Highly Capable Program

The referral window opens November 3rd for the North Kitsap School District's Highly Capable (HiCap) Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students in grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 6-11 can be referred between November 3 and November 21, 2025. Notably, all 2nd and 5th-grade students will be automatically screened for highly capable services in February 2026.

The Highly Capable Program, accessible across all schools in the district, provides specialized instruction, engaging activities, and support services to students in grades K-12. These offerings aim to accelerate learning and present unique academic challenges.

Individuals interested in referring students for placement consideration will need to fill out the District's Referral Form during the referral window:

• High Capable Referral Form - English
• High Capable Referral Form - Spanish

Completed referral forms can be emailed to hicap@nkschools.org or mailed to the following address: NKSD Student Support Center, Attention Alexis Wendt, 18360 NE Caldart Ave., Poulsbo, WA, 98370.

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a widely-used assessment tool designed to measure students' general cognitive abilities across three core domains: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. By evaluating students' problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and pattern recognition, the CogAT helps educators identify gifted and talented students, tailor instruction to individual needs, and inform educational planning. The test is suitable for students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is often used in conjunction with other assessments to provide a comprehensive understanding of a student's cognitive strengths and areas for growth.

• CogAT Information - A PowerPoint from Riverside Publishing
• CogAT Information - Explanation of Subsection Scores and Standard Scores