Gifted Testing & Advanced Learning Evaluations
When a child races through ideas, asks big questions, or seems under‑challenged by grade‑level work, it’s time to explore giftedness. A well‑designed evaluation does more than produce a score—it explains your child’s learning profile, reveals where they need acceleration or enrichment, and helps you advocate for the right placement and services.
Who We Help
Preschoolers and elementary students showing early advanced abilities
Middle and high school students seeking gifted/advanced placement, magnet programs, or acceleration
Twice‑exceptional (2e) learners—gifted students who also have ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, or other learning differences
Students applying to private/independent schools that require cognitive testing
Signs Your Child May Be Gifted
Early, rich vocabulary or strong verbal reasoning
Intense curiosity; asks complex, layered questions
Rapid learning; needs fewer repetitions; remembers details
Advanced sense of humor or creativity; unusual solutions to problems
Deep focus on areas of interest; may resist routine or “busy work”
Heightened sensitivity, perfectionism, or asynchronous development (advanced thinking with age‑typical emotions)
You don’t need to check every box. Giftedness presents differently across ages and cultures—and can be hidden by under‑stimulation or co‑occurring learning challenges.
Our Approach
We take a strengths‑based, whole‑child view. We measure abilities, analyze learning patterns, and consider motivation, creativity, and executive skills. For 2e learners, we tease apart gifted strengths from areas that need support so recommendations are balanced and realistic.
What Our Gifted Evaluation Includes
We tailor the battery to age, referral purpose, and district/school criteria. Our test battery may include:
1) Intake & Records Review
Developmental history, school performance, enrichment/acceleration history, teacher input (when available).
2) Cognitive (IQ) Assessment (one of the following, age‑appropriate)
WPPSI‑IV (ages 2:6–7:7)
WISC‑V (ages 6–16)
WAIS‑IV or WAIS‑V (when available) (16+)
Typically, an IQ measure is sufficient to for a Gifted Evaluation. However, if you want to further understand your child’s learning profile further psycho-educational testing can be done and may include the following:
3) Academic & Reasoning Measures (as needed for placement)
WIAT‑4 or KTEA‑3 for reading, math, writing
Problem‑solving/quantitative reasoning tasks for advanced placement decisions
4) Creativity & Characteristics of Giftedness (when requested/required)
Checklists/ratings (e.g., teacher/parent forms)
Optional creativity tasks (divergent thinking, originality measures)
5) Twice‑Exceptional Screening (when concerns arise)
Brief attention/executive, language, or learning screens to rule in/out masking factors
6) Clear, School‑Ready Report & Feedback
Accessible narrative, scores with interpretation, and concrete recommendations for placement, enrichment, and social‑emotional supports.
How Results Are Used
Gifted Identification & Placement: District gifted programs, magnet/academy admissions, private school applications
Acceleration Decisions: Subject or grade acceleration with readiness considerations
Enrichment Planning: Personalized learning pathways, competitions, mentorships
2e Support Plan: Coordinated accommodations and enrichment to prevent boredom and frustration
Our Process & Timeline
Fit Call → clarify goals and any district/program requirements
Intake & Records → gather teacher input if available
Testing Session → typically one morning with breaks
Scoring & Analysis - same day to up to 1-2 weeks after the testing session
Feedback Meeting → results + individualized action plan
Follow‑Through → optional school consultation or letters of support
Important notice: The same intelligence test should not be re‑administered within 12 months. If prior testing exists, please tell us which test and date so we can plan an accurate battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know psychoeducational testing might feel overwhelming, but we're here to simplify things and make the process stress-free. Below are some common questions we get from parents just like you—and the answers to put your mind at ease!
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Formal testing can begin as early as age 4½, though most school programs accept applications starting in kindergarten or first grade.
The most reliable and predictive age for a gifted evaluation is typically around age 6, since intelligence scores tend to stabilize between ages 6–8. Testing during or after this range provides the clearest, most consistent results.
That said, at parents’ request, we can evaluate younger children to provide an early snapshot of ability. We simply remind families that scores may shift as children develop, and re-testing may be needed later for program eligibility.
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Since giftedness is not considered a medical or mental health diagnosis, evaluations done solely for gifted placement or enrichment are usually not covered by insurance.
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Criteria vary by school district, but typically a Full-Scale IQ or General Ability Index in the top 2–5% qualifies (around 125–130+). Some programs also require achievement or creativity data.
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Most gifted evaluations take about 2 hours, with breaks.
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Yes. Our reports are designed to be school-friendly and align with district or private school requirements.
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Not always. Many schools use multiple criteria—test scores, teacher input, achievement, and creativity.
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Yes, by request and at an additional charge. We can consult with your school team to ensure our recommendations are implemented and that all supports and goals are aligned with your child’s needs.
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Keep it simple and upbeat:“We’re going to meet someone who will play some fun games and puzzles with you to see how your brain works. It’s not a test you can pass or fail—it’s just to help us understand what you’re great at and where you might need help.”
Check our e-book, Smart Tips On How To Prepare A Child For A Psycho-Educational Evaluation. It has really great tips to help ease your child into the testing session.
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You don’t need to “study” for gifted testing—there are no grades or pass/fail outcomes. The purpose is simply to understand how your child learns best. What you can do is help them feel comfortable and ready to shine:
Keep it positive. Tell your child, “We’re meeting someone who wants to see how you learn so school can be easier and more fun.”
Prioritize rest. A good night’s sleep helps with focus, energy, and confidence.
Healthy fuel. Offer a balanced breakfast and bring along a favorite snack and water.
Comfort items. Younger children are welcome to bring a small toy or stuffed animal for reassurance.
Reassure casually. Remind them this isn’t about passing or failing—it’s about discovering their strengths.
Stay consistent. If your child takes medication, keep to their normal routine unless told otherwise.
Our sessions are designed to be supportive, engaging, and full of breaks. The best preparation is letting your child know this is a safe, encouraging space where they can simply be themselves.
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Private testing is a lot quicker than going through the school district. In some cases, we are able to turn these reports around same day or within a few days whereas the schools can take months.
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All evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists or license-eligible psychologists under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Our team has well over 15+ years of experience and over 1,000 assessments completed, using gold-standard tests aligned with school and district gifted criteria.
An investment into your child’s educational success, is a no-brainer.
Make your next move the best one yet.
Want answers right away? Give us a call and speak directly with our team.
Quick questions? Text us (please note, responses will be brief - we recommend a call for full consults)
Pick a time that works best for you, we’ll give your questions the time and attention they deserve.