Elementary classrooms are self-contained for Highly Capable students who meet the state's criteria for giftedness.

Complete a teacher nomination/inventory form and a parent packet to nominate a student for Highly Capable testing.

• Highly Capable Program Overview (Spanish)
• Highly Capable Program Overview (Russian)
• Highly Capable Program Overview (Arabic)
• Highly Capable Program Overview (Vietnamese)

The Highly Capable Program is an alternative placement for students who require additional and accelerated experiences. The program begins at grade two and continues through grade five. Eligible students are offered enrollment in a self-contained classroom for highly capable students. These classrooms are currently located at Cedar Wood Elementary School, Forest View Elementary School, Mill Creek Elementary School, Penny Creek Elementary School, View Ridge Elementary School, and Whittier Elementary School. Each neighborhood school is assigned to one of these six centers. The Highly Capable Centers may have multi-age classrooms to accommodate the number of students qualifying each year.

Transportation is offered for qualifying students to their assigned Highly Capable Center. Qualifying students whose home school has a Highly Capable Center will have the same transportation services as regular program students. Qualifying students must attend the assigned center unless they follow the Everett Public Schools variance process. Transportation is NOT available for students who have obtained a variance.

How are students nominated and selected for the Highly Capable Program?

Selection procedures include a referral form from both a parent and a teacher as well as testing of each student. Written parent permission is required prior to testing. A selection committee composed of teachers, counselors/psychologists, and administrators, makes the final selection of students for the program.

Selection is based on academic assessments, a cognitive assessment and teacher/parent ratings on learning, motivation and creativity. The selection committee reviews data on each student, substituting student numbers for names to protect confidentiality. Parents will receive a letter following the Selection Committee meeting with test results and the committee's decision for placement in a Highly Capable Program classroom or regular program classroom.

Please Note: No more than two tests will be administered within a four-year period. Re-tests must be at least one calendar year from the date of previous testing. Out of district testing must have prior approval. Testing from other sources will be considered as additional information only.

Appeals Process

 The Everett Public Schools, in compliance with the Washington State rules for Highly Capable Programs (WAC 392-170-047), has an appeal process. If you do not agree with the selection decision and you wish to appeal, you will be asked to complete a Selection Decision Appeal form. The appeal form is found on the district website.

 Please be aware that the selection decision appeal must be based upon one of the following conditions:

1. A condition or circumstance believed to have caused a misinterpretation of the testing results, (for example, an incorrect birthdate or grade level used in calculation of the student’s score).
2. An extraordinary circumstance occurred during the testing period that may negatively affect the validity of the test results (such as a death in the family or extreme physical ailment) this must be communicated to the district office in writing within two weeks of the end of district testing window.
3. The suspicion of an error in the administration of the assessment.
4. A misapplication or miscalculation of the scores by the selection committee. 

Appeals submitted for reasons other than above will be denied without further consideration. No outside testing will be considered. The decision of the Appeal Review Team is final.   

The deadline for submission of appeal is (10) ten work days from the date of notification of score results.

What are the Highly Capable Program objectives?

In accordance with its philosophy to develop the special abilities of each student, Everett Public Schools shall offer appropriate instructional programs to meet the needs of exceptionally gifted and talented 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.
• Development of a positive attitude toward self and others.
• Development of originality and creativity. 

Director: Becky Ballbach
Phone: 425-385-4033 

Mailing Address:
Highly Capable Program 
Everett Public Schools 
3900 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201