepare before school-day screening and reviews—so MAP scores reflect what students are truly capable of
Online MAP Practice Questions
TestingMom offers MAP-style online practice for:
Math
Reading
Our practice helps students:
Get comfortable with MAP question formats
Build stamina and focus
Improve problem-solving and reading comprehension
Avoid common mistakes that lower RIT scores
One-on-One Highly Capable Tutoring
TestingMom also offers 1-on-1 tutoring for Seattle students preparing for HC consideration. Tutors help students:
Strengthen MAP-tested math and reading skills
Improve growth over time—not just test prep
Learn strategies to stay calm and confident
Show their true ability during assessments
Many families combine self-paced MAP practice + tutoring for the strongest results.
What Parents Should Do Right Now
If your child is in Seattle Public Schools:
Know whether your child is universally screened or needs a referral
Focus on strong MAP growth now, not later
Don’t rely on one test window—HC uses patterns over time
Prepare early, especially if your child is close to the 95th percentile range
Highly Capable identification in Seattle is changing—but one thing hasn’t: Preparation makes the difference.
TestingMom is here to help your child walk into screening ready—not guessing.
See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.
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