Academic Gifted - General Admission

The Rockford Schools Gifted Program spans grades 1-12 with entrance testing conducted in the year prior to enrollment. Any student wishing to apply for the program must participate in a scheduled testing session and supply, upon request, other information pertinent to the applicant’s grade level. The general testing sessions for students in current grades 5-11 generally occur in the fall and in February for grades K-4. (District 205 kindergarten students may elect to be tested on-site prior to the March testing.) An applicant receives a total score based upon the following guidelines:

Grades K-2:
Test Scores.................................90% of total score
School Survey............................10% of total score
Grades 3-4:
Test Scores.................................90% of total score
Student Attitude Survey............10% of total score
Grades 5-7:
Test scores..................................80% of total score
Grade Point Average..................10% of total score
Student Essay.............................10% of total score
Grades 8-11:
Test scores..................................40% of total score
Grade Point Average..................30% of total score
Student Submitted Materials....30% of total score

Only students who have tested are eligible for consideration for program enrollment. In grades K-7 the top 75% of available seats are filled from rank-ordered scores for that grade, highest to lowest. The final 25% of seats are filled based upon consensus of a committee of professional educators knowledgeable in gifted education. In grades 8-11, the top 50% of seats are filled by rank-ordered scores and the bottom 50% by committee consensus. Enrollment takes place in the succeeding school year.

Academic Gifted - High Need Placement (HNP) Admission

HNP allows students who are new or returning to District 205 to apply for openings that may occur at a grade level after general eligibility testing has transpired. This alternative procedure is intended for those students whose academic needs can ONLY be met within the District 205 Gifted Program. The applicant student (and/or parent) must furnish evidence to substantiate this request for evaluation. Students who were enrolled in Dist. 205 at the time of the general testing session for their grade level but who missed the testing session and make-up sessions must apply for testing during the next general testing session. Students who are new or returning to District 205 may initiate the HNP process within three months of their enrollment in District 205. Student's eligibility for the Academic Gifted Program is determined by consensus of a committee of professional educators and is base upon a traditional definition of academic giftedness encompassing evidence of general learning ability within the top 2% nationally, standardized school achievement within the top 10% nationally and demonstrated accomplishment within the classroom. A detailed description of the HNP process and an application packet can be obtained from the Gifted Program Administration Office at West Middle School.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)

This program operates at Auburn High School, grades 9-12. Admission is through audition in the arts area of choice (art, dance, keyboarding, strings, voice, winds, acting, media and technical theatre). Students may audition in more than one area. The primary auditions are in November or December prior to the year of enrollment. Some later scheduled auditions may be conducted, if seats become available.