Frequently Asked Questions

I think my child might be gifted and/or talented. What should I do?

If your child is in First or Fifth grade, then they will be screened with all other students in their grade this year. This happens in the fall and you will receive results by the time School Choice opens.

If your child is in any other grade, you can request testing. This is called nomination based testing. The form in on the DPS GT Families Site. Please note that following best practices, we only administer cognitive assessments once per year to a student. 

For fall 2025 only, parents of students in grade K and grade 2 can opt into testing. Fill out the Opt-In form 

When Isabella Bird becomes an HGT Magnet, will my child still get in?

All students who are currently enrolled do not need to reapply. They already have a seat. We will have some seats resered for HGT Magnet students and the rest will be regular choice seats.

What is DPS guidance on cognitive testing frequency?

One test per year only!  A student tested in Spring 2025 cannot test again until Spring 2026 

Why can't I request my child be tested more often?

In recent years, Denver Public Schools (DPS) has noticed more students taking yearly tests to qualify for gifted programs. However, many—about 70%—do not qualify each time they re-test. This frequent testing can be tough on students and families because cognitive tests often show similar results each year.

Why Less Testing is Recommended

• Mental Wellbeing: Testing every year can be stressful. Imagine being told each year that you don’t qualify for gifted programs.

• Cognitive Scores: Unlike tests for school subjects, which can improve with practice, cognitive tests often show similar scores over time.

What Parents Should Know

• Testing Guidelines: DPS Gifted and Talented recommends cognitive testing a student for gifted programs every three years, not yearly.

• Other Ways to Qualify: There are many ways for students to qualify for gifted programs besides cognitive tests. In fact, there are 35 different ways to qualify, with 24 not needing a cognitive test.

Options for Families

• Talk to Your Child's Classroom Teacher: Discuss your child’s strengths and areas of interest with their teacher. They can provide insights and support in finding the best educational opportunities for your child.

• Outside Testing:  If your child cannot take a cognitive assessment this year due to previous testing, you may consider private cognitive testing (at your own expense) for special programs like magnet schools. All scores must be reviewed by the DPS Central Office before they can be used for magnet placement. This testing is an option for your unique circumstance, but is not required by DPS Gifted and Talented. 

My child shows so many gifted and/or talented characteristics but they don't have a qualifying cognitive score. What should I do?

Please fill out the google form to bring your concerns to Jessica and Kelsey's attention. We monitor all data constantly and are looking for ways to identify your child, normally, but it doesn't hurt to bring this to our attention.

I still need to get ahold of Jessica and Kelsey, What should I do?

Please foll out this google form. It notifies us of responses and allows us to get back to you in a timely manner and to collect parent inquiries to better target parent education.

Contacting Jessica and Kelsey