Challenging Options provide accelerated and enriched academic opportunities for students in grades K-12.

Elementary School

There are two programs to serve students in the elementary schools: Learning Enrichment Achievement Program (LEAP) and the Highly Capable self-contained classrooms.

Learning Enrichment Achievement Program (LEAP) 

• Kindergarten – families need to complete a referral form for kindergarten screening by the posted deadline. If, following the screening process, the student is identified for LEAP they are served in their general education classroom, with the same teacher, beginning in the second half of the school year.
• First Grade -the screener is administered to all first grade students. There is no referral required. It is used to identify students who might qualify for LEAP in the second half of the school year and/or for recommendation to take the full battery of tests for Highly Capable identification. Parents/Guardians of identified LEAP students must submit a Highly Capable Referral Form in order to also participate in Highly Capable testing. The Highly Capable referral process is separate from the LEAP Program.
• Fifth Grade - the screener is administered to all fifth grade students. There is no referral required. It is used to identify students who might qualify for LEAP in fifth grade and to support their course selection in middle school where students have access to advanced and accelerated options. There is no Highly Capable testing in fifth grade.
• Students who are referred and complete the full highly capable testing process and are not identified for the self-contained classrooms, might be identified for LEAP as a result of the full battery of test scores. Once a student is identified for LEAP, in any grade, they retain that designation throughout their elementary school years.

Highly Capable Program 

• Self-contained, Highly Capable classes are offered for elementary students in grades 2-5 who meet the criteria as determined by multiple tests and data points. Parents, guardians, teachers, or community members can refer students to be tested for possible identification and placement into the Highly Capable classes. Regardless of who refers the student, only a parent/guardian can give their permission for the student to be tested.

Middle School 

Middle school offers accelerated pathways in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as courses in multiple content areas that offer high school credit. These classes are for students who are achieving at high academic levels and are motivated learners. Teachers or parents may refer students to these classes; students can also choose to enroll in the courses. For more information, contact your students’ school counselor or visit Everett Public Schools website.

High School

Advanced Placement, College in the High School- CTE Dual Credit, and Running Start are among the challenging options available. High school students self-select these classes based upon their interests, skills, and abilities and with the guidance of parents and school counselors. For more information, contact your students’ school counselor or visit Everett Public Schools website. 

For inquiries, contact: 
Elementary Schools

Highly Capable Program
Krystal Gil, Administrative Assistant
Lindsey de Carteret, Administrative Assistant
425-385-4033
highlycapable@everettsd.org 

Middle & High Schools 
College and Career Readiness and Extended Learning Options
Jaci Barbano
425-385-4065

Everett Public Schools
3900 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201