Application Forms

2023-24: Current School Year Application Timeline
January 2, 2023	OPEN	Applicants who meet priority criteria.**
February 6, 2023	OPEN	All qualified applicants.
December 12, 2023	CLOSES	Applications, waitlist placements, transfers.

​​​Please contact the Gifted Education Department's Administrative Assistant for links to the current school year's application and teacher recommendation.

Please note: there will not be a kindergarten classroom at
Desert Cove Elementary for the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

• Students must be 5 years old before August 31st of the relevant school year.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation has been submitted.
• When a Comprehensive Gifted Classroom reaches enrollment capacity, approved applications will be placed on a waitlist.
• Students on the waitlist for the current year who have not been placed by the December cut-off will need to reapply for the next school year.
• Transportation is not provided for students attending a school other than their home school.
• Placement of special education students into the Comprehensive Gifted Classroom is contingent upon availability of special education services at the selected site. 

**Priority Criteria for applications:

• Applicants residing within the Comprehensive Gifted Classroom schools' boundaries to which they are applying.
• Applicants who have siblings currently attending the school to which they are applying.
• Applicants who have completed the Gifted Preschool program at the school to which they are applying for Comprehensive Gifted Classroom for Kindergarten.

Application Criteria for Comprehensive Gifted Classroom for Kindergarten:

Applicants must meet one of the two following criteria.

• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in one of these areas: verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative.
• IQ of 128 or higher.

PLEASE NOTE: The application process has changed for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. You can find the new application criteria and information below.

2024-25: Future School Year Application Timeline
January 1, 2024	OPENS	Applicants who meet priority criteria.**
February 1, 2024	OPENS	All qualified applicants.
December 11, 2024	CLOSES	A pplications, waitlist placements, transfers.

2024-25: Future School Year Comprehensive Kindergarten Application

2024-25: Future School year Comprehensive Kindergarten
Teacher Recommendation

• Students must be 5 years old before August 31st of the relevant school year.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation is submitted.
• Priority applicants must meet all qualifications in a priority rank.
• Applications will be reviewed in monthly cycles.
• Timestamps will only be used to sort applications into review cycles.
• Waitlists will be used for Comprehensive Gifted Classrooms that reach enrollment capacity.
• Waitlisted students must reapply for the next school year if not placed by December.
• Transportation is not provided for students attending schools other than their home school.
• Placement of special education students is contingent upon availability of special education services.

	Priority Criteria Ranking for Applications
Priority Rank #1	Applicant lives in boundaries of the school they are applying to (home school), AND has siblings currently attending the school.
Priority Rank #2	Applicant lives in boundaries of the school they are applying to (home school).
Priority Rank #3	Applicant does not live in boundaries of the school they are applying to (Open Enrolled), AND has siblings currently attending the school, OR completed Gifted Preschool at the school they are applying to.

Review Date	2024-25 Application Review Timeline:  CGC Kindergarten
February 2, 2024	Priority applications submitted between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
March 4, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between February 1, 2024 and February 29, 2024 will be reviewed.
April 1, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between March 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
May 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between April 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024 will be reviewed.
June 5, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between May 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
July 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between June 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 will be reviewed.
August 5, 2024	Any qualified application submitted between July 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024 will be reviewed.

Application Review Rubric:
A rubric is a scoring tool that identifies different criteria in a specific, clear, and objective way. Using a rubric allows us to assess applications fairly and efficiently. 

The application rubric consists of 4 areas for review.  

• Achievement Scores
• Student Self Reflection
• Teacher Input
• Additional Extraneous Information (if appropriate)

Please note that ability test scores are not part of the review process as they are a requirement to initiate the application.

The areas are evaluated on a scale of 1-4.  

1. Does not meet
2. Partially meets
3. Meets
4. Exceeds

Each application is reviewed independently by two reviewers. If scores differ significantly a second review is performed by the team. 

Application Criteria for Comprehensive Gifted Classroom for Kindergarten:
Applicants must meet one of the two following criteria.

• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in one of these areas: verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative.
• IQ of 128 or higher.

2023-24: Current School Year Application Timeline
October 3, 2022	OPEN	Applicants who meet priority criteria.
November 7, 2022	OPEN	All qualified applicants.
December 12, 2023	CLOSES	Applications, waitlist placements, transfers.

Please contact the Gifted Education Department's Administrative Assistant for links to the current school year's application and teacher recommendation.

Please note: there will not be a grade 1 & 2 classroom at Desert Cove Elementary for the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation has been submitted.
• Students enrolled in the 1st-5th grade Comprehensive Gifted Classroom who successfully complete the school year are automatically enrolled for the next year and do not need to reapply.
• When a Comprehensive Gifted Classroom reaches enrollment capacity, approved applications will be placed on a waitlist.
• Transportation is not provided for students attending a school other than their home school.
• Placement of special education students into the Comprehensive Gifted Classroom is contingent upon availability of special education services at the selected site. 

**Priority Criteria for applications:

• Applicants residing within the Comprehensive Gifted Classroom schools' boundaries to which they are applying.
• Applicants who have siblings currently attending the school to which they are applying.
• Applicants who have completed the Gifted Preschool program at the school to which they are applying for Comprehensive Gifted Classroom for Kindergarten.

Application Criteria for Comprehensive Gifted Classrooms Grades 1-6:

• Applicants must meet one of the two following criteria, PLUS AASA results that meet or exceed grade-level standards (grades 4-6 only).
• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in two areas, with a 90 percentile or higher in the third area; (verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative).
• IQ of 140 or higher.

Applicants that are current EL (English Learners):

EL applicants must meet one of the two following criteria, PLUS demonstrate accelerated learning needs that are two year beyond grade level, and have AASA results that meet or exceed grade-level standards (grades 4-6 only).

• A score of 97 percentile or above on a Arizona State Board approved nonverbal ability test (preferably NNAT2), PLUS a score of 97 percentile or above in reading and mathematics on the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Test administered one grade level ahead of the student's current grade level.
• IQ of 140 or higher.

Special consideration will be made for students with IEPs or 504s.

PLEASE NOTE: The application process has changed for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. You can find the new application criteria and information below.

2024-25: Future School Year Application Timeline
October 2, 2023	OPEN	Open for applicants who meet priority criteria.
November 1, 2023	OPEN	Open for all qualified applicants.
December 11, 2024	CLOSES	Applications, waitlist placements, transfers.

2024-25: Future School Year CGC Grades 1-6 Application

2024-25: Future School year CGC Grades 1-6
Teacher Recommendation

• Students enrolled in the 1st-5th grade Comprehensive Gifted Classroom who successfully complete the school year are automatically enrolled for the next year and do not need to reapply.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation is submitted.
• Priority applicants must meet all qualifications in a priority rank.
• Applications will be reviewed in monthly cycles.
• Timestamps will only be used to sort applications into review cycles.
• Waitlists will be used for Comprehensive Gifted Classrooms that reach enrollment capacity.
• Waitlisted students must reapply for the next school year if not placed by December.
• Transportation is not provided for students attending schools other than their home school.
• Placement of special education students is contingent upon availability of special education services.

	Priority Criteria Ranking for Applications
Priority Rank #1	Applicant lives in boundaries of the school they are applying to (home school), AND has siblings currently attending the school.
Priority Rank #2	Applicant lives in boundaries of the school they are applying to (home school).
Priority Rank #3	Applicant does not live in boundaries of the school they are applying to (Open Enrolled), AND has siblings currently attending the school, OR completed CGC Kindergarten (is applying for 1st grade) at the school they are applying to, OR is currently on the waitlist for the school they are applying to.

Review Date	2024-25 Application Review Timeline:  CGC Gr. 1-6
November 7, 2023	Priority applications submitted between October 2, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. and October 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. will be reviewed.
December 4, 2023	Any qualified applications submitted between November 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. and November 30, 2023 will be reviewed.
January 8, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between December 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 will be reviewed.
February 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
March 4, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between February 1, 2024 and February 29, 2024 will be reviewed.
April 1, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between March 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
May 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between April 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024 will be reviewed.
June 5, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between May 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
July 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between June 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 will be reviewed.
August 5, 2024	Any qualified application submitted between July 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024 will be reviewed.

Application Review Rubric:
A rubric is a scoring tool that identifies different criteria in a specific, clear, and objective way. Using a rubric allows us to assess applications fairly and efficiently. 

The application rubric consists of 4 areas for review.  

• Achievement Scores
• Student Self Reflection
• Teacher Input
• Additional Extraneous Information (if appropriate)

Please note that ability test scores are not part of the review process as they are a requirement to initiate the application.

The areas are evaluated on a scale of 1-4.  

1. Does not meet
2. Partially meets
3. Meets
4. Exceeds

Each application is reviewed independently by two reviewers. If scores differ significantly a second review is performed by the team. 

Application Criteria for Comprehensive Gifted Classrooms Grades 1-6:

Applicants must meet one of the three following criteria, PLUS AASA results that meet or exceed grade-level standards (grades 4-6 only).

• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in two areas, with a 90 percentile or higher in the third area; (verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative).
• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile in one area, and a composite score (combined scores of verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative) of 284*.
• IQ of 140 or higher.

*Please note: if your student is accepted using a composite score, they will be placed into the program on a provisional basis and progress will be reviewed near the end of the first semester.

Applicants that are current EL (English Learners):

EL applicants must meet one of the two following criteria, PLUS demonstrate accelerated learning needs that are two year beyond grade level, and have AASA results that meet or exceed grade-level standards (grades 4-6 only).

• A score of 97 percentile or above on a Arizona State Board approved nonverbal ability test (preferably NNAT2), PLUS a score of 97 percentile or above in reading and mathematics on the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Test administered one grade level ahead of the student's current grade level.
• IQ of 140 or higher.

Special consideration will be made for students with IEPs or 504s.

 

2023-24: Current School Year Application Timeline
October 3, 2022	OPEN	Applicants who meet priority criteria.**
November 7, 2022	OPEN	All applicants.
December 12, 2023	CLOSES	Applications, waitlist placements, transfers.

Please contact the Gifted Education Department's Administrative Assistant for links to the current school year's application and teacher recommendation.

• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation has been submitted.
• Students enrolled in the 7th grade DLC or Journey program who successfully complete the school year are automatically enrolled for 8th grade and do not need to reapply.
• When the DLC or Journey programs reach enrollment capacity, approved applications will be placed on a waitlist.
• Students on the waitlist for the current year who have not been placed by the December cut-off will need to reapply for the next school year.
• Transportation is not provided for students attending a school other than their home school.
• Placement of special education students into the DLC or Journey programs is contingent upon availability of special education services at the selected site. 

**Priority Criteria for applications:

• Applicants residing within the Comprehensive Gifted Classroom schools' boundaries to which they are applying.
• Applicants who have siblings currently attending the school to which they are applying.
• Applicants who have completed the Gifted Preschool program at the school to which they are applying for Comprehensive Gifted Classroom for Kindergarten.

Application Criteria for Journey and DLC:

Applicants must meet one of the following four criteria, PLUS performing or highly performing in AASA reading and math in the previous school year.

• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in two areas: verbal, quantitative or non-verbal.
• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in one area, AND 90 percentile or higher in the other two areas.
• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in one area, AND 90 percentile or higher in one other area PLUS a principal recommendation**.
• IQ of 135 or higher.

**If a principal recommendation is needed, please contact the Gifted Education Department's Administrative Assistant to initiate the recommendation.

PLEASE NOTE: The application process has changed for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. You can find the new application criteria and information below.

Students who apply to both programs must rank their first and second choices. If they are accepted to their first choice, they will be enrolled in that program. If they are accepted to their second choice, they will have to decide whether to enroll in that program or remain on the waitlist for their first choice (if approved for the waitlist). They may not be on both.

2024-25: Future School Year Application Timeline
October 2, 2023	OPENS	Applicants who meet priority criteria.
November 1, 2023	OPENS	All qualified applicants.
December 15, 2023	EARLY DEADLINE	If you applied between October 2, 2023 and November 30, 2023, you must confirm your enrollment by December 15, 2023 or your program space will be released to those who have confirmed enrollment and your student may be bumped.
December 11, 2024	CLOSES	Applications, waitlist placements, transfers.

2024-25: Future School Year Journey and QUEST Application

2024-25: Future School Year Journey and QUEST
Teacher Recommendation

• Applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation is submitted.
• Priority applicants must meet all qualifications in a priority rank.
• Applications will be reviewed in monthly cycles.
• Timestamps will only be used to sort applications into review cycles.
• Waitlists will be used for programs that reach enrollment capacity.
• Waitlisted students must reapply for the next school year if not placed by December.
• Transportation is not provided for students attending schools other than their home school.
• Placement of special education students is contingent upon availability of special education services.

	Priority Criteria Ranking for Applications
Priority Rank #1	Applicant lives in boundaries of the school they are applying to (home school), AND has siblings currently attending the school.
Priority Rank #2	Applicant lives in boundaries of the school they are applying to (home school).
Priority Rank #3	Applicant does not live in boundaries of the school they are applying to (Open Enrolled), AND has siblings currently attending the school.

Review Date	2024-25 Application Review Timeline: Journey and Quest
November 7, 2023	Priority applications submitted between October 2, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. and October 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. will be reviewed.
December 4, 2023	Any qualified applications submitted between November 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. and November 30, 2023 will be reviewed.
January 8, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between December 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 will be reviewed.
February 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
March 4, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between February 1, 2024 and February 29, 2024 will be reviewed.
April 1, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between March 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
May 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between April 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024 will be reviewed.
June 5, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between May 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024 will be reviewed.
July 2, 2024	Any qualified applications submitted between June 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 will be reviewed.
August 5, 2024	Any qualified application submitted between July 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024 will be reviewed.

Application Review Rubric:
A rubric is a scoring tool that identifies different criteria in a specific, clear, and objective way. Using a rubric allows us to assess applications fairly and efficiently. 

The application rubric consists of 4 areas for review.  

• Achievement Scores
• Student Self Reflection
• Teacher Input
• Additional Extraneous Information (if appropriate)

Please note that ability test scores are not part of the review process as they are a requirement to initiate the application.

The areas are evaluated on a scale of 1-4.  

1. Does not meet
2. Partially meets
3. Meets
4. Exceeds

Each application is reviewed independently by two reviewers. If scores differ significantly a second review is performed by the team. 

Application Criteria for Journey and Quest:

Applicants must meet one of the following four criteria, PLUS performing or highly performing in AASA reading and math in the previous school year.

• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in two areas: verbal, quantitative or non-verbal.
• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in one area, AND 90 percentile or higher in the other two areas.
• Gifted qualification at 97 percentile or higher in one area, AND 90 percentile or higher in one other area PLUS a principal recommendation**.
• IQ of 135 or higher.

**If a principal recommendation is needed, please contact the Gifted Education Department's Administrative Assistant to initiate the recommendation.