Advanced Academics
Qualification Criteria & Plus Indicators:
A Wholistic Approach
The profiles outlined below represent the primary benchmarks for our enriched, advanced, and accelerated pathways. However, we recognize that a student’s potential cannot always be captured by a single score.
When a student is performing near the qualification threshold, we look closer by utilizing Plus Indicators. These are designed to provide a more comprehensive view of a child’s unique thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities.
By considering these additional factors, we ensure that every student is placed in an environment that offers the "just right" level of challenge to help them flourish. Our goal is to provide students with the most appropriate level of support so that they may reach their highest potential.
Academic Programming
Elementary & Junior High
Advanced Placement Identification Timeline:
2026-2027 School Year
August- December All students in grades 3-8 complete the NWEA MAP Fall & Winter Assessments and complete rubric-based Performance Tasks for ELA and Mathematics. |
February Students in 3rd and 5th grade complete the CogAT assessment. |
Mid-May All students in grades 3-8 complete the NWEA MAP Spring Assessment. The Advanced Academics Team gathers MAP, CogAT (age score), and Classroom Performance Tasks for all students in grades 3-8 to identify those who qualify for: ELA Enrichment (4th & 5th grade), Advanced ELA (6th-8th), and/or Accelerated Mathematics (4th-8th grade) for the following school year. Additionally, Plus Indicators will be considered for students who are within qualification range. (see Student Profile criteria above) |
Early June Rising 4th grade and rising 5th grade students qualifying for Enrichment Plus and/or Accelerated Mathematics are notified of their placement. All newly identified 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are notified of their placement into Advanced ELA and/or Accelerated Mathematics. Notifications to families will occur through PowerSchool communication. |
June - July 1 The appeal window opens. Once an appeal is submitted, the Director of Teaching and Learning will review the student's profile and contact the student's family. If the appeal is granted, the process typically follows one of two paths: Additional Assessment The student may be invited to complete a supplemental ELA or Mathematics assessment to provide further evidence of their readiness for an accelerated placement. Summer Bridge Work For certain mathematics placements, the student may be required to complete specific online coursework over the summer. This ensures they have mastered any foundational concepts necessary for the advanced level. |
Appeals Information
Following the distribution of placement letters (early June) the formal appeal process will open. Families wishing to request a placement review must submit the official appeal form no later than July 1st.
Upon receipt of the appeal, the Director of Teaching & Learning will review the request and contact the family directly. If the appeal is granted, families will be provided specific details regarding the next steps in the process.
*This link will not be active until after placement letters have been sent