Advanced Learning (formerly known as Challenging Options)

Everett Public Schools offer enriched and advanced learning experiences to students, empowering them to achieve their highest potential. We aim to create an academic environment that challenges, supports, and empowers identified students, recognizing their unique abilities and needs. Our programs provide equitable access to services through rigorous and accelerated curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. 

In accordance with this philosophy, Everett Public Schools offer appropriate instructional programs to meet the needs of students of school age. The framework for such programs shall encompass, but not be limited to, the following objectives:

Expansion of academic attainments and intellectual skills
Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility
Acceleration of specific content to meet student learning needs
Development of a positive attitude toward self and others
Development of originality and creativity

Everett Public Schools provides:

Learning Enrichment in the general education classroom and self-contained Highly Capable programs for elementary students
Accelerated courses in English Language Arts, Math, and other high school-level subjects for motivated middle school students, and
Options such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College in the High School, CTE (Career and Technical Education) Dual Credit, and Running Start for high school students.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Elementary Schools:

Highly Capable

425-385-4033

Middle/High Schools:

College and Career Readiness

425-385-4075

Elementary Screening and Testing Information for Learning Enrichment and Highly Capable Programs

In Everett Public Schools, students are screened and tested with a variety of assessment tools to identify those who would benefit from placement in Learning Enrichment and/or the Highly Capable Program.

Kindergarten Screening for Learning Enrichment

Kindergarten Screening for Learning Enrichment: Referral deadline is November (TBD), 2026. 

Screening for kindergarten students requires a referral form from a parent/guardian/teacher/community member by the deadline listed above. Regardless of who makes the referral, the parent/guardian must complete, sign, and submit the consent form for their student to be tested, by the deadline. Screening takes place in November and December. Results will be shared with families in January. 

First and Fifth Grade Universal Screening

Universal Screening in first and fifth grade: No referral required.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), requires school districts to administer universal screeners two times during the elementary years, once in or before second grade, and again in or before sixth grade for identification and placement decisions (RCW 28A.185.030).

To meet this requirement, Everett Public Schools (EPS) administers the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) universal screener to all students in first grade and in fifth grade, unless a parent/guardian chooses to opt-out. Send an email to highlycapable@everettsd.org to opt-out of the universal screening process. No parent/guardian referral is required for first grade and fifth grade universal screening. Screening will take place in September and October.

The screener results for first and fifth grade students will be sent to families with test scores, recommendations for further testing or considerations for course selection in middle school. 

If further testing is recommended and/or desired, a Highly Capable Referral Form must be submitted for students in grades 1-4 in order to participate in highly capable testing even if the student has been previously screened. The highly capable referral/testing process is separate from the screening process. 

Highly Capable Testing for Students in First, Second, Third and Fourth Grade

Highly Capable testing for students in first, second, third and fourth grade: Referral deadline is November (TBD), 2026.

To refer a student for testing and possible identification/placement in the highly capable program, you must complete the Highly Capable Testing Referral Form. Regardless of who makes the referral, the parent/guardian must complete, sign, and submit a consent form for their student by the posted deadline. 

Referral form deadline for first, second, third and fourth grade testing: November (TBD), 2026

Testing window for first through fourth grades: December through January

Testing, identification, and results will be sent to families in February

The Highly Capable testing procedure includes the complete Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the Iowa Assessments in Reading and Math. The assessments are facilitated by proctors in the students' home school during the school day. The results for these assessments along with classroom data including iReady, SBA when available, and teacher surveys are reviewed during the identification and placement process. For more information on testing, please visit the Highly Capable Testing section.

Testing for Newly Enrolled EPS Students

June testing is for students who enrolled in EPS after the referral deadline, November 10, 2025. Students must be registered or preregistered at their neighborhood school to be tested. Students are tested at their 2025-2026 grade level for placement in the 2026-2027 school year.

Testing Dates:

For current first grade students: Monday, June 1, 2026
For current second grade students: Thursday, June 4, 2026
For current third grade students: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
For current fourth grade students: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Testing Referral Deadline:

May 22, 2026

Please e-mail highlycapable@everettsd.org to register your student for June testing. You will receive an email confirmation once you submit your student's referral. If you do not receive a confirmation email after the submission, please contact us via email.

Learning Enrichment

Learning Enrichment provides advanced learning opportunities in the general educational classroom for students who demonstrate strong academic abilities in math, reading or both. Learning Enrichment is provided through differentiation and project-based experiences. Once a student is identified for Learning Enrichment, that designation continues through elementary school.

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Highly Capable Program

Self-contained, Highly Capable classes are offered for elementary students in grades 2-5 who are identified for placement through the testing process and classroom data points. Students experience an academic program which is accelerated by one year in math and reading. Highly Capable classrooms are located at nine elementary schools across the district.

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International Baccalaureate

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous two-year curriculum for grades 11 and 12 that develops globally aware students. It builds strong skills in critical thinking, writing, problem solving, and collaboration while preparing students for college and careers. Cascade High School is now a Candidate School for this program.

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Middle School Advanced Learning

Middle school offers accelerated English Language Arts, Math, and other high school credit courses for motivated, high-achieving students. Referrals can be made by teachers, parents, or students, with selection based on characteristics linked to success in advanced coursework.

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High School Advanced Learning

High school advanced learning in Everett Public Schools offers students challenging academic opportunities through Advanced Placement, College in the High School, CTE Dual Credit, and Running Start. More information can be found in the Learning Options section of the High School Course Catalog.

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Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition that recognizes and honors high school students for outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. The program identifies students with strong academic potential and provides opportunities for scholarships and national distinction.

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