The Quest program is designed for highly capable students who have been assessed to have superior intellectual, academic and creative abilities. The district screens and selects students for the elementary full time, elementary enrichment pull out and junior high Quest programs.
Elementary Quest
First through sixth grade
Junior High Quest
Seventh through ninth grade
Identifying Quest students
Students must go through the district’s application and assessment process in order to be considered for the Quest program.
Applicants must:
- be residents of Lake Washington School District
- demonstrate high academic achievement, cognitive ability and creativity
- participate in the district’s testing process for selection
Students are assessed and selected for enrollment based on state guidelines for identifying highly capable students. Learn more about the selection process for elementary Quest and junior high Quest.
Application process
Quest students have already been selected for the 2008-2009 school year. The Quest application period for the 2009-2010 school year begins November 3, 2008 for elementary and January 6, 2009 for junior high. Elementary applications will be available online, in school offices and at the Quest office, which is inside the Resource Center, located at Redmond Town Center. Elementary applications will be accepted November 3 through 4 p.m. on December 3, 2008. Junior High applications will be accepted January 6 through 4 p.m. on January 30, 2009.
Application screening procedures
To be considered for the Quest program, applicants must first meet the screening criteria. The district reviews most recent report card and standardized testing data to determine eligibility for Quest assessment. Applicants who meet the screening criteria will qualify for Quest assessment. Private testing outside of the district cannot be used to substitute for district testing.
Assessment process
Applicants who meet the screening criteria are scheduled for round I of district assessment. There are two rounds of Quest testing:
- Round I: Academic Achievement Assessment
- Round II: Cognitive Ability Assessment
Teachers also complete an assessment of the student’s creativity.
Placement
The district uses elementary and junior high assessment criteria to select students for Quest. Placement is limited and students may be placed on a waiting list.
Note: Students who accept placement in the Quest program will be removed from choice school waiting lists.
Appeals process
Appeals for reconsideration of students who have not met the assessment criteria are reviewed by an appeals review team after application screening, after round I of assessment and after round II for of assessment. All appeals must be submitted in writing. Contact the Quest office for specific criteria and deadlines for appeals.