Please note that we are no longer partnered with California State University, Sacramento for GATE testing. Sacramento State no longer offers the assessment used by EUSD, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3).

For the 2025–2026 submission cycle (for placement in the following school year), we will accept results from two outside assessments: the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC).

After the 2025–2026 school year, EUSD will no longer partner with or accept outside testing, as we provide GATE testing within the district each year. We appreciate your understanding.

At Excelsior Elementary and all TK-3 sites, GATE students are grouped in clusters and placed in a GATE Certified Teacher's classroom.  This class is heterogeneous by nature, but placement protocols aim to not place at-risk and high needs students in this class to allow the teacher to differentiate without such a wide diversity in learning needs, and support the needs of all groups.  EUSD is fortunate to have many teachers who are GATE-certified and able to differentiate not only for GATE students, but also for high-achieving students. View the various programs for GATE students at Excelsior HERE.

At Ridgeview Elementary School, GATE students are placed in more homogeneous classrooms with a GATE Certified Teacher.  A BIG Cluster grouping is implemented for AY 23-24 .  High performing students (CAASPP scores and teacher referrals are utilized) are often also placed in GATE classrooms.  In such classrooms, teachers differentiate instruction by increasing depth and complexity of learning tasks assigned (this is also done in cluster-grouped classrooms).  Options for specialized pull outs may exist.  

For the most updated information about class placements, please contact your site principal.