Quick Announcements

NEWS:

Discovery Information

The Application Window for the 2025-2026 School Year is Now Open!

The DCSD Elementary Discovery Program is a center-based gifted program designed specifically for highly advanced gifted students in grades 2 through 6. This program meets the needs of students who require a level of intensity and acceleration beyond what is typically available through gifted programming at their local school.

The Discovery Program is ideal for students who demonstrate the following characteristics:

- Exceptional intellectual/cognitive ability

- Consistent advanced academic achievement and performance

- Intense curiosity and motivation to learn

- A unique ability to make connections and understand complex concepts

Application Deadline:November 13, 2024

To begin the application process, please carefully review the 2025-2026 Discovery Program Application and Process Information linked HERE.

For more information about the program, please contact us and/or visit the district’s Discovery Program page HERE.

Information Nights at the different Program sites:

Pine Lane Elementary School

Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Renaissance Magnet School

Wednesday, October 9th, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Northridge Elementary School

Tuesday, October 1st, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Please RSVP for an in-person presentation using this link.

VIRTUAL Information session:

Monday, November 4th, 2024, 6:00-7:00pm

RSVP Link for virtual presentation

Area Enrichment Opportunities for DCSD Students Website

This website provides updated information for many resources and opportunities for students and families of gifted children.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).

 DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February).

2nd Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)​ ​February ​10-13. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates.  These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.  

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process. 

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

• If your child is in K or 1st  grade and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.  

• NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 

• Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE 

• Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade/3rd/4th/5th:  Gifted Identification REFERRAL CogAT Testing

• If your child is in any other grade other than 2nd or 6th and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process. 

• NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.

• Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the  Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE         (Spanish Version attached HERE)

• Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss the next steps in the gifted identification process.

For more information, please visit our Gifted Education at Mammoth Heights website or email our Gifted Education Facilitator, Tiffany Platt, tiffany.platt@dcsdk12.org

Want to learn more about GIFTED EDUCATION in Douglas County? Please visit our district website!