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. Just so you know, following best practices, we administer cognitive assessments to each student only once per year. 

For fall 2025 only, parents of students in grades K and 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 currently enrolled students do not need to reapply. They already have a seat. We will have some seats reserved for HGT Magnet students, and the rest will be regular choice seats.

What is DPS guidance on the frequency of cognitive testing?

One test per year only!  A student who tested in Spring 2025 cannot test again until Spring 2026. It is recommended that students be tested no more than once every 3 years.

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: Students can qualify for gifted programs in many ways beyond cognitive tests. In fact, there are 35 different ways to qualify, with 24 not needing a cognitive test.

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 fill 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