Accelerated Programs
Highly capable update
Identification information for families
The Highly Capable referral window is open December 2, 2024 (12:01 a.m.) - December 15, 2024 (11:59 p.m.). LWSD families can access opt-in/opt-out forms in Skyward. Private school and homeschool families can access the request to participate in a portfolio review here. There will be a $75 fee for all private school and homeschool students participating in the referral process.
Additional information can be found on our Referral/Appeal/Portfolio and Identification Assessments pages.
The K-8 Highly Capable Program Review Committee, which began its work in Fall 2023, is focused on finalizing the alignment of services with the committee's goals. This important work will continue alongside the identification process. As part of this effort, we will be engaging with families through community sessions to gather input, provide opportunities for feedback, and discuss ways to enhance our support for highly capable students.
To ensure timely progress in the referral and identification process, the referral window will open in December.
To help manage this process effectively, we kindly ask families to refrain from contacting the Accelerated Programs department for specific programming details at this time. We will share updated information through district communications as it becomes available.
Welcome!
LWSD’s highly capable services offer accelerated and enhanced instructional opportunities to students who have been identified. Our services are designed to meet the needs of our highly capable learners by providing curriculum and instruction beyond the scope of the general education classroom.
We are proud to offer services which are designed to meet the needs of our highly capable learners through:
- Enrichment and extension of academic and intellectual skill;
- Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence and responsibility;
- Acceleration and enrichment of content to meet student learning needs; and
- Development of advanced critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills through the lens of local and global citizenship
As you explore our website, you will encounter these terms:
- Accelerated Programs - The name of our entire department. This includes all of the programs and services from grades K-12 including Quest and Advanced Placement (AP).
- Highly Capable (HiCap) - Washington state's official term for any student receiving services for gifted education.
- Service models – The program service models within Accelerated Programs: Middle School Quest (MSQ), Full-Time Quest (FTQ), Pull-Out Quest (POQ), and K-5 HiCap (K5HC). In high school, service models include student self-selected courses such as: Running Start, College in the High School, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.