Highly Capable (Gifted)

Please refer to the New Student Referral testing cycle and application process for students enrolling after September 15th for the 2023-2024 school year.  Upon review of submitted application AND evidence, the Multi-Disciplinary Selection Committee will review interested candidate information for grades 1 and 3-12, families will receive an email should your student be invited to test in June 20 and 21st 2024.  The committee meets periodically throughout the year, we appreciate your patience in this process. 

Understanding the Highly Capable Score Report 

Audio Recording: Understanding the Highly Capable Program Score Report

Slide Deck: Understanding the Highly Capable Program Score Report

Questions and Answers from Family Zoom on May 1, 2023

Results for families of 2nd Grade Students posted to skyward accounts mid to late May 2024.

My student is eligible. What do I do now?

• Complete the Permission to Place form.  MERLIN Families need to complete the placement agreement document. 

My student is not eligible.  When is the next time I can refer?

• Families of referred students not eligible at this time, may refer their students in the fall the 4th grade year.  All referrals will be screened and students whose SBA scores are in the upper 5% of all Issaquah School District students in their grade cohort for eligibility testing will advance to testing.

How do I appeal?

• The Issaquah School District, in compliance with the Washington State rules for Highly Capable Programs (WAC 392-170-076) allows appeals for eligibility decisions based on certain specific criteria.

Quick Overview of Program Services

SAGE Math:

• Students receive services through a one-time per week, two hour, pull-out program at the neighborhood school.

SAGE Reading:

• Students receive services through differentiated instruction in the classroom and through a one-time per week, one-hour, pull-out program at the neighborhood school.

SAGE Reading and Math:

• In reading, students receive services through differentiated instruction in the classroom and through a one-time per week, one hour, pull-out program at the neighborhood school. In math, students receive services through a one-time per week, two hour, pull-out program at the neighborhood school. 

MERLIN: 

• The MERLIN Program is a self-contained district program. Students are offered placement at Apollo or Endeavour based on pre-determined boundaries. **Upon accepting placement, you agree to the location for third, fourth and fifth grade. Therefore, the offer is site specific.  Location changes are not permitted subject to students change in residence. Carpool lists generated to support families. 
• Placement location remains regardless of address change. 
• Attendance/pre-determined boundaries for MERLIN are subject to change yearly based on patterns of enrollment. 
• Parents are responsible for transporting MERLIN students to Apollo or Endeavour.
• Private school and Home-Based students must complete the Permission to Place AND enroll in the district at the neighborhood school.  Once enrolled, the registrar will transfer the student to the assigned MERLIN site if appropriate.
• If families want to transfer siblings to the MERLIN site, contact the Debbie Courage at 425-837-7010 and complete the In District Transfer Request for assistance.
• Families may decline MERLIN placement. These students would remain at the neighborhood school and participate in both SAGE Math and Reading.  A student may return to MERLIN at any time and will be placed where space is available at either Endeavour or Apollo with the preference to the original assigned location, if space is available. Returning to the same MERLIN site is not guaranteed.  Placement is site specific and a Multi-Disciplinary Committee district decision.
• Carpool contact lists are managed by the Highly Capable Program Office.  Please call the office with questions about carpools.

As 5th grade students prepare to transition from Elementary School to Middle School, the Highly Capable department would like to share a presentation to use as a guide in planning your students 2024-2025 school year and beyond. 

This slide presentation is intended for current SAGE and MERLIN Highly Capable students.  If you have specific questions regarding your student please plan to attend an upcoming 5th Grade Middle School Caregiver Night or the 5th grade Middle School Student Orientations.  

5th Grade HCP Transition Presentation